Fantastic Theater by Judy Sierra

Fantastic Theater by Judy Sierra

The use of animals for therapy is a burgeoning form of treatment for individuals with physical, emotional, or psychological illnesses. Written for students and general readers, Animal-Assisted Therapy offers a historical overview of the practice, detailing its growth and the many ways it is practiced today.

Filled with illustrative examples, such as successful programs where children with reading problems read aloud to canine companions, the book illuminates the expansive nature and effectiveness of this therapy as it is practiced both generally and among special populations, including children, the elderly, autistic individuals, and the incarcerated. The book also provides specific information that will be of interest to pet owners who want to get involved in these programs and includes information on U.S. government requirements allowing guide dogs in public and private facilities.

Judy Sierra is the author of numerous award-winning children's books, including the best-selling Antarctic Antics (drawn by José Aruego and Ariane Dewey), Crazy About Books (illustrated by Marc Brown), and The Secret Science Project that Nearly Ate the School (illustrated by Stephen Gammell). Sierra graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles, with a doctorate in folklore and mythology. She has won the International Reading Association's Children's Choice Award, two Aesop awards from the American Folklore Society, and the E.B. White Award. The Association of Booksellers for Children's White Read Aloud Prize. She and her spouse live in Eugene, Oregon. Judy Sierra's website is JudySierra.net.