Rescue and Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship

As the head of the Cotting School in Lexington MA, we have placed a copy of this extraordinary book, in every classroom in our school. Written for children, "Rescue and Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship", like all GREAT children's books, offers powerful and timeless messages for BOTH children AND adults.In this case, through the eyes and hard work of Jessica, and the beautiful face and tail-wagging of Rescue, we share in their values of hope, resilience, friendship and love.As a school that works with children with special needs, "Rescue and Jessica" is a story of all we value and work for at Cotting School. Yet, this story is particularly powerful for typically developing children, who might, for the first time, be introduced to someone with a disability.From my experience, too often in our society, we see children and adults with disabilities as "the other." Patrick Downes and Jessica Kensky's book, coupled with Scott Magoon's powerful illustrations, narrows that space, removing the "us and them" barrier.Yes, sometimes, the unexpected in life brings us closer together and gives us deeper appreciation for the strengths in others, as well as, the minor and major miracles that happen every day.Thanks, Jessica, Patrick and Rescue for sharing your personal and powerful special story with us.

Such a compelling story of the beauty of a relationship between a young story and her service dog. Captures the love and bond that they develop with each other. Also teaches children about how ability and enthusiasm for life can be found with those who suffer physical disabilities.

This is a beautifully written and illustrated book about Rescue, a black Labrador, and Jessica, a girl who has one leg due to an amputation. Rescue was being trained to be a Seeing Eye dog, but according to his trainer, he did not make the grade, so it was determined he would be a service dog. Jessica, learning to live with one leg, was unhappy in that she could not do everything she wished. After meeting a service dog and loving the experience, Jessica applied for one, and Rescue was assigned to Jessica.Jessica and Rescue form an immediate bond and have a strong symbiotic relationship. Rescue helps Jessica regain the abilities she lost from her disability, and Jessica helps to fulfill Rescue’s role as a service dog.This book is very highly recommended and appropriate for younger children and has many important themes: a girl can surmount her disabilities, the special relationship and love between girl and dog, the power of resilience and the will (with Rescue’s help in this story) that humans have to prevail over dire circumstances.The story is based in part on the actual injuries the author Jessica Kensky suffered from the Boston Marathon bombings and her recovery from the resultant double amputation with great assistance from her black Lab service dog named Rescue.

Heard about this book on NPR and bought it right away. I read it to my 6 and 3 year old once and they have asked me to read it again 3 times. The story is very well written and the graphics are great. I love the fact that a picture of the real characters was included at the end of the story :)

Must have for the classroom. This beautiful story opens the door for so many necessary conversations. This is the type of book that pushes the world forward.

A beautiful and easy to read aloud book about the special bonds of a service dog and that dog's person. Semi-autobiographical, Jessica and Rescue come to form a bond that is needed to help Jessica recover from surgeries.Like dog stories? Like kid stories? Like it when kids and dogs do things together? You will like this book

I heard an interview with the authors, and knew that I had to see this book. With 2 grandchildren (7) I thought we needed to have it in their library. Reading it was all I had hoped for. The "Easter eggs" that the illustrator included throughout were a lot of fun to find, especially after hearing the back-stories in the interview. I've yet to read it to the grandkids, but I've read it a few times myself - not counting paging through just to look at the pictures. Who needs this book?- anyone who lives in greater Boston (strong)- anyone who knows anyone in greater Boston- anyone who runs- anyone who knows a child that asks good questions- anyone that wants to take the "Rescue challenge"(The "Rescue challenge" is trying to get through the book without a tear in your eye or at least a lump in your throat. Good luck with that.)

I highly recommend this book. It is so well written and illustrated. This is a book everyone should have a copy of as it is a story of resilience, love, friendship and HOPE. Thank you Jessica and Daniel for sharing this story. And thank you to Scott Magoon for his beautiful illustrations. I am ordering more for our library and schools!

日本語版をすでに持っていて、原語を知りたかった。　日本のような子供用語はないことが分かった。