For the past two grades, my 8-year-old daughter, Madison, had failed reading and had to go to summer school both summers to get her caught up with the rest of her peers. It was a huge struggle for her. Naturally, she was discouraged and avoided reading if at all possible. This was heart-breaking, considering how much I love to read, and I wanted to pass on my love for books to her.

Last spring, I gave Madison "Penny Pooch" as a present. She struggled at first, but the next thing I knew, Madison immersed herself into the dog's adventures to the point that she couldn't put the book down until she finished it cover to cover! She would look up every now and then to say, "Mom, this is funny!" or "I can't wait to see what's going to happen next!"

This book was the springboard that helped restore my daughter's faith in herself, inspiring her to venture on to other books. This year Madison's reading scores are soaring...and so is this mother's heart.

All this because of a sweet, lovable dog named Penny Pooch.

God bless you, Judith Kiser.

- Jennifer Oliver