Tuesday Tucks Me In

April 21, 2014
Based on Montalván and Witter’s 2012 adult title Until Tuesday, the real-life story of an Iraq veteran (Montálvan) with PTSD and his service dog is presented for young readers in intimate photographs and easy-to-grasp descriptions. Tuesday, a golden retriever, tells readers about his life with his owner, Luis: “I even sleep with him, which helps control his nightmares.” Photographs show New York City residents Luis and Tuesday during their morning routine (Tuesday brings Luis his socks and shoes), visiting a restaurant, meeting other veterans, and traveling on the subway (“Luis doesn’t like crowds. So he hugs me while we ride”), eventually arriving at Coney Island. A moving story about companionship, loyalty, and the value of service dogs. Ages 4–8.

April 1, 2014
An appealing golden retriever takes readers through his life as a service dog assisting a retired Army captain living with the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder and a traumatic brain injury. The story of Tuesday the service dog and his partner was first explored in Montalvan's best-selling memoir, Until Tuesday: A Wounded Warrior and the Golden Retriever Who Saved Him (2011). This story for much younger readers offers a simplified look at the author's life, with his beloved dog effectively employed as first-person narrator. The use of the canine as storyteller provides some distance from the author's hardships while highlighting the undeniably charming golden retriever's winning personality and photogenic expressions. Superb photographs of the author and Tuesday bring their urban lifestyle into sharp focus as they navigate the subway, stairs, taxi rides and visits to parks, as well as their shared life in their apartment. Full-page photographs alternate between smaller views set against backgrounds of mostly blues and purples, establishing a contemporary tone in the book's thoughtful design. The simple text uses just a few sentences per page, with well-chosen details conveying the challenges Montalvan faces in a matter-of-fact way. A concluding note from the author shares more of his history and information on service dogs assisting disabled veterans. A touching story that will appeal to all dog lovers and to older children, including those with limited reading skills. (Informational picture book. 4-10)

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May 1, 2014

K-Gr 4-Tuesday is a service dog for Montalvan, who has post-traumatic stress disorder, among other disabilities, and knows exactly how and when to soothe him. Tuesday is always with his owner, supporting him as he goes down stairs or riding with him in cabs. The book is told from the dog's point of view and narrated in a calm, easy-to-understand tone ("I even sleep with him, which helps control his nightmares"). The book is humorous but also portrays the sometimes-depressing reality of Montalvan's life. It documents their daily activities, including going to the veteran's hospital. There are special treats, too, such as an ice-cream cone at Coney Island. Readers see the close bond between the two and how they care for each other. Crisp, full-page, full-color photographs make evident this strong bond and show their busy life in New York City. The book concludes with an informational note from Montalvan that explains more about his disabilities and how much freedom Tuesday has given him. He also talks briefly about the organization that trained Tuesday. A well-written, informative book for both school and public libraries.-Susan E. Murray, formerly at Glendale Public Library, AZ

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2014
Grades K-3 Montalvn, the best-selling author of the adult memoir Until Tuesday: A Wounded Warrior and the Golden Retriever Who Saved Him (2011), is a 17-year army veteran and advocate for veterans with disabilities. Yet this is not his story but that of his golden retriever service dog, Tuesday. The sweet tale follows one perfect day in Tuesday's life, from the time he wakes Montalvn, to his helping his owner navigate the crowded streets and subways of New York City, to a fun trip to an amusement park and playtime with his friends. Tuesday himself relates how he was assigned to assist with the wounds Montalvn received during his two tours of duty in Iraq. The reciprocal loyalty and love between dog and owner is palpable and endearing, and photographs of Tuesday resting his head on his master's feet or taking a cab ride will delight dog lovers. Tuesday typifies the unbreakable bond between humans and canines and in a kid-friendly way, manages to dispel some of the stigma of posttraumatic stress disorder and invisible war wounds.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)