CALDECOTT MEDAL WINNER – 1996
by Peggy Rathmann
New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1995
30 pp.
Ages: 4+
Interests: dogs, safety, police officers
Also by this author: Goodnight Gorilla
Officer Buckle is safety obsessed. He gives rather boring safety talks to schoolchildren. Boring, that is, until he starts bringing his new partner along – policedog Gloria. Unbeknownst to him, Gloria acts out his safety tips behind his back, to the delight of the audience. Officer Buckle and Gloria are suddenly in great demand. When he finally learns the reason for their newly found fame, Officer Buckle is a little put out, but the children miss them so much that the duo are soon back in business.
A funny story about safety, show business and a very acrobatic dog. And snuck in here and there are a bundle of safety tips, from the commonplace to the serious (keep your shoelaces tied, never stand on a swivel chair, don’t play with matches). When Buckle’s talks are boring nobody listens to him at all – as he leaves the school the teacher herself is standing on a swivel chair to remove the ‘welcome’ banner. But of course when Gloria performs everyone remembers the tips and stays safe.
An introduction to the whole idea of safety, but with a very light and humorous touch. It may even spark a child’s interest in making up their own list of safety tips.
Rarest Kind of Best 