The Bookshop Dog

Reach for this book when a child is facing the anxiety of a caregiver's sudden illness or hospitalization. It offers a gentle, reassuring way to discuss what happens when the normal routine is interrupted by health emergencies. The story focuses on Martha Jane, a beloved bookshop dog, whose owner becomes ill and needs to go to the hospital. While the situation is serious, the tone remains comforting as the local community comes together to ensure the dog is loved and cared for. This is an ideal choice for children ages 4 to 8 because it validates their worries while emphasizing the strength of the community safety net. Parents will appreciate how it models empathy and shows that even when a primary caregiver is away, there are many people ready to help and provide stability.