OUR BOOKS
AUGIE THE THERAPY DOGGIE
A Tale of Becoming a Therapy Dog
Augie the Therapy Doggie an Award winning #1 New Release children's book is the long awaited story of how one cuddly canine became a community celebrity.
Written in the voice of Augie, we learn for the first time, all of the work he endured to earn the esteemed title of Certified Therapy Dog. From leaving tasty treats alone, to resisting the urge to give kisses, Augie persevered and proved himself to be a top dog!
AUGIE THE THERAPY DOGGIE
A Dog's Secret Superpowers
Augie the Therapy Doggie is back, and this time he has a secret: he has special superpowers!
His trusty nose can sniff out how humans are feeling, and he sprinkles magic golden glitter wherever he goes. So, when someone smells like an onion from sadness, he knows exactly how to comfort them, leaving them with a trail of golden glitter to stay cheerful long after he leaves.
Readers will join Augie as they learn how therapy dogs are much more magical than humans might think.
AWARD WINNING
Readers' Favorite recognizes Augie the Therapy Doggie-A Tale of Becoming a Therapy Dog by Heather Vina in its annual international book award contest.
The Readers' Favorite International Book Award Contest featured thousands of contestants from over a dozen countries, ranging from new independent authors to NYT best-sellers and celebrities.
Readers' Favorite is one of the largest book review and award contest sites on the Internet. They have earned the respect of renowned publishers like Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Harper Collins, and have received the "Best Websites for Authors" and "Honoring Excellence" awards from the Association of Independent Authors. They are also fully accredited by the BBB (A+ rating), which is a rarity among Book Review and Book Award Contest companies.
We receive thousands of entries from all over the world. Because of these large submission numbers, we are able to break down our contest into 140+ genres, and each genre is judged separately, ensuring that books only compete against books of their same genre for a fairer and more accurate competition. We receive submissions from independent authors, small publishers, and publishing giants such as Random House, HarperCollins and Simon & Schuster, with contestants that range from the first-time, self-published author to New York Times bestsellers like J.A. Jance, James Rollins, and #1 best-selling author Daniel Silva, as well as celebrity authors like Jim Carrey (Bruce Almighty), Henry Winkler (Happy Days), and Eriq La Salle (E.R., Coming to America).
"When the right books are picked as winners we pay attention. We will be spreading the word about Readers' Favorite." --Karen A., Editor for Penguin Random House.
Readers' Favorite is proud to announce that Augie the Therapy Doggie-A Tale of Becoming a Therapy Dog by Heather Vina won the Bronze Medal in the Children - Non-Fiction category.
AWARD WINNING
Augie the Therapy Doggie-A Tale of Becoming a Therpy Dog by Heather Vina WINS 2023 INDIEREADER DISCOVERY AWARD for Children's (Early to intermediate readers) category
On Thursday June 1st, IndieReader, one of the original review services for self, hybrid and independently published authors, announced the winners of the twelfth annual IR Discovery Awards (IRDAs) for 2023. Augie the Therapy Doggie: A Tale of Becoming a Therapy Dog by Heather Vina won in the Children’s, Early to intermediate readers category.
IndieReader launched the IRDAs in 2011 to help notable indie authors receive the attention of top publishing professionals, with the goal of reaching more readers. Noted Amy Edelman, author and founder of IR, “The books that won the IRDAs this year are not simply great indie books; they are great books, period. We hope that our efforts via the IRDAs ensure that they receive attention from the people who matter most. Potential readers.”
Past and present sponsors for the IRDAs include Amazon, Reedsy, Smith Publicity and NY-based literary agents Dystel, Goderich & Bourret. Judges have included publishers (from Penguin Group USA and Simon & Schuster), agents (from ICM, Dystel), publicists (from Smith Publicity), and bloggers (from GoodeReader).
Augie the Therapy Doggie: A Tale of Becoming a Therapy Dog received was the following verdict “Augie the Therapy Doggie by Heather Vina is an endearing story of the life of a therapy dog, told by the dog itself, who explains in a charming way and with photos!-his purpose in life. Ideal for children.” by IndieReader’s reviewers.
AWARD WINNING
Augie the Therapy Doggie by Heather Vina is a recipient of the prestigious Mom’s Choice Award.
The Mom’s Choice Awards® (MCA) evaluates products and services created for parents and educators and is globally recognized for establishing the benchmark of excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. Using a rigorous evaluation process, entries are scored on a number of elements including production quality, design, educational value, entertainment value, originality, appeal and cost.
Around the world, parents, educators, retailers and members of the media trust the MCA Honoring Excellence seal when selecting quality products and services for families and children.
★★★★★ RATING
Augie the Therapy Doggie by Heather Vina is a delightful, heartwarming, and feel-good story with beautiful images of Augie. Heather tells the story from Augie's perspective, which brings a smile to your face as you think about your furry friends at home and their favorite things to do, and how they show love.
It is a well-written and easy-to-read story that accurately depicts Augie's bright and joyful personality with vivid images of his life journey. Vina shows how Augie's work and life story merge perfectly, creating a life that Augie loves because of the love he spreads to everyone around him.
Children will enjoy this book about this special Dog.
~ Jennie More (Reader's Favorite)
Augie the Therapy Doggie by Heather Vina is the long awaited story of how one cuddly canine became a community celebrity. Written in the voice of Augie, we learn for the first time, all of the work he endured to earn the esteemed title of Certified Therapy Dog. From leaving tasty treats alone, to resisting the urge to give kisses, Augie persevered and proved himself to be a top dog!
As a 35 year veteran teacher, I have read hundreds and hundreds of children’s books, many of them about animals. Augie the Therapy Doggie allows readers to immerse themselves into Augie’s life. By telling the story through Augie’s point of view, author (and Augie’s mom), Heather Vina lets us in on the behind the scene days of a dog many of us have come to consider a friend. Since his puppy days, Augie has visited the students at my school. His story allows both children and adults to connect with him, and understand how truly special he is.
I highly recommend that you Walk! (to your nearest bookstore), Stay! (and purchase Augie the Therapy Doggie), and Sit Down! (and read the wonderful story of Augie.) I eagerly await purchasing my copy and having it autographed by both Heather Vina and her beloved Augie!
~ Heidi Conzelmann, Teacher, McKinleyville Union School District
Augie the Therapy Doggie captures the process of becoming a therapy dog team and the love and care that team can bring to their community. Heather Vina can now add fabulous children's book author to her long list of accomplishments!
This children's book opens the reader's eyes to her journey with Augie to become a therapy dog team and may very well inspire others to take the leap to help those in need in their community.
As the superintendent of our local schools, I can speak first hand to the impact Augie the Therapy Dog has had on our children! He is a beloved member or our community, bringing joy and calm everywhere he goes. This is such a wonderful book for teaching our children about kindness, care, compassion and community!
~ Julie Giannini-Previde, Superintendent, McKinleyville Union School District