by Melissa DiVietri (Author), Bima Aria Shiddiq (Illustrator)
Meet Melissa and her loyal service dog, CoCo, in a heartwarming story about friendship, courage, and independence. Together, they navigate airports, bustling cities, and everyday adventures-showing readers that teamwork, trust, and love make anything possible.
A Tale of a Service Animal introduces children to life with a disability through empathy, understanding, and real-world experiences. Melissa is a differently abled artist who uses a wheelchair and other mobility devices to move through the world with confidence and creativity. With CoCo by her side, she faces both joyful and challenging moments head-on.
Through playful illustrations and thoughtful storytelling, this book teaches children about accessibility, inclusion, and the important role service animals play in supporting independence. It helps young readers see strength in differences and kindness as a daily practice. A Tale of a Service Animal is a meaningful story that opens conversations and builds compassion-one page at a time.
About the Author
Melissa DiVietri is a differently abled artist, advocate, and international creator who uses art and storytelling to connect people across the world. Inspired by her service dog, CoCo, this series was created to help www.melissadivietri.com/service-animal-series
Number of Pages: 42
Dimensions: 0.11 x 8.5 x 8.5 IN
Publication Date: October 19, 2025
Large Print: Yes
