About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is struggling with the sudden responsibilities of being a 'big kid' or is feeling overwhelmed by the needs of younger siblings or peers. This story follows Ember, a dog with delusions of grandeur and world domination, who finds his leadership skills tested when he is tasked with babysitting a group of rambunctious kittens. While the premise is silly and high-energy, it provides a perfect bridge for discussing the reality that leading others requires more than just giving orders: it requires patience, empathy, and working together. Ideal for newly independent readers aged 6 to 8, this early chapter book uses humor to diffuse the stress of making mistakes. It validates the feeling that taking care of others is hard work while modeling how to ask for help when things get out of hand. Parents will appreciate how the 'villainous' protagonist actually learns the value of community and responsibility through his chaotic adventure.
