by Dan Santat
First published 2013
Pearl Petal and Ben Silverstein begin their apprenticeship with Dr. Woo, who treats imaginary creatures at his unusual veterinary hospital. Their first assignment involves trimming a sasquatch's toenails. Pearl notices a monster lurking in the lake behind the hospital. Despite strict orders to stay inside, she ventures out to investigate. Ben follows reluctantly. The lake creature captures Ben and takes him to an island. Pearl must devise a plan to rescue her friend while the hospital harbors a mysterious patient who might help. Pearl struggles with her reputation as someone who attracts trouble, even when she doesn't intend to cause problems. The rescue mission will determine whether she can prove herself or confirm what everyone already thinks about her.
Genres: adventure, mystery, fantasy
Vibes: emotional, suspenseful, whimsical
Tropes: found-family, rescue-mission
Setting: Lonely Lake
Kindle Edition · Little, Brown Books for Young Readers