Sadie Sees Trouble

This book is a must-read for young children who use technology. Interaction with others and childhood play activities are losing their edge over tablets and smart phones. This delightful book, written from the point of view of Sadie the family dog, helps parents define limits.

Nancy Jayroe, MA, LPC, NCCProfessional Family Counselor and Educator

As an educator in Special Education, I found this story to be a wonderful way to enlighten today’s youth on the effects technology can have on our daily lives. I love that this story reminds us of this through the eyes of a dog, man’s best friend. What better model to encourage children to get out and play than the one creature whose job is to do nothing but run around, have fun and to love us?

Melanye StrombergSpeech-Language Pathologist, Queens, NY

A unique commentary written from the point of view of the family pet, Sadie will touch the hearts of young readers. The story brings out a modern-day state of affairs, which will also give pause to adults who read it. What a marvelous idea to make the book interactive by challenging readers to follow the concept of illustrations created by household materials. Sadie presents a win-win for youngsters and parents!

Robert WilcoxRetired Elementary Educator, Executive Member of the Utica Community Schools Foundation for Educational Excellence

I am always looking for books that are accessible, as well as linked to real life situations. Sadie Sees Trouble rhymes and uses vocabulary related to a child’s world, as well as textual connections and a clear theme. All are easily used for narrative writing modeling, and to generate conversation. There is even a delicious hands-on activity to re-create the flavorful illustrations. This book will resonate with entering level ELLs as well as G.E. students.

Alan J. ReiffESL/ENL Coordinator, NYC Department of Education; ESL Adjunct, LaGuardia Community College CUNY

Sadie Sees Trouble is timely and terrific. Talk about significantly addressing a huge family concern related to tablet time! This story more than captured the issue with both narrative and illustrations. People around the country are in need of a primer to be used in mind-setting their children about living life, as opposed to an existence overly dominated by tech platforms and programs. All of the ingredients are included, (e.g. cool dog, salvageable kid, kind Mommy, toys, love, etc.) in the best ways possible to make this story and its most important message sing. Loved the coloring concept as well!

Dr. Stanley OlsonSuperintendent of Schools, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

Wow!  This hit the nail right on the head!  It’s definitely indicative of where we are with our children nowadays! Sadie Sees Trouble is a great reminder of the childlike joy and mindfulness that pets evoke in us all. It inspires us to live in the moment without the distractions of technology.

Laura Knight CobbMother, Educator, Writer, Fulbright Scholar

Many children today are missing out on being kids because of technology. They always seem to be plugged in to something. Sadie realizes this problem in Linda Jarkey’s delightful book, Sadie Sees Trouble. Jarkey skillfully conveys the message so all ages can realize Sadie’s sadness and respond to the ways she copes with the issue. The use of rhyme, cleverly placed text and highlighted words leads the reader through the story. Julie Jarkey-Kozlowski’s illustrations add a new twist using natural elements for coloring. The subtle use of thought arrows and soothing colors sets the gentle tone of the book. Allowing readers to download blank illustrations encourages creativity in children. Sadie Sees Trouble should be on every kid’s wish list. Sadie is a marvelous friend and teacher.

Carole J. ChotkowskiGrandparent and Retired Kindergarten Teacher

As a grandmother of four, I am always looking for meaningful and unique gifts for the youngsters. When I find something that fits these criteria, I feel like I have found a treasure to share with the little ones! Sadie Sees Trouble is truly a treasure that I look forward to reading with my grandchildren. It is a charming story, written in a style and with delightfully illustrated characters that will very much engage the little ones. Most importantly, the story is extremely relevant today, given the role of technology that distracts even the youngest child away from actively interacting and playing with others. The story of Sadie and Penny is an inspiration and reminder to young readers that while electronic devices are part of life, developing social and physical skills through play is also fun and important.

Jeannette Saquet, PhD

Love the book and illustrations! With seven grandkids, aged 5 to 10, tablets do seem to be my competition. I try very hard to start family traditions that do not include tablets. The older they get, the harder that is.

JaniceA Reader

I’ve read countless books to my children, but this book is way on top! This story touched my heart and brought a tear to my eye. It’s so topical and relevant now. These are words that I hope will also resonate with the parent who is reading this story to his or her child. Sadie’s message is an important message for us all.

Dr. Karen Potchynok-Lund

Sadie Sees Trouble is absolutely wonderful! Not only is the subject matter timely and in great need of being addressed, I loved that it rhymed! It flowed so beautifully that I’m sure kids and adults will enjoy reading it, thus connecting to the message. And kudos to the illustrator for her work. Sadie, who is adorable, looks so real that you can really feel her pain! I look forward to buying a signed copy soon so I can read it to my grandkids and share it with everyone I know.

Connie OlsonMom, Grandmother and Retired Elementary School Teacher