Tender, playful, and deeply moving…
It’s not easy being the new pup on the block. Merz captures the quiet courage of a rescue dog navigating rejection and kindness in this heartfelt story. Parker’s got a big heart and a bumpy past. Rescued from the street, she finally finds a home, but Googs, the resident dog, isn’t thrilled. “Homeless dogs are bums,” Googs snaps, and Parker’s tail stops wagging. Will Googs open her heart, or will Parker lose her first real home?
Merz’s text is straight from a pup’s heart; playful, open, and full of feeling. Lines like “Just when I was getting to… kinda love her?” hit with real emotional weight, especially after pages of tension. Parker’s voice is bright and unfiltered, just right for young readers navigating their own feelings of acceptance. Debbie Hefke’s illustrations bring Parker’s world to the page with sincerity and charm. The book speaks to every child who’s ever felt overlooked, left-out, or new. Parker’s story reminds youngsters that acceptance isn’t always immediate, and kindness has a way of opening doors that seemed shut.
A simple, tender story of waiting, belonging, and sharing—perfect for readers 4–8.
Coming soon
Parker Publishing Co.
