Officer Buckle and Gloria

In the 1996 Caldecott winning book, Officer Buckle and Gloria (G.P. Putnam, 1995), Peggy Rathman introduces us to Safety Officer Buckle and his police dog, Gloria.  Officer Buckle has been doing the same safety speech to kids every year, but now, the police department has acquired a dog.  When Gloria starts to go along with Officer Buckle, she really livens up the speeches and brings excitement to the safety tips.  The kids are now paying attention.  Officer Buckle is really pleased with his new celebrity status and is unaware of the tricks Gloria has been performing behind his back.  One night, after watching himself and Gloria on the evening news, he decides that no one is really listening to him.  In his anger, he sends Gloria alone to Napville School by herself.  After the worst accident in Napville history, Officer Buckle shares his newest safety tip, "Always stick with your buddy!"  Be sure to share the safety tips on the end pages with your audience when reading this glorious book a-loud.