About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is facing a small disappointment or when a planned family outing hasn't gone as expected. It serves as a gentle reminder that even when things go wrong, like a ruined picnic, there is always a way to turn the day around with a little help from our friends. In this story, the beloved Westie McDuff must save the Fourth of July when ants invade the family's lunch. Rosemary Wells captures the cozy, nostalgic feeling of a family outing while introducing a low-stakes conflict that children ages 3 to 7 can easily relate to. The book emphasizes themes of resilience, the special bond between pets and their humans, and the joy of simple solutions. It is a comforting read-aloud that validates a child's feelings of frustration while modeling how to move forward with a sense of adventure and pride.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book is entirely secular and safe. The only 'conflict' is the loss of the picnic food to insects, which is handled with a light, humorous touch. The resolution is realistic and hopeful.
