BOOM! The doors swing open—and here comes Arya Bear.
She’s not here to do tricks.
She’s not here to talk.
She’s here to help—just by being exactly who she is.
With her pink bow, wild hair, and a tail that wags 100 miles per hour, Arya brings joy, calm, and just the right kind of chaos to the people who need it most.
Inspired by real-life visits, Arya Bear Adventures: Good Job, Arya! follows a registered therapy dog as she comforts kids and families during her hospital work. This gentle, heartwarming story helps young readers understand the powerful role therapy dogs play—just by showing up and being themselves.
Written by Yup’ik author Miranda Miller and her 4-year-old co-author, P.J., this book brings real moments to life through the eyes of a young child and his best furry friend. Perfect for ages 3–5, dog lovers, classrooms, and anyone who’s ever felt better just because a dog was there.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
What is a therapy dog, and how does it differ from a service dog? Service dogs are trained to help one person with specific tasks, like guiding a blind person or alerting someone with diabetes when their blood sugar is high or low. On the other hand, therapy dogs help many people by providing comfort and companionship. These canine caretakers visit hospitals, schools, and nursing homes to help people feel calm, happy, and safe. Arya is an energetic therapy pooch who loves their job. Her tail moves at lightning speed, eager to help those in need. With a shake of her head, the pink ribbon falls, their hair poofs up, and many patients’ low spirits are instantly lifted. And if Arya’s wild fur and pink leg warmers don’t cause you to smile, wait until she presents her belly and rolls back and forth. No one can resist the silly dog. Or can they? Has Arya finally met someone whose mood can’t be lifted?
Arya notices a boy sitting all by themselves outside a hospital room. No tears. No smile. The therapy dog calmly approaches the quiet child and waits to see how the boy responds to them. Therapy animals enjoy making people feel better, so I imagine other canines would be just as confused as Arya when their presence and tricks appear to have no effect on the darling child. However, Arya’s patience and dedication are unwavering. Her efforts were celebrated with smiles, laughter, and hugs, proving that patience is oftentimes the key to success and inspiring us all with her resilience.
Arya’s visits play a vital role in a patient’s recovery. Arya and other therapy dogs’ visits can help lower stress, anxiety, and blood pressure while raising spirits. They, like doctors and nurses, are medical superheroes!
Good Job, Arya! is a cute, heartwarming story demonstrating service dogs’ remarkable impact on a patient’s emotional and physical health and even their visitors’ state of mind. This story is perfect for dog owners or canine fans, medical waiting rooms, or anyone who needs a reason to smile today.
My recommended reading age is 2-7 years.
Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest)
Score: ❤❤❤❤❤
Meet the Authors
Miranda Miller and Arya.
Miranda Miranda is an Indigenous Alaskan (Yup’ik) author, entrepreneur, and mother who writes with heart, purpose, and deep cultural pride. Based in Anchorage, Alaska, she blends the warmth of her Yup’ik roots with the joy and wonder of storytelling, inspired by her own life, her son’s imagination, and her beloved therapy dog, Arya Bear.
Miranda’s stories aren’t just tales—they’re lived experiences. Her debut children’s book series, Arya Bear Adventures, celebrates emotional wellness, connection, and kindness—infused with real-life hospital visits, community heroes, and the healing magic of animals. Each character is thoughtfully based on someone from her real world, from nurses to her own family.
A passionate advocate for authenticity and Indigenous representation in children’s literature, Miranda is building a storytelling legacy that reflects the love, resilience, and imagination at the heart of her family and culture.
