Good Rosie!

Kate DiCamillo's 'Good Rosie!' is a tender and accessible graphic novel that beautifully captures the universal experience of shyness and the courage it takes to make new friends. Rosie, a small dog, finds herself at a bustling dog park, initially overwhelmed and unsure how to interact with the other dogs. The narrative gently portrays her internal struggle, from feeling invisible to finding the bravery to initiate connection. The story handles sensitive topics like social anxiety and loneliness with a light, empathetic touch, making it relatable without being heavy. The emotional arc starts with Rosie's quiet apprehension and gradually builds to a heartwarming sense of belonging and joy as she forms connections. This book is specifically for children aged 4-8 who might be experiencing shyness, starting a new school, or joining a new group. It's also wonderful for any child who loves animals and stories about friendship. A parent might reach for this when their child expresses nervousness about a new social situation or seems to be struggling with making friends. There are no scenes that require extensive previewing; the book is gentle throughout. Younger children (4-5) will enjoy it as a read-aloud, focusing on the expressive illustrations and the simple, clear narrative. Older children (6-8) can read it independently, appreciating the graphic novel format and the nuanced emotional journey. What makes it different from other books on friendship is its graphic novel format for this age group, combined with DiCamillo's signature warmth and insight into character emotion, even when the character is a dog. It offers a visual, sequential story that can be particularly engaging for reluctant readers.