
Reach for this book when your family is preparing to welcome a new pet or when your child is grappling with the idea of 'choosing' one person or animal over another. While the central plot follows Kate and her parents to the rescue center to find a pup, the story is actually a masterclass in empathy and the expansive nature of love. It moves beyond the excitement of a new pet to address the quiet ache of those left behind, making it a perfect tool for discussing kindness and social responsibility. Bob Graham's signature watercolor illustrations and gentle humor make this an accessible read for preschoolers and early elementary students. It beautifully captures the chaotic, messy, and wonderful reality of family life, avoiding the polished perfection often found in picture books. Parents will appreciate how it models a collective family decision based on compassion rather than just aesthetics, showing that sometimes the best choice is the one that feels right in your heart.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThe book deals with the concept of animal shelters and the sadness of animals without homes. The approach is realistic and secular, focusing on the emotional weight of 'leaving someone behind.' The resolution is highly hopeful and celebratory.
A 5 or 6-year-old child who is highly empathetic or perhaps an animal lover who is sensitive to the feelings of others. It is also excellent for a child who has recently experienced a 'choice' scenario where they felt bad for the option not chosen.
Read the scenes at the shelter first. The illustration of Rosy standing alone in her kennel while the family leaves is intentionally heart-tugging and may require a moment of emotional processing for sensitive children. A parent might reach for this after hearing their child ask, 'But what happens to the other ones?' after a trip to a pet store or shelter, or if a child is struggling with the concept of aging and why older things/people are still valuable.
Younger children (age 4) focus on the excitement of the dogs and the funny details in the drawings (like Dad's tattoo). Older children (ages 7-8) will pick up on the moral dilemma of the 'unadoptable' older dog and the family's shift from selfish desire to selfless action.
Unlike many 'new pet' books that focus solely on the bond with one animal, this book highlights the plight of senior animals and the idea that a family's love isn't a finite resource: it can always grow to fit one more.
Kate and her parents wake up in a house that feels too quiet without a dog. They head to the 'Rescue Centre' with a specific vision of a small, cute puppy. They find Dave: a wiggly, excitable pup who fits the bill perfectly. However, they also meet Rosy, an older, graying dog who captures their sympathy but is left behind. The family returns home with Dave, but the memory of Rosy lingers, leading to a second trip to the shelter to complete their family.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.