Recently, Daisy and Yogi, canine inspiration for the new book, “The Adventures of Daisy and Yogi,” visited Whitefield Elementary School.

Sarah Brewer’s secondgrade class extended the invitation, making both twoand four-legged guests feel welcome.

“We had so much fun. The dogs were just great and the kids loved having them here. We invited other classes in to pet the dogs while they were here. My secondgraders love interacting with the kindergarteners,” said Brewer.

Daisy and Yogi are the stars of the book, but they are also living, breathing four-legged Maine residents. The adventures described in the book are all real. Most any dog owner can recognize the three adventures that Daisy and Yogi experience: eating deer poop, getting skunked and needing to go to the vet for porcupine quill removal.

“From reading the book all the kids immediately knew which dog was which. They all knew Yogi was the one who always got in trouble, in the book and real life as well. Most of the kids wanted to buy one or both of the dogs from me with their school play money,” said author Linn Caroleo.

After the dogs explored the classroom and ate nearly an entire box of dog treats, the kids took them out to the playground.

“This was a great idea, because it will tire out both the kids and the dogs,” Brewer said.

Daisy, who has hip and elbow dysplacia, decided to stay put and received hugs and pats while lying on the grass. Yogi led a large contingent of screaming kids on an endless game of chase around the playground.

The dogs brought a stuffed toy version (of a dog) with them that the class voted to name Biscuit. Biscuit will go home with each student in turn, and after a week at each student’s house, that student must write a journal entry into Biscuit’s special book about what was experienced while living with that particular student.

“It’s an idea I got while visiting my nephew, who lives in Oslo, Norway,” Caroleo said. “They do this at his school, and it helps the students formulate sentences and describe experiences he or she has with the stuffed toy. I mentioned it to Mrs. Brewer and she liked the idea, so we’ll see how it goes.”

Daisy and Yogi plan on returning during the winter months to read about some of Biscuit’s adventures and to show the kids their winter coats.

“The Adventures of Daisy and Yogi” is available at select bookstores and pet stores in Southern Maine, as well as on the Internet. To invite Daisy and Yogi to your school or neighborhood, or purchase books in bulk directly from the author, contact Caroleo at 213-0303 or [email protected].