An encouraging story of first pet ownership for every shy child needing a confidence boost

In a gentle story from Caldecott Honoree Lauren Castillo, a shy young girl finds exploring her new city and making friends overwhelming – until a rescue dog helps her uncover the bravery that was always in her.

A young girl and her mother move to an apartment in a new city. Despite her mum's efforts to take her out, the girl would rather play by herself in their cosy home – she feels just fine on her own. Meeting any children her age has her hiding behind her mother’s legs, and invitations to group activities has her in tears. That is, until she meets Millie, a rescue dog who is not too big, not too small, and kisses her arm when the girl nervously reaches out. With Millie, saying hello to new people isn’t so scary, and maybe making a friend isn’t either.

Through emotionally honest prose and soft, expressive illustrations, Lauren Castillo explores one girl’s shyness and anxiety – and how one dog’s love helps her open up – in a warm picture book that reminds readers of how the right companion can make the world feel like a less frightening place.