There are few dyed-in-the-wool picture book readers who could not pick out the canine police dog, Gloria, from Peggy Rathmann’s Caldecott Award winner from 1996, “Officer Buckle and Gloria.”

There is a saying in the world of acting that goes something akin to, “Never share the stage with children or animals”. I guess actors may feel they can be natural, unpretentious and scene stealers of the spotlight. You know what? I think they’re right.

Well, if this has the ring of truth to it, it is certainly borne out in the picture book, Officer Buckle and Gloria. I remember reading this book (and it is a perfect read aloud) to a group of children from PS 321 in Brooklyn, New York several years ago. They laughed and thoroughly enjoyed the book, since as an added bonus to the reading, I brought my own life-sized Gloria along; stuffed of course.

Officer Buckle is a Safety Officer who diligently visits elementary schools in Napville dispensing safety rules that kids promptly ignore. Nobody listens. But the moment The Napville Police Department buys a police dog named Gloria, student interest levels begin to soar.

Standing slightly to the side and behind Officer Buckle, yet out of his sight line, as he intones each numbered Safety Tip, Gloria, a gifted comedienne, pantomimes Officer Buckle’s rules to hilarious effect. “NEVER leave a THUMBTACK where you can SIT ON IT!” As you can imagine, Gloria’s mime of this causes roars of laughter from the audience.

Officer Buckle treats Gloria to ice cream as the letters of praise pour into the Police Department and Officer Buckle, never able to catch the clever Gloria at play behind him, feels HE is a success and at last getting through.

But wait, what happens when a television team videotapes Officer Buckle and Gloria as he finishes up at the state college with Safety Tip Number Ninety-Nine, DO NOT GO SWIMMING DURING ELECTRICAL STORMS! Students applaud wildly as Gloria is in full acting mode behind Officer Buckle and as the Bravos echo through the auditorium, Officer Buckle is humbled, bowing to the crowd.

BUT, that night Officer Buckle watches he and Gloria on the ten o’clock news! Gloria is found out.

Officer Buckle is crushed and refuses to give any more safety speeches while the requests pour in for Gloria! Can Gloria go it alone without her buddy? Can Napville School recover from its biggest accident ever from a spilled puddle of banana pudding?

Please pick up “Officer Buckle and Gloria” to find out if Safety Tip #101 can fix things. ALWAYS STICK WITH YOUR BUDDY! Good advice kids! Peggy Rathmann’s book is a great blend of humor and safety tips made memorable by the duo of Officer Buckle and his faithful applause hound, Gloria.

And, as a public service announcement from The Snuggery, please remember that the Officer Buckles of this world take an oath to “protect and serve.” They do so each and every day at sometimes great personal risk, and it seems, to me, with diminishing respect and civility from some.

So during this Police Week, please do give a thank you and a tip of the hat to an officer if you see one.

Here is a quote, in part, from President Biden’s lengthy Proclamation on May 13, 2022 to observe Police Week, 2022:

During Police Week, let us demonstrate our appreciation for the unsung heroes who nobly wear the badge and put their lives at risk to protect people each and every day. Let us honor the brave officers whose bright futures were cut short in the line of duty. Let us come together to police be the partners and protectors our communities and our nation need for a safer and more just, America.

Thank you, Police Chief Andrew Hart, for all you do.