Peter Mirabella

The Dad and the Dog: Nera Peter Mirabella

Publisher Marketing: More than simply a charming tale about a family and their new rescue dog, Nera, this story is an important resource for parents, teachers, and occupational therapists in assisting children facing communication, physical, and social challenges. Followed by a series of discussion points, the story helps such children explore and express their thoughts and feelings in a secure and comfortable setting. As a feisty new addition to their family, Nera challenges the dad for leadership of "the pack." In the process, Nera and the dad realize they both have a lot to learn about how to relate to one another, and that differences between characters need not be obstacles; they also can be advantages. Written for all children in the eight-to-eleven-year-old age group, this entertaining story especially resonates with youngsters for whom the outside world often can seem incomprehensible and threatening. The story's characters demonstrate to kids troubled by sending and receiving social cues how to reveal their true emotions to their peers, adults and authority figures in socially acceptable ways. Also, the questions at the end of the story provide a map for caregivers to address the personal and particular needs of their respective children. A touching story for a wide audience, this is a yarn that will appeal to all who read it.