There's a big surprise for the Shelter Pet Squad: A group of sato puppies has arrived! Satos are homeless dogs -- of various breeds -- from Puerto Rico. The kids will help them settle in until they are ready for adoption. Suzannah plays with a pup named Paloma until the little dog falls asleep in her lap. It's puppy love! That's why it's hard, the next week, when a line of people forms at the shelter to adopt the satos. Suzannah should be happy that Paloma will soon have a new home. The only problem is... she's not ready to let the dog go. Is there any way for Paloma to get adopted without breaking Suzannah's heart? Animal lovers will adore this third book in the irresistible Shelter Pet Squad series by Newbery Honor author Cynthia Lord.
From the Publisher
Praise for Shelter Pet Squad #1: Jelly Bean:"This heartwarming early chapter book reminds readers that good friends and the chance to make a positive difference are often closer than they may believe. Upbeat and relatable, this promises to be the start to a series that will win over young animal enthusiasts." -- School Library Journal
"Lord's own newly adopted shelter pet, a guinea pig, was the inspiration... and she artfully weaves information about animals, shelters, and pet care throughout. Easy vocabulary, uncomplicated sentences, generous dialogue, large font, and friendly illustrations make the book accessible." -- Booklist
"Pet lovers will enjoy this brief, quietly attractive series opener." -- Kirkus Reviews
"Lord's deft pacing and the specific details of shelter volunteering (the kids receive clear enough instructions on setting up treat "challenges" for the dogs, for example, that readers could replicate them at home) will keep kids captivated." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Book
Children's Literature - Kellie Deys
This title, book three in the “Shelter Pet Squad” chapter book series, follows Suzannah and her friends as they help acclimate a group of Puerto Rican homeless Sato puppies. Without a pet of her own, Suzannah feels left longing for her own pet and connects with Paloma, one of the puppies. She struggles throughout the book over her competing desires: to have Paloma get her own home, or to keep Paloma near her at the shelter. As a second grade protagonist, Suzannah acts as a peer for the book’s target readers. Her internal dilemma is one many children might face, wanting the best for someone else, while also fearing the impact that that may have on themselves. Therefore, the book encourages readers to consider their own feelings and responses. The chapter lengths are appropriate for intermediate readers, providing narrative development without feeling overwhelming. With a couple of black and white illustrations per chapter, the book encourages some of its younger readers, allowing them to pause as they make their way through the book. Following the story, there are a number of follow-up activities, urging readers to actively respond. These brief sections ask readers to reflect on the work of adopting a puppy, encourages them to volunteer at shelter, and provides instructions for constructing beds and balls for dogs. In doing so, the book demonstrates that simply learning about shelter puppies and hearing about their stories is only part of the goal. The greater objective is to encourage children to participate in the process themselves. Reviewer: Kellie Deys, Ph.D.; Ages 7 to 10.
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