About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is facing a major transition, such as moving to a new home or starting a new school, and feels like an outsider. It addresses the quiet anxiety of being the new kid in a way that feels safe and manageable. The story follows Poky, a beagle who moves to a new house and discovers he is not actually alone: a hamster named Charlie was accidentally left behind by the previous owners. Through their secret friendship, the book explores themes of belonging, the importance of looking out for others, and how shared secrets can build strong bonds. For children ages 5 to 8, this early chapter book provides a comforting mirror for their own feelings of displacement while offering a lighthearted, humorous adventure. Parents will appreciate how it models empathy and resilience, showing that even when everything feels different, new connections are just around the corner.
