About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is struggling with the arrival of a new sibling, a playdate guest who takes over, or general territorial feelings regarding their space and toys. It offers a safe, non-judgmental space to explore the difficult reality that sharing is not always a choice we want to make, especially when it feels like our boundaries are being crossed. Through the eyes of Katie the dog, the story validates the hot, prickly feelings of frustration and jealousy that arise when a newcomer (the puppy next door) eats our food and plays with our things. By using a pet protagonist, it creates a gentle distance that allows children to recognize their own behavior without feeling lectured. It is a perfect choice for preschoolers and early elementary students who are learning the complex social dance of hospitality and personal boundaries.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book is secular and realistic in its depiction of social conflict. There are no heavy trauma topics, though the feeling of 'invasion of space' is handled with direct emotional honesty.
