We’re excited to introduce you to our newest Book Buddy, Elle, and her handler, Alice Banks! 

Thank you to all who gave them a warm welcome at our recent Book Buddies reading program. Alice and Elle have been certified as a canine therapy team with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs since July 14, 2025. So far, they have made 63 therapy visits! Alice enjoys sharing information about Siberian Huskies with people she meets. Elle is a perfect ambassador for the breed and exemplifies the sweetness Siberian Huskies have.

Here are some fun facts about Elle:

Age: 2 years and 5 months 

Breed:  Siberian Husky

Animal Siblings:  Elle has three Husky siblings: Brinkly, Baby Boo, and Halo.

Favorite Treat:  Elle is not picky. She loves all treats!

Favorite Trick:  “Twist and shout” and “sit pretty”

Favorite Activity:  Elle enjoys her time working as a therapy dog. She completely understands her task at paw when she is on the job. When Alice gets her ready for a visit, Elle has a real “Let’s go, Mom” vibe.

Favorite Way to Relax:  Elle likes to relax by lying on top of the ottoman at home.

Favorite Book Genre:  Books on food

Special Skill:  Elle likes to give hugs and kisses.

Nickname:  Sweet-Sweets

Alice and Elle can’t wait to meet you at the next Book Buddies reading program!

The Book Buddies will also be…

…at Georgia O’Keeffe Middle School TODAY from 5:30-6:30 pm for their Hot Chocolate Social and Reading Night.

…at Bayview Foundation for residents only every fourth Monday from 2-3:30 pm.

…at the Bridge-Lake Point-Waunona Neighborhood Center on Tuesday, February 24, from 5-6 pm for their Literacy Night.

…at Meadowridge Library on Monday, March 9, from 3:30-5 pm. No reservation is required. C’mon by!

…a part of the Goodman Community Center’s START Literacy Program. (See you in the spring!)

Find the first weekly clue about the animal to be featured in Taradiddle Youth Writing Contest #9 in your email inbox TODAY , and a clue every Thursday until we release the writing prompt on Thursday, April 16. Kids can use the clues to get inspired, learn interesting facts about animals, think about their stories, and have fun! Stories will be due by 11:59 pm on Monday, April 20.

Not signed up yet? Encourage a young budding author (18 years or younger) to join the contests and write fun animal stories. For more details and to sign up, click on the orange button below!

Taradiddle Youth Writing Contest 2026 Dates:

Monday, April 16 – Thursday, April 20

Monday, October 15 – Thursday, October 19

Stay tuned for an introduction to another new dog on the block, Taylor!