About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is feeling displaced by a new baby or is struggling to process the quiet loneliness that comes with big family transitions. It is a gentle, realistic story about Daniel, a young Black boy who creates an imaginary service dog named Lucy to help him navigate the arrival of his baby sister and the reduced attention from his mother. Through Daniel's creativity, the story explores themes of empathy, companionship, and emotional resilience. It is perfectly suited for children ages 3 to 7, offering a healthy model for how imagination can provide a safe space to process complex feelings. Parents will appreciate how it normalizes the need for extra support during times of change without making the child feel guilty for their emotions.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book touches on the death of a pet (belonging to Daniel's friend). The story hints that Daniel's grandfather may be deceased, which could prompt questions about death and loss. The approach to grief is metaphorical and secular, focusing on empathy and the utility of imagination. The resolution is realistic and hopeful.
