About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is facing a situation where they must leave something or someone they love behind, such as returning from a vacation or saying goodbye to a foster pet. It is a gentle story about Daisy, a young girl who forms a deep bond with a puppy named Baxter while on a family camping trip at a farm. The story beautifully captures the pure joy of a first-animal connection alongside the looming sadness of a temporary arrangement. While the plot is simple, it provides a safe space for children to process the concepts of letting go and temporary ownership. It normalizes the 'goodbye ache' without being overly distressing. This is an ideal bridge book for early readers (ages 6 to 9) who are transitioning into longer chapters but still need relatable, everyday emotional stakes. It validates that even short-lived friendships are meaningful and that saying goodbye is a brave act of love.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The story involves significant emotional sadness as the protagonist must say goodbye to a pet she loves, which may be distressing for sensitive readers. The separation is handled with care and does not involve cruelty, permanent loss, or trauma, but the emotional weight of the departure is a central theme.
Ideal Reader
A 7-year-old animal lover who feels things deeply and may struggle with transitions or leaving fun places. It is perfect for a child who has been asking for a pet but isn't quite ready for the responsibility yet.
Parent Prep
No previewing is necessary. The book is very gentle. You might want to be ready to discuss why the family in the book can't keep the dog (logistics, responsibility) in case your own child uses the book to lobby for a pet. A parent might pick this up after witnessing their child have a meltdown when it is time to leave a park or a friend's house, or if the child is expressing intense longing for a pet they cannot have.
Age Experience
A 6-year-old will focus on the cuteness of the puppies and might feel more frustrated by the goodbye. An 8 or 9-year-old will better grasp the 'bittersweet' nature of the memories and the maturity Daisy shows in letting go.
What Makes It Special
Holly Webb is a master of 'animal empathy.' Unlike many stories that end with the child magically getting to keep the animal, this book remains grounded in reality, teaching the value of a temporary bond.
Read plot summary
Daisy and her family go on a camping holiday to a farm where she discovers the resident farm dog has a litter of puppies. She forms an immediate, secret bond with one particular puppy she names Baxter. The story follows their play and growing affection over the week, while Daisy struggles with the knowledge that she cannot take him home. The climax involves the emotional weight of their final day together and her eventual acceptance of the goodbye.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Daisy chooses the name Baxter for the puppy even though he isn't hers. Why do you think she did that, and how did it change how she felt about him?
2
When Daisy's parents say it's time to pack up the car, how does her body feel? Have you ever felt that way when a fun time was ending?
3
The farm owner says the puppies will find good homes soon. Does that make Daisy feel better or worse? Why?
4
If you could tell Daisy one thing to help her feel better during the car ride home, what would it be?
