About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is facing a major life transition, like moving to a new town or starting a new school, and is struggling to make social connections. Ten-year-old Gio Barker feels isolated and resentful after his mom moves them to start a doggy day care business. Through a magical accident involving a dog biscuit, Gio gains the ability to talk to his canine neighbors. These four-legged friends offer a safe, judgmental-free space for Gio to process his loneliness. As the dogs teach Gio their own version of social skills, he gains the confidence to try out for the soccer team and approach human peers. This story is an excellent tool for normalizing the difficult emotions of moving while providing a whimsical, low-stakes roadmap for building self-confidence. It is perfectly suited for children ages 7 to 10 who appreciate humor and animal stories.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book handles the stress of moving and parental career changes with a secular, realistic approach. The emotional struggle is direct but lightened by the magical realism of talking animals. The resolution is hopeful, emphasizing that while things change, new bonds can be formed.
