by Jenny Offill
First published 2014
When Sparky, the family dog, suddenly starts speaking, young Fiona is delighted. But as the talking canine's antics disrupt their household, Fiona must decide whether to keep Sparky's secret or reveal it to her exasperated parents. As Sparky's powers grow, Fiona faces a tough choice - hold on to her extraordinary friend, or let him go. At its heart, this is a poignant story about the special bond between a child and her pet, and the bittersweet process of growing up.
Genres: fiction, family-life, contemporary
Vibes: emotional, intimate, whimsical
Tropes: found-family, special-bond
40 pages · Kindle Edition · Anne Schwartz Books