Book Review: Andy – A Dog’s Tale by John Kelly

A book review of a fun children’s picture book based on a short animation about a puppy desperate to get his picture on the Wall of Heroes by becoming a service dog.

About Andy: A Dog’s Tale

Title: Andy: A Dog’s Tale
Author: John Kelly
Illustratoions: IGNITE Animation Studios
Publisher: The Collective Book Studio
Genre: Children’s picture book
Book format reviewed: Digital
Sweet Strawberries:

Description: Adapted from the award-winning short film of the same name, this heartwarming children’s picture book follows the journey of a determined puppy who overcomes adversity to discover his purpose as a service dog.
Meet Andy––the smallest of his litter––who first captured hearts and minds in the original short film, brought to life by Ignite Animation Studios through the support of Jean Schulz, the Executive Producer and a Canine Companions board member.
Now Andy’s inspiring story leaps off the screen and onto the page in this uplifting retelling by John Kelly, a contributor to the original film script. Follow along as Andy faces challenges on his path, mirroring the real-life dedication, training, and bond that go into preparing service dogs to help people with disabilities.
Here’s what makes Andy: A Dog’s Tale unforgettable:
• Teaches Empathy & Awareness: Introduces kids to the important work of service dogs and how they help people with disabilities.
• Celebrates Perseverance: A gentle story about overcoming challenges and discovering where you belong.
• Visually Engaging: Features full-color art directly inspired by the award-winning short film.
• Bonus Keepsake: Comes with a dust jacket that unfolds into a ‘Be A Hero’ poster, perfect for bedroom walls or classrooms.
With its universal themes of resilience, compassion, and the power of purpose, Andy’s story will resonate with young readers, families, dog-lovers, and people of all abilities. This touching tale reminds us that unlikely heroes often come from small beginnings—and that what matters most is the size of your heart.

*Free copy provided by publisher and NetGalley for review…

My review and thoughts on Andy: A Dog’s Tale

This is a fun children’s picture book teaching all about service dogs through one puppy’s story. Andy was the smallest of his litter and while all his brothers and sisters were taken to be cared for by others, Andy stayed with his mum and a nice woman called Jill. Andy loves it at Jill’s house where there’s plenty to explore and lots of fun to be had, but there’s one thing Andy wants more than anything and that’s to be a part of the wall of heroes. The wall of heroes shows all the amazing dogs who have become service dogs, and Andy is desperate to become one too. This picture book is filled with some fun illustrations and text.

Image from digital copy I was given

The story is a fun but simple one with Andy being the last puppy lefrt in his litter when all the others have gone off to train to become service dogs. Andy eventually stars training as well and is excited for his first day, however while training something happens that scares him, something which later affects him when meeting a girl in a wheelchair. I like the story and how Andy has a scare involving wheels which is later shown when he graduates from training and is supposed to meet a young girl he’s to be paired with. There is a little peril in the story with Andy struggling to cope after being affected by something when growing up. However I like how Andy’s caring instincts kick in when he meets the girl and he overcomes his fears with something lovely happening at the end of the story.

Image from digital copy I was given

The illustrations look like they come directly from the animation that this book is based on. I do like the way Andy and the others look, and overall they do look good, but there’s something about the images that just didn’t feel as engaging to me as some other illustration styles in books, and perhaps it’s because I haven’t seen the original animation that this is based on. The ending is a good one and the last pages of the book teach kids more about service dogs like Andy, the different service dogs that there can be and the organisation behind this film and book.

Image from digital copy i was given

Overall it’s a nice story teaching children about what service dogs are and how they can help certain people and children who need the extra help. I like how different types of service dogs are mentioned, not just dogs for the blind which is what most people probably think of when thinking of service dogs. The story itself is a good one, fun and informative, but there’s just something almost too simple about it, it just didn’t feel as engaging as some other picture books I’ve read, and maybe if I’d seen the animation I’d feel differently. It’s still a good book though, but it’s just lacking a little something for me to make it great.