A gentle, heartfelt story of big feelings and new beginnings…
Martin’s tender debut in the Lexi the Coonhound series traces the emotional journey of a rescue pup. Shy and soft-eyed, Lexi the coonhound spends her nights curled up on her blankie in a noisy shelter, dreaming of a forever home. Her world shifts when a little girl named Zoey chooses her with a loving heart and a hopeful voice: “You’re pretty.”
Told with quiet compassion and capped with a first-person note from Lexi herself, the story strikes a delicate balance between fear and comfort, unfamiliarity and belonging. Lexi’s adjustment unfolds slowly, realistically. But Martin doesn’t rush Lexi’s transformation. Instead, she lets the reader sit with the unease of change. Lexi’s journey gently affirms that being part of a family doesn’t happen all at once, and that it’s okay to need time, space, and something soft to hold onto. The illustrations mirror Lexi’s emotional journey, from uncertainty to comfort, with warmth and subtlety.
Perfect for dog lovers and anyone who’s ever had to be brave in a new situation.
Pub date June 16, 2023
Gatekeeper Press
ISBN 978-1662923555
Price $18.99 (USD) Hardcover, $11.99 Paperback
Reading age 5-9 years
Length 38 pages
