One of the most interesting books on guide dogs that I've ever read, Looking Out for Sarah is a truly splendid book with some of the lovliest illustrations I've ever seen. Their purity will draw readers to a very important subject, often ignored by the writers of children's books - the skills, perseverance, and even the heroism of people who manage to do without sight, and the dogs that help them do it. This subtle masterpiece should be required reading for everyone old enough to turn pages.
-- Elizabeth Marshall Thomas, author of The Hidden Life of Dogs

Looking Out for Sarah is a beautifully told story that will fascinate young listeners and readers. Glenna Lang shows in delightful illustrations and words how a blind person's life, every hour of everyday, is enriched by the unique bond that develops with her gide dog.
-- William D. Badger, President, Guiding Eyes for the Blind

Based on a real black Labrador retriever named Perry and his owner, Sarah Gregory Smith, Looking Out for Sarah by Glenna Lang tells about the relationship between a blind woman and her lead dog. Perry guides Sarah to their favorite grocery store, the post office and then a nearby school. Sarah tells the children, "Yes, she and Perry once walked from Boston to New York to show the world what a guide dog can do for a blind person." Lang's warm gouache paintings convey the trusting and affectionate friendship between the two.
-- Publishers Weekly, August 2001

Based on a true story, this handsome picture books tells of a day in the life of a guide dog, Perry, a black Labrador retriever who looks out for his blind owner, Sarah. Every page shows the close bond between the strong, active woman and the beloved companion who helps her be independent. Walking in the street, shopping, working, and relaxing at home, they are together. The narrative is true to Perry's viewpoint, whether he's enjoying the soft carpet and the crumbs under the table or leading Sarah up the steps of the post office or feeling the wind flattening his ears as he runs in the park. The gouache art, in bold, saturated colors and flat, well-defined shapes, is both childlike and sophisticated, with Perry at the center of the big pictures. Once Sarah and Perry walked 300 miles, from Boston to New York, and children will be caught up by the excitement of the journey as well as by the depiction of what a guide dog can do.
-- Booklist, November 2001

Smith's spirited, upbeat approach to living life with a disability was one of the reasons she became the subject of a new children's book, "Looking Out for Sarah" (Charlesbridge Publishing), by Cambridge writer and illustrator Glenna Lang. It is a picture book about a day in the life of a seeing-eye dog and his person, from the dog's point of view.

("Left, Perry," said Sarah. As they strode down the sidewalk, Perry pulled to the side to sniff a tasty crumb. He knew he shouldn't eat on the job, but he hoped Sarah wouldn't mind just once.")

Lang spent six months shadowing Smith. Her book depicts the way Perry, the guide dog, helps Smith maneuver around Salem and beyond, taking the train, meeting with friends, visiting an elementary school to sing for students and tell them about life with a guide dog. It describes how, in 1994, Sarah and Perry walked 300 miles to Manhattan to raise awareness about guide dogs and meet Mayor Rudolph Giuliani.

Lang says she got the idea for the book "many, many years ago. It was one of those ideas you carry around with you a long, long time." She interviewed several people with guide dogs and was immediately impressed with Smith's energy and good cheer. She "fell in love" with Perry, a black Labrador retriever.

"Sarah is charismatic and dynamic," says Lang. "She is quite an inspiration. It's just amazing that someone in her situation is not at all slowed down, as far as I can see. I always forget that she's blind. She doesn't act blind. I know she can't read the book, but the amazing thing is I feel that she can. She really listens to what people have to say and has a full imagination.
-- The Boston Globe, December 2001

This is a story based on true events of a dog named Perry who helps guide his owner Sarah who is blind. The book explains how Perry takes directions from Sarah and helps her find her way all over town (they even walked from Boston to New York!). I feel that reading this story to children will allow them to see that no matter what happens in life whether you have an accident or a disability, that you will always have options for mobility. Sarah may not be able to see, but how amazing is it that a dog can be trained to be her eyes for her? I feel that this book would be great for children because it incorporates an animal, but also because they could very well see this in everyday life.