About This Book
A parent might reach for this book when their child feels embarrassed or ashamed after making a mistake or when something they planned went completely wrong. In this story, a boy named Shawn is excited to bring his dog, Keeper, for show-and-tell. But instead of performing tricks, Keeper causes a hilarious disaster, tripping the teacher and knocking over the fish tank. This gentle and funny early reader explores themes of unconditional love, loyalty, and resilience. It's a wonderful tool for normalizing imperfection and reassuring a child that love isn't based on performance. It shows that even after a major mishap, the bonds of friendship and family remain the most important thing.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The core topic is social embarrassment and shame, which is handled directly but gently. Shawn experiences the sting of his peers laughing when his presentation goes wrong. The book does not dwell on the negative feeling, but instead moves quickly to a hopeful and empowering resolution: Shawn's public declaration of love for his pet. The approach is secular and focuses on the power of loyalty to overcome social anxiety.
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