First published 2012
Scout bounces into the dog park with her tail wagging and her heart full of hope. The energetic puppy wants nothing more than to befriend the other dogs she sees playing together. She shows off her best moves, splashing through puddles and darting away with toys in a game of keepaway. But the older dogs pay her no attention. They continue their own games while Scout watches from the sidelines. As the day winds down, Scout finds herself alone except for Baby, her beloved toy companion. The disappointment stings, but Scout refuses to give up. She knows she can win over these potential friends, even if it means doing things her own wonderfully silly way. This picture book captures the universal desire to belong and the determination it takes to keep trying when friendship doesn't come easily.
Genres: fiction, contemporary, picture-books
Vibes: emotional, heartwarming, whimsical
Tropes: found-family, underdog
Setting: Dog Park
32 pages · Hardcover · Viking Books for Young Readers