
Reach for this book when your child is gripped by a fear of something in the neighborhood, whether it is a loud dog, a local legend, or a 'scary' neighbor. It provides a gentle framework for moving from paralyzing anxiety to curiosity and, eventually, a sense of control. This early chapter book follows three friends who are convinced that a local dog named Tippy Lemmey is a monster out to get them. As they navigate their fear, they discover that their perspective might be getting in the way of a great friendship. McKissack masterfully captures the physical and emotional weight of childhood fear without dismissing it as irrational. It is an ideal pick for children ages 7 to 10 who are ready for slightly longer narratives but still need relatable, real-world stakes. Parents will appreciate the way it models teamwork and the importance of looking past first impressions to find the true nature of others.
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Sign in to write a reviewSituations where the children feel chased or cornered by the dog.
The book deals with fear and perceived threats in a very secular, grounded way. The resolution is hopeful and realistic, focusing on the shift in the children's internal perspective rather than a magical change in the dog.
An 8-year-old who crosses the street to avoid a neighbor's yard or a child who tends to build up small worries into 'monstrous' problems. It's for the kid who needs to see that bravery isn't about not being afraid, but about investigating what scares you.
Read cold. No specific triggers, though parents may want to discuss the difference between a misunderstood dog in a book and a stray dog in real life to ensure safety boundaries remain. A parent might reach for this after hearing their child say, 'I'm never going outside again because that dog is mean,' or noticing their child is excluded from play because of a shared neighborhood fear.
Younger readers (age 7) will focus on the 'scary dog' aspect and the excitement of the chase. Older readers (age 10) will pick up on the social dynamics between the three friends and the nuance of how rumors can change how we see reality.
Unlike many 'dog books' that focus on the bond from day one, this book honors the very real fear some children have of animals and walks them through the process of desensitization and empathy building.
Three friends, Leandra, Paul, and Jeannie, live in dread of Tippy Lemmey, a neighbor's dog they perceive as a terrifying menace. The story follows their various attempts to avoid the dog and their eventual realization that the dog's 'attacks' are actually misunderstood attempts at play and protection. When Tippy Lemmey gets into trouble, the children must decide whether to help their former enemy.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.