Meet the authors, their service dog, illustrator, and learn more about people living with physical disabilities doing remarkable things as they celebrate the release their new picture book Rescue and Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship, published by Candlewick Press.

Rescue is a very special dog. From just a young pup, he was trained to help people. After Jessica's life changes unexpectedly and she struggles to do even simple every-day tasks, Rescue joins her family and puts his training to good use! Jessica and Rescue become partners who learn from each other every day.

Come celebrate this real-life, Boston-based story created by a local team: Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes and Reading’s own illustrator Scott Magoon will talk about about Jessica and Rescue's wonderful friendship, and how this heartwarming new picture book was created. The ASPCA dog of the year Rescue will also join us. Reading’s Understanding Disabilities will lead a conversation on compassion and talk about people with physical disabilities doing remarkable things and much more.

Books will be available for purchase and signing after the family-friendly presentation.