About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is experiencing the intense worry that comes with losing something precious, or when they are learning the responsibilities of caring for a new pet. It is a gentle but realistic bridge for children navigating the transition of starting school while leaving a beloved animal at home, and it provides a safe space to process feelings of helplessness and anxiety through a proactive, hopeful lens. In this story, Emily is overjoyed to receive Sam, a Labrador puppy, as a Christmas gift. However, her world is upended when Sam is stolen from her yard. The narrative balances the sadness of the situation with Emily's fierce determination to find him. It is a perfect choice for early chapter book readers, offering a relatable emotional journey that emphasizes family support, persistence, and the deep bond between humans and their pets. Parents will appreciate how the book validates a child's big emotions while modeling constructive ways to handle a crisis.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
1. DISTRESS: The central conflict involves a pet being stolen, which can be highly distressing for sensitive animal lovers. A scene where Sam is lonely and confused after being taken by strangers might cause lingering sadness for younger children. 2. CONVERSATION: Parents should be prepared to discuss pet safety and the reality that people sometimes do bad things, like taking what isn't theirs. It's an opportunity to explain microchipping and the importance of securing a yard, though this should be handled carefully to avoid increasing a child's existing anxiety about their own pets.
Ideal Reader
A 7-year-old animal lover who is transitioning into independent reading and enjoys stories with high emotional stakes but guaranteed happy endings.
Parent Prep
The book is safe to read cold, but parents of very sensitive children may want to emphasize early on that Sam does eventually come home safely. A parent might reach for this if their child is struggling with the 'puppy blues' or, conversely, is overly anxious about the safety of a new pet.
Age Experience
Younger readers (6-7) will focus on the fear of the puppy being alone, while older readers (9-10) will appreciate Emily's detective-like determination and her navigation of school life alongside her personal crisis.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many pet stories that focus on the 'fun' of a new animal, Holly Webb leans into the deep, sometimes painful emotional connection and the specific trauma of pet theft, making it feel more like a contemporary mystery-drama for children.
Read plot summary
Emily receives a yellow Labrador puppy named Sam for Christmas. The two are inseparable until Emily has to return to school after winter break. While Emily is away, Sam is stolen from the backyard. The story follows Emily's emotional distress and her subsequent efforts to find Sam, eventually leading to a heartwarming reunion.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Emily feels very guilty for being at school when Sam was taken. Why do we sometimes feel responsible for things we can't control?
2
When Sam is gone, Emily decides to do something instead of just being sad. What are some of the ways she tries to find him?
3
How does the rest of Emily's family help her during the search? Why is it important to ask for help when you are worried?
4
If you were Emily, what is the first thing you would do to help find a missing pet?
