– A Story Of True Friendship! –

Author: Katie Klise
Illustrator: Sarah Klise
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends (July 2017)

• Approx. Word Count: 632
• Pages: 32
• Ages: 3 – 5

A white shaggy dog is sitting at the door to welcome the new baby girl into the family. Soon he becomes her
bodyguard, her favorite pillow, and even at times her hiding place as she begins to grow.

To put it quite simply, Astrid and her dog Eli become inseparable. But each year that Astrid celebrates her birthday
she realizes that Eli is aging more quickly and starting to slow down.

Astrid, who has grown up with Eli and loves him dearly, decides to make a bucket list of things they should do together before he isn’t able to: ride a bike with her, go to the library so she can read to him, watch a movie with him (of course she’d ask the theater owners permission first), sleep under the stars, and more.

When the list narrows down and Eli’s fur fades from gray to white Astrid asks him if there is anything he’d like to add to the list, and of course there is.

My Thoughts

What Concerned Me: Nothing

What I Liked Most:  This is an issue that many families are addressed with, even though it’s one we all like to pretend we can avoid. To many of us, our furry friends feel like our immediate family. A member who is always accepting and loving.

The sisters (author and illustrator) add a special touch to this book that is tasteful, gentle and loving. Is it a bit sad? Sure. But it is presented in such a positive manner that it is more of a celebration of friendship and love.

Spoiler Alert Does Eli die in the book: no. The story gently faces the eventual and inevitable loss of a pet though. Will it tug at heartstrings: you bet. But softly and in a good way.

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To Read Some Interesting Questions About The Book

Answered By The Sisters