The Kids Crew explores the world of reading to dogs and learns how therapy dogs help kids feel calm, safe, and excited to read. Guests from the local library explain how the program works, why dogs make great listeners, and how reading out loud builds confidence. The episode also includes the story of Rover the Reading Dog, who helps students overcome fear and enjoy books. This show celebrates reading, friendship, and the special bond between kids and animals.

This episode comes with a free Learning Guide.

Click here for a preview & to download

The Kids Crew spends this episode learning about a special library program called Read to the Dogs. Many kids feel nervous reading out loud, but therapy dogs help create a calm, friendly space where readers can relax and enjoy books. The crew shares stories about their own experiences reading to dogs and how much easier it feels to practice when the listener is gentle, quiet, and patient.

We meet Amy, Nicole, and Jody from the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Library’s Read to the Dogs program brought us two dogs who participate in the program, Trace and Gimble.

They explain how therapy dogs are trained, what makes them good reading partners, and why their presence helps kids feel safe and confident. Kids learn that petting a dog can release chemicals in the brain that reduce stress and help readers focus. The guests describe how children of all ages come to the library to read picture books, chapter books, funny stories, and everything in between.

The crew also hears how dogs respond to stories, whether they are listening to a ghost tale or a silly picture book. The librarians explain that every dog has its own personality, and any kind, well-trained dog can become a reading dog. We learn that some kids collect stickers each time they read, earning certificates that show how much they have grown as readers. One guest tells how a quiet child who had never spoken during reading time suddenly opened up when reading beside a dog.

Later in the episode, we hear the story of Rover the Reading Dog, a fictional therapy dog who helps an entire classroom overcome their reading fears. Rover listens without judgment and encourages even the shyest student to try reading aloud. The show celebrates kindness, patience, and how animals can help kids become strong, confident readers. Learn more about Reading with Rover!

This episode is mixed with great music celebrating reading, dogs, and books.

This episode was recorded by Chad Scheer at the Outpost Performance Space in Albuquerque, New Mexico and was produced by Katie Stone, Christina Stella, Eli Henley, McKenzie Graunke and Thaniel Lentz. Our learning guides are written by Amber Shiel.

©2026 The Children’s Hour Inc., All Rights Reserved.

Please note: not all songs we play can be found in Spotify.