About This Book
Reach for this book when the holiday anticipation in your house has reached a fever pitch and your child is struggling with the 'no peeking' rules of the season. It is a relatable and lighthearted look at the difficulty of delayed gratification and the impulsive nature of curiosity. The story follows Walter, a mischievous dog who cannot resist the tempting smells of wrapped gifts, causing constant stress for his young owner, Bella. While the protagonist is a dog, the emotional core of the book perfectly mirrors the preschool and early elementary experience of wanting to skip ahead to the 'big day.' It explores themes of patience, the guilt of making a mistake, and the unconditional love that remains even when we fail to follow the rules. It is an excellent choice for families looking to validate their child's excitement while gently modeling why boundaries exist around surprises.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book is secular in its approach to Christmas, focusing on the domestic traditions of gift-giving and decorating. There are no heavy sensitive topics, though Walter does experience 'the doghouse' (shame/isolation) briefly after his mischief.
