“A beautifully designed introduction to the lives of therapy dogs and how much work goes into becoming one. A backdrop of warm tan surrounds each image; this, coupled with soft purples, blues, and greens, lends a sense of familiarity and comfort to the story. Pencil lines and watercolor enhance this feeling, nonverbally communicating the effect a therapy dog has on the people he meets…. This intergenerational story of love and acceptance is an important addition to ¬library collections for young -elementary-aged ¬readers.” —School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

“Charming, soft-focus illustrations provide extra details and capture the personalities of the determined child and irresistible dogs…. This touching story stands on its own, but fans of Madeline’s previous outings will particularly enjoy reading this account that ties all the previous tales together. A gentle, heartwarming introduction to the world of therapy dogs.”—Kirkus Reviews

Children’s Gallery Award (Nominee) —National Christian School Association, 2021-2022

Keystone to Reading Elementary Book Award (Primary) —Keystone State Reading Association, 2021-2022

Lisa Papp grew up telling stories. With a notebook full of sketches, her early tales featured her cat, stuffed animals, and other nature-y things. Today, Lisa is still making up stories and painting pictures, only now, they fill the pages of children’s books. She has received awards for both her writing and illustration, including a 2011 NAPPA Honor Award, 2012 Storytelling Award, and the 2013 PA Keystone to Reading Award. Lisa lives in Pennsylvania, with her husband, Robert, also an artist, and three wildly creative cats— to whom she does read. You can visit her website here.

“Cheerful… Charming…the story provides a positive look at two ways of acquiring a new pet.” —Kirkus Reviews

“A gentle first-person text accompanies the watercolor-and-pencil illustrations on soothing beige pages, which perfectly befit the reassuring, happy ending.” —Booklist

Parents’ Choice Recommended Award —Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2019

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Primary) —Kansas National Education Association, 2020

Show Me Readers Award (Nominee) —Missouri Association of School Librarians, 2021-2022

South Carolina Picture Book Award (Nominee) —South Carolina Association of School Librarians, 2021-2022

Lisa Papp grew up telling stories. With a notebook full of sketches, her early tales featured her cat, stuffed animals, and other nature-y things. Today, Lisa is still making up stories and painting pictures, only now, they fill the pages of children’s books. She has received awards for both her writing and illustration, including a 2011 NAPPA Honor Award, 2012 Storytelling Award, and the 2013 PA Keystone to Reading Award. Lisa lives in Pennsylvania, with her husband, Robert, also an artist, and three wildly creative cats— to whom she does read. You can visit her website here.

“So adorable readers may attempt to hug the page.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“It’s a warm, encouraging story that suggests that perfection isn’t necessary in order to achieve one’s goals, and that help can be found in unexpected corners.” ―Publishers Weekly

“Papp’s pencil and watercolor illustrations are filled with delightful details….Books and dogs—what more could a little girl ask for? ―BookPage

“Softly colored scenes have an old-fashioned feel, and the especially appealing canine characters enhance the comforting tone of the narrative.” ―Booklist

Children’s Choice Book Awards Kindergarten to Second Grade Book of the Year ―Children’s Book Council, 2017

Parents’ Choice Recommended Award ―Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2016

Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Award ―Arkansas Department of Education.  2019

Delaware Diamonds Award (Grades K-2) ―Diamond State Reading Association, 2018

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Prairie Bud Children’s Book Award ―South Dakota Library Association, South Dakota Reading Council, South Dakota State Library, South Dakota Elementary School Principals, 2018-2019

Kentucky Bluegrass Award (Grades K-2) ―Kentucky Association of School Librarians, 2017-2018

Keystone to Reading Elementary Book Award (Primary) ―Keystone State Reading Association, 2017-2018

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Starred, Primary) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2017

Carolyn W. Field Award (Honor Book) ―Pennsylvania Library Association, 2017

Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Awards (Nominee) ―Arkansas Department of Education, 2018-2019

Children’s Book Award (Nominee) ―Florida Reading Association, 2017-2018

California Young Reader Medal (Nominee, Primary) ―CRA, CLA, CATE, CSLA, 2020-2021

Delaware Diamonds (Nominee, Grades K-2) ―Diamond State Reading Association, 2017-2018

Golden Sower Award (Nominee, Picture Book) ―Nebraska Library Association, 2018-2019

Show Me Readers Award (Nominee) ―Missouri Association of School Librarians, 2018-2019

Treasure State Award (Nominee) ―Montana State Reading Council, 2018

Volunteer State Book Awards (Nominee, Primary) ―Tennessee Library Association, Tennessee Association of School Librarians, 2018-2019

Washington Children’s Choice Picture Book Award (Nominee) ―Washington Library Media Association, 2018

Young Hoosier Book Award (Nominee, Picture Book) ―Association for Indiana Media Educators, 2018-2019

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Lisa Papp grew up telling stories. With a notebook full of sketches, her early tales featured her cat, stuffed animals, and other nature-y things. Today, Lisa is still making up stories and painting pictures, only now, they fill the pages of children’s books. She has received awards for both her writing and illustration, including a 2011 NAPPA Honor Award, 2012 Storytelling Award, and the 2013 PA Keystone to Reading Award. Lisa lives in Pennsylvania, with her husband, Robert, also an artist, and three wildly creative cats— to whom she does read. You can visit her website here.