HISTORY MYSTERY IN PHILADELPHIA: The Adventure of a Guide Dog Team
The reader will be hooked right from the start when the spirit of Benjamin Franklin visits Sammy, requesting his assistance in a mission of national importance. But first, they need to find Thomas Jefferson's portable writing desk, which holds the original draft of the Declaration of Independence.
The reader is introduced to 1776 Philadelphia, the people, historical sites, inventions, and more. The author creatively intertwines fact and fiction using dialogue that makes the reader feel immersed in the story. This is Cheryl's fourth book in The Adventure of a Guide Dog series. Readers will learn more commands, why a guide dog team must do things a certain way, and there is even a diagram showing the different parts of Sammy's harness. Anticipation builds, and readers will be eager to discover where they are going next—a book that adults will enjoy too.
A conversation between Brodyn, the carriage horse, and Sammy will encourage discussions about how we are all differently abled. Brodyn feels left out because he is too big to go with the group. Sammy shares a story about Cindy growing several inches one summer, making her taller than all her friends.
After introducing the characters and Mr. Franklin's visit in chapter one, the adventure begins in chapter two when Cindy, Sammy, and their friend Kelly meet up with their driver Mulligan and Brody, the carriage horse, in front of the Old Post Office. They drive around back, where Mr. Franklin opens a secret passage. First, they search for Mr. Franklin's key that opens a door, then Mr. Franklin's post box, where they find his very first pair of bifocals. The glasses are magical for Cindy, who will be able to determine their next destination (the skeleton key also opens the secret drawer in Thomas Jefferson's portable writing desk).
Chapter three, The Library Company, holds the old and the new, showcasing Mr. Franklin's love of books and sharing them with others. Walking through an exhibit, they discuss many of Mr. Franklin's inventions. When they arrive at the Liberty Bell in chapter four, they gasp at the sight of John Hancock writing his flamboyant signature all over the bell, not realizing until they go inside that he is using invisible ink. Mr. Hancock then joins them on their quest.
Along their route, a spirited fire brigade clangs and races right through their carriage, opening the discussion about the Fire Insurance Company. Mr. Franklin talks about Philosophical Hall a