Officer Buckle and Gloria

This Caldecott Medal-winning picture book introduces Officer Buckle, a dedicated safety expert whose speeches are notoriously dull, and Gloria, his new police dog with a flair for dramatic, albeit secret, demonstrations. Children will delight in Gloria's antics as she acts out the safety tips behind Officer Buckle's back, making his speeches a huge hit. The story beautifully explores themes of friendship, teamwork, and finding confidence, even when it means sharing the spotlight. It's a wonderful read-aloud that subtly teaches the importance of safety while delivering plenty of giggles. Perfect for ages 3-7, it encourages discussions about honesty, collaboration, and appreciating everyone's unique talents.

"Besides the beguiling story, the affable illustrations of the smiling Gloria, the accidental mayhem in the background, and the myriad safety tips -- such as 'always pull the toothpick out of your sandwhich' and 'never lick a stop sign in the winter' -- add to the enjoyment. A glorious picture book." -- The Horn Book "Rathmann is a quick rising star in the world of chidren's books. In this book, she again shows her flair for creating real characters, dramatic situations and for knowing what will make young audiences giggle and think." -- Children's Book Review Magazine "Rathman brings a lighter-than-air comic touch to this outstanding, solid-as-a-brick picture book." -- Publisher's Weekly "A five-star performance." -- School Library Journal