A parent might reach for this book when their child is feeling lonely, struggling to make new friends, or simply loves gentle stories about animal companionship. It tells the quiet, parallel stories of Lia, the hard-working daughter of two bakers, and a little stray dog who wanders the same town. Both are lonely in their own ways, observing the world from a distance. A fierce storm acts as the catalyst that finally brings them together, allowing them to find the connection and sense of belonging they both desperately needed. With its soft, evocative illustrations and lyrical text, this book is a warm and reassuring read for children ages 4 to 8. It beautifully models empathy and the profound comfort that friendship can bring to a lonely heart.
The book's central theme is loneliness, which is handled gently and metaphorically through the parallel experiences of the child and the stray dog. The dog is in a state of mild peril (homelessness, hunger, a storm), but this is not depicted in a frightening way. The resolution is entirely hopeful and heartwarming, focusing on the joy of found family and connection.
Ideal Reader
The ideal reader is a sensitive child, age 4-7, who may be feeling shy, new to a school or neighborhood, or experiencing feelings of loneliness. It's also perfect for a child who deeply desires a pet and understands the bond between humans and animals. It resonates with introspective children who appreciate quiet, character-driven stories.
Parent Prep
No specific preparation is needed. The book is straightforward and gentle. A parent of a child who is very sensitive to weather could preview the two-page spread of the storm, but the illustrations are expressive rather than scary and serve to move the plot forward in a positive way. A parent might be triggered to find this book after hearing their child say, "I don't have any friends," or "No one played with me today." It could also be prompted by a child's persistent requests for a dog, providing a story that explores the emotional significance of that bond.
Age Experience
A younger child (4-5) will connect with the simple, sweet story of a girl finding a dog she loves. They will focus on the act of kindness and the happy ending. An older child (6-8) is more likely to grasp the subtler, parallel structure of the story and the deeper emotional theme that both the girl and the dog were lonely and rescued each other. They will understand the concept of 'belonging' more abstractly.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many 'making friends' books that focus on playground interactions, this story's uniqueness lies in its quiet, lyrical tone and its dual-perspective narrative. It gives equal emotional weight to the child and the animal, creating a powerful sense of mutual rescue. The soft, atmospheric illustrations by Lauren Castillo are integral, conveying the story's emotional depth as much as the text does. It is less about the 'how-to' of making friends and more about the profound 'feeling' of finding connection.
Read plot summary
Lia, the daughter of bakers, has a busy and somewhat solitary life. In the same town, a stray dog lives a parallel lonely existence. They notice each other from afar. One day, a powerful storm hits, and Lia, worried about the dog, goes out to find him. She brings him home, names him Sam, and they find mutual companionship and a sense of belonging.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Before they met, both Lia and the dog seemed lonely. What things in the pictures showed us they were on their own? What did they do by themselves all day?
2
Lia was warm and safe inside during the storm, but she decided to go out to find the dog. Why do you think she did that? What does that tell us about her?
3
Lia names the dog Sam. Why is giving a pet a name so important? How did things change for the dog after he had a name and a home?
4
At the end, the book says, 'A girl who belonged to a dog named Sam. And a dog who belonged to a girl named Lia.' What does it mean to 'belong' to someone?
