Harley the Hero
What’s inside...
Harley the service dog makes sure everything is quiet and perfect in Ms. Prichard's class. But when a small blaze sets off the noisy fire alarm, he remembers that Ms. Prichard isn't the only person upset by loud noises. It's time for Harley to be a hero. An exciting picture book inspired by a real-life classroom service dog, exploring themes of friendship, neurodivergence, and courage. Harley goes to school every day with Ms. Prichard to make sure she feels safe. Their students are a lot of fun, but Harley can’t play with them while he’s wearing his work vest. They write him lots of letters instead, and everything is perfect in the best, most quiet class in the whole school. Until the day the old stage curtains catch fire. As the fire alarm blares and chaos erupts, Harley remembers that Ms. Prichard isn’t the only human in his class who gets upset by loud noises. Inspired by a true story, Harley the Hero celebrates the work of service animals and the normalization of neurodivergence. Author-illustrator Peggy Collins brings Harley and his class to charming life and concludes with an Author’s Note about the real dog behind the fictional Harley.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Harley felt when he helped his classmates during the fire drill?
What are some ways you can be a hero like Harley in your own school or community?
Why is it important to help others, even in small ways?
How do you think the class felt about Harley after the fire drill?
Can you think of a time when you felt scared but did something brave?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, briefly discuss the concept of a hero and ask your child to describe what makes someone a hero.
Pause at key moments in the story to ask your child how they think a character is feeling or what they might do next.
After reading, ask your child to draw a picture of themselves as a hero and explain what heroic actions they are doing in their drawing.
Encourage your child to share stories from their own experiences where they helped someone or faced a challenge bravely.
Relate the themes of the book to real-life heroes in your community, such as firefighters, teachers, or even family members, and discuss the qualities that make them heroic.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of courage and bravery
Explanation: Harley, a service dog, demonstrates courage by helping during a school emergency, showing children that bravery can manifest in various forms.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by standing up for themselves and others or facing their fears in challenging situations at school or in social settings.
Example Lesson: The value of inclusivity and acceptance
Explanation: Through Harley’s interactions with various students, including those with disabilities, the story promotes acceptance and understanding of diversity.
Real-World Application: Children learn to embrace and respect individual differences among their peers, fostering an inclusive environment at school and in their community.
Example Lesson: The role of helpers in society
Explanation: Harley serves as a service dog, highlighting the critical roles that service animals and other helpers play in providing support and safety.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate and respect individuals in helper roles, such as service animals, teachers, and community workers.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and caregiving
Explanation: The story showcases Harley’s responsibility in caring for his student companion, underlining the importance of reliability and care for others.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to take on responsibilities, whether in caring for a pet, assisting classmates, or helping out at home, enhancing their sense of duty and empathy.
Example Lesson: Responding to emergencies
Explanation: Harley’s actions during the emergency teach practical responses in urgent situations and the importance of remaining calm.
Real-World Application: This lesson can prepare children to respond appropriately and remain composed during unexpected events or emergencies at school or home.