Ode to a Pug: I'm a BIG Dog! Virtual Tour: Review and Prize Pack Giveaway

Have you missed our beloved gassy pug Phoebe? She's back for a new adventure in Ode to a Pug: I'm a BIG Dog!, the fourth book in the rhyming picture book series by award-winning author-illustrator duo Jill Rosen and Steph Rohr. Explore the BIG dog park with Phoebe and win a fantastic prize pack complete with author-signed books, pug plushies and stickers!

My Review:

Full of hilarious mishaps captured in comical pictures and playful rhymes, Ode to a Pug: I'm a BIG Dog! breaks down the process of figuring out where one belongs while celebrating courage, confidence, community and unconditional love.

Phoebe loves Park Day, when she can enjoy outdoor play with her friends in the park exclusive to small dogs. After seeing all the fun the BIG dogs are having on the other side of the fence however, Phoebe feels the urge to try something new. Nothing can stop her from venturing into the BIG dog park. Will she impress the big guys and have a good time there? Regardless, she steals the spotlight when being spoiled by her human Mom.

Taking a funny, curious and adventurous pug's perspective, the story showcases both the excitement and risk of making a bold move. It applauds Phoebe's courage to step out of her comfort zone and take on big challenges. Meanwhile, it suggests that growing up takes time and patience. Staying where you belong gives you joy, confidence and a sense of security. Being loved and seen matters more than being big in size.

The book's humorous narrative is perfectly complemented by its amusing, expressive illustrations, which bring out the cuteness and quirkiness of a comedic pug. The colorful, lively pictures also help familiarize young readers with dogs in different sizes and of different breeds.

Witty and cozy, Ode to a Pug: I'm a BIG Dog! is a charming addition to the adorable series. It speaks to dog lovers of all ages and young children who can hardly wait to experience the thrill of all those BIG kids' rides.

About the Book:

Ages: 4–6 | 36 Pages
Publisher: Pug House Books Inc. (2026) | ISBN: 978-1-0695069-6-2

Anyone who has stared down a “You must be this tall to enter” sign will cheer on Phoebe’s latest quest to rule the BIG dog park the way only a pug can. Giggle along as a couple of compact canines stubbornly take on the BIG dogs in another hilarious, heart-warming adventure from the author of the award-winning Ode to a Pug books. Will our favorite gassy pug learn that the grass isn’t always greener? Or will her pug-powered determination pay off? A laugh-out-loud, adorably illustrated, rhyming tale of pup perseverance, perfect for children ages 2–8 and dog lovers of all ages.

Purchase links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org

The Doggos Series Blog Tour: Review & Giveaway

Do you like stories that involve dogs and kids? Then you'll have a blast reading The Doggos series written and illustrated by dedicated dog-lover S. K. Edwards. Get a feel of what makes this series special and enter to win the first six books!

My Review:

The Doggos series starts with Simon & Butch, a gripping tale about friendship, loyalty, justice and creative problem-solving.

Although being a top student, third-grader Simon hates going to school for fear of the constant challenges on his way to school: an intimidating dog named Butch and two bad bullies known as the The Baker brothers. Little does Simon know that Butch views him as a friend because the meat sandwiches he tosses is such a treat. When the Baker brothers attack Simon to rob his lunch money, Butch breaks free from the chain and scares the bad boys away.

With relatable scenarios and surprising plot twists, the story keeps young readers intrigued while showing them that appearance can be deceptive in a good way. The growling junkyard dog turns out to be a real hero. It is the sandwich Simon hates that earns him a loyal furry friend. Simon's story suggests the importance of timely communication between children and their parents. Imagine what would happen if Simon has told his mom sooner about the bullying and his preference for vegetarian food?

The book sets itself apart with unique collage style illustrations, which combine comical paintings with real-life images to add humor to the narrative and to create a realistic feel for its setting or background. As a bonus to budding chefs, the book includes two easy-to-follow vegetarian recipes. The Pita Pockets sound particularly scrumptious!

Stimulating and amusing, Simon & Butch certainly makes me want to read more from The Doggos series, which I expect to be a total delight for dog lovers of all ages.

About the Books:

The Doggosare heartwarming stories about dogs and the kids who love them. Each book focuses on the story of a sad, abandoned dog and an unhappy, out-of-control, or lonely child. The books are inspiring parables that show the special relationships between children and dogs.

Many children suffer from anxiety, loneliness, bullying, or hyperactivity, but when just the right dog comes along into his or her lives, magic happens. Dogs are reservoirs of unconditional love and can make a child feel valued and secure.

Purchase links: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Willie's Gift Blog Tour: Review & Giveaway

Did it take a while for you to recognize your special gift? Do you want to help your children discover theirs? Get started with Willie's Gift, a multi-award-winning picture book from writer and reading therapist Clairmarie Field. Enter to win a hardcover copy!

My Review:

Inspired by the author's real-life experience and expertise, Willie's Gift tells a heartwarming tale about kindness, diversity, self-discovery and self-acceptance.

Willie feels like an outlier on his first day at the training school for therapy dogs. He's way smaller and shorter than his classmates, who can't help staring at his noticeably long, wide, pointed ears. To his delight, all the people he visits at the nursing home he's taken to enjoy his company and thank him for being a good listener. Willie's heart is filled with joy and pride now that he's found his gift!

Following an adorable puppy's self-discovery journey, the story addresses common issues like first day of school jitters, fear and anxiety related to fitting in, and lack of confidence in self-worth. Willie's progress at the training school encourages young readers to embrace their differences and take on new challenges. The portrait of dogs in different colors, sizes and looks in the same class provides an opportunity to teach about diversity and inclusion, as well as dog breeds.

Willie's adventure at the nursing home directs our attention to the importance of being a good listener. It suggests that being kind and helpful to someone can be as simple as listening to his or her personal story,  with patience and empathy. The book's vibrant and realistic illustrations dynamically capture Willie's cuteness and his hearty interactions with the human characters.

Comforting and captivating, Willie's Gift makes a worthy read for all, especially animal lovers, youngsters struggling to find their strengths, and those eager to make a positive impact.

About the Book:

Ages: 5-7 | 20 Pages
Publisher: Mascot Kids (2025) | ISBN: 979-8891383289

Willie is a silky-beige and rust-colored Yorkshire terrier puppy with one problem. He was born with exceptionally large ears. He knows that he does not look like other puppies in his dog training classroom, and he feels a little strange. How will he learn to accept himself? In Willie’s Gift, read how Willie discovers the perfect solution while learning something very important about himself in the process.

Purchase links: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org

Ode to a Pug: That Cat! Blog Tour: Review and Prize Pack Giveaway

Cat and dogs don't get along. Is this a truth or a myth? Judge for yourself by reading Ode to a Pug: That Cat!, sequel to the award-winning picture book Ode to a Pug by Jill Rosen. Enter to win a signed hardcover copy, along with an exclusive pug plush and sticker!

My Review:

With delightful rhymes and playful pictures, Ode to a Pug: That Cat! crafts an entertaining and heart-melting story about friendship, acceptance of differences and adaptation to change.

Soon after a cat is brought home by her human, Phoebe the pug starts to notice how different this newcomer is, from where she answers the call of nature to what she likes to play. It's hard to tell if the cat is more of a companion or a competition, but obviously she is no less mischievous than a pug. Phoebe finally gets her peace and space back when the cat is taken away. But why is she missing those meows so much?

Narrated by Phoebe and addressed to the cat, this book in fact features an ode to a cat by a pug. Through the pug's observation, readers get to learn about how the dog and the cat differ in their behavior and personalities, and how they interact with each other in funny but adorable ways. The growing bonds between the two strongly suggest the possibility of true friendship between individuals with substantial differences. Being different can be fun and exciting.

While the earnest tone of the pug adds to the humor of the narrative, the lively, cartoonish drawings that accompany the poem make the characters all the more lovely, charming and amusing. Their vivid facial expressions and body language can keep the readers laughing from beginning to end.

Lyrically written and expressively illustrated, Ode to a Pug: That Cat! makes a fabulous addition to the series and a magnetic read for pet lovers of all ages.

About the Book:

Ages: 3-6 | 22 Pages
Publisher: Pug House Books (2025) | ISBN: 978-1-0692261-1-2

From the author of the award-winning Ode to a Pug comes Ode to a Pug: THAT CAT! – the first in a series of amusing, adorably illustrated stories starring the gassy little pug that started it all.

Hilarious pug Phoebe is back, but she is not alone. See what happens when an unexpected new member enters the household.

Follow the silly antics as our number one velcro dog wrestles with sharing the spotlight. Of course, with its classic curly tail and squishy face, only a pug can pull off being both naughty and irresistible.

Double the chaos. Double the fun. Another laugh-out-loud, read-aloud story perfect for children ages 2-8 and dog (and cat!) lovers of all ages.

Purchase link: Amazon

Óg go Deo: Forever Young Blog Tour: Review & Giveaway

It's sad and painful to face the passing of a beloved pet. Where do pets go when their bodies stop functioning? Discover their secret in Óg go Deo: Forever Young by Chainy Blue and enter to win one of seven paperback copies!

My Review:

Dedicated to everyone who loved their pet and keeps them in their hearts, Óg go Deo: Forever Young crafts a touching and soothing tale that helps children cope with pet loss and grief by turning their fear and sorrow into hope and strength.

Twelve happy years have passed since the adoption of Miew-Miew, a once stray, severely wounded mackerel tabby. The time has finally come to bid farewell to her loving family. The children feel devastated by the loss of their furry friend until their mother tells them about Óg go Deo, the magical world of Forever Young, where animal spirits live on in joy, peace and safety. The spirit world is also where pets and their humans get renuited someday.

Pet loss is a harsh but inevitable reality that pet owners have to deal with. The story addresses this challenging topic with subtlety and sensitivity. The intense and genuine feelings expressed by the characters are sure to resonate with all pet owners, young and old alike. I'm especially impressed with the colorful, beautiful and whimsical world of eternity that the author has painted using vivid descriptions as well as vibrant pictures. This book not only helps provide comfort and closure to a grieving child but also encourages everyone to love and care for animals, and to cherish the many cheerful memories about them that may last forever.

Imaginative and relatable, Óg go Deo: Forever Young is a hearty read for pet owners and animal lovers.

About the Book:

Ages: 8-18 | 28 Pages
Publisher: Independently Published (2024) | ISBN: 979-8342247122

When a beloved pet passes away, the ache feels deeper than words can express – for both children and adults alike. In this gentle and compassionate story, readers will discover the beautiful truth about where our animal companions go when their physical bodies grow too tired to continue their earthly journey. With wisdom and tenderness, this book offers comfort to grieving hearts, helping readers understand that while our pets’ bodies may leave us, their spirits never truly fade away. Perfect for families navigating difficult conversations around pet loss, this story provides hope and healing, transforming tears of sadness into memories of joy.

A touching exploration of love, loss, and the eternal bonds we share with our animal friends.

Purchase Link: Amazon

How to Make a Sandwich Blog Tour: Review and Prize Pack Giveaway

How hard can it be to make a sandwich for lunch? It depends on whether someone keeps messing with the process. Check out Lorena M. Proia's lovely debut picture book How to Make a Sandwich and enter to win a fun prize pack including a signed copy of the book, matching t-shirts and more!

My Review:

Brimming with love and kindness, How to Make a Sandwich tells a cozy and sweet story about food, family, friendship and forgiveness. Feeling hungry, Rae invites her cat Nero to watch her make a turkey sandwich while passionately explaining why making a sandwich reminds her of families. Her creation can't go exactly as planned though, with the key ingredients missing one after another. Can she solve the mystery? Will she finish making her sandwich anyway?

Through interesting monologues and vivid illustrations, the story brings to life a cute little girl and her adorable furry friends. Rae tries to act and talk like a grown-up, but the oversized lab coat she wears and the step stool she has to stand on to reach the kitchen counter give her away. Her cat Nero is a patient, attentive listener, while her dog Phebe is an avid yet mischievous food lover.

The analogy Rae makes between family and sandwich is clever and creative, suggesting the different roles family members play and how love holds them together. The way Rae handles the challenge of making a sandwich with limited resources inspires young readers to be flexible, to improvise, to make do with what you have, and to solve problems in constructive ways. Moreover, the ending of the story illustrates the joy of sharing and forgiving.

As an integral part of the book, the engaging and expressive artwork provides revealing details about each character and encourages young readers to observe and search for clues that help unravel the puzzle of missing ingredients. It also makes the loving relationship between Rae and her family members evident and compelling.

Amusing and captivating, How to Make a Sandwich is sure to charm young foodies and pet lovers!

About the Book:

Ages 4+ | 32 Pages
Publisher: PnM Publishing | ISBN-13: 979-8-9885730-0-5

Making a sandwich is fun and easy! And Rae knows just how to do it. The bread is like the parents, it keeps the sandwich safe and happy. The turkey is the love, the lettuce is the fun. But every time Rae adds an ingredient, it disappears, and she soon realizes there is a sandwich-stealing thief intent on eating her creation! Will Rae ever get to eat her lunch? Suddenly making a sandwich isn’t so easy after all!

Purchase links: Amazon | Author's website

Ode to a Pug Blog Tour: Review and Prize Pack Giveaway

Do you have a super naughty furry friend that drives you crazy at times but remains an indispensable part of your life nonetheless? Then you may share the very mixed feelings that Jill Rosen expresses in her debut children's picture book Ode to a Pug. Join the virtual tour for this sweet new release and enter to win a pug themed prize pack!

My Review:

Bursting with humor and affection, Ode to a Pug is an entertaining and endearing book that celebrates the precious bond between pets and their owners. In this rhyming poem addressed to her pug, a young woman savors all the sweet and sour moments with her pup, who is at once incurably mischievous and irresistibly adorable. Aside from smelly toots and potty accidents, the pug likes to chew on everything in sight and make a mess around the house. One day the little adventurer's misbehavior pushes the owner to her breaking point. Maybe, it's time to say goodbye. But will she ever have the heart to part with her beloved fur baby? Just think about the innocent look in those enormous eyes!

With hilarious descriptions and comical illustrations, the book vividly and accurately represents the profound love a pug owner has for her four-legged family member, despite all the challenging chores she has to deal with on a daily basis. It may easily resonate with any dog parent with similar experiences. A pup's cuteness and companionship will ultimately outweigh any trouble it causes. For young readers wishing for a pet of their own, the story shows the tremendous joy of raising a pet along with the many responsibilities that come with pet ownership. It can be both rewarding and demanding.

Appealing to animal lovers of all ages, the book will make you laugh and make your heart melt.

About the Book:

Ages 4+ | 32 Pages
Publisher: AM Ink Publishing (2024) ISBN-13: 978-1-958842-24-9

A precocious pug delights in shenanigans which drive her frazzled owner to declare she will give her pup away!

Laugh along with the snorting, snoring, and gaseous clown of the canine world as its owner struggles to reign in the messes and mayhem of a new addition. But there is nothing that a few licks and cuddles can’t fix, right?

A true delight that any family can relate to, Ode to a Pug is full of heart… and a lot of slobber.

Purchase links: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org

All the Small Wonderful Things Blog Tour: Review and Prize Pack Giveaway

How do you determine if someone counts as a friend or not? Do you care more about the quantity or the quality of your friends? That's what Alex tries to figure out in All the Small Wonderful Things written by Kate Foster. Learn about this unique book and enter to win a signed copy, along with a $100 donation to a rescue dog charity of your choice!

My Review:

Written with love and insights, All the Small Wonderful Things is an engaging and heartwarming middle grade novel exploring the essence of friendship while exhibiting the remarkable power of kindness. It revolves around an autistic boy named Alex, who believes that winning a trophy at the dog show is his only shot at befriending the most popular kids at school. But there's only five days left and so many things could go wrong, from training his beloved furry friend Kevin to registering for the desired categories in the contest. Will everything turn out just fine despite all the unexpected changes that keep popping up to mess up Alex's plan? Will a trophy really bring in more friends as he hopes?

Adopting a first person point of view, the book leads us inside the mind of an autistic child, letting us see, hear and feel things from his angle. This approach allows the readers to get a better knowledge of the concerns and challenges the protagonist has to deal with on a daily basis, and thus a better understanding of his actions and reactions. His intolerance of loud sounds is caused by his acute sense of hearing. He avoids making eye contact because he thinks it's rude to stare at people. He makes constant, conscious efforts to regulate his emotions and to perfect his self-soothing strategies, although he hasn't always been successful. I enjoyed reading the story from cover to cover. My eyes welled up with tears when I reached the ending.

His kind heart, artistic talent, and tenacity make Alex a lovable character. He is lucky to be surrounded by nice people like Angel, Derek, and the adult figures, who set great examples for how we could offer help to those struggling with communication or social interaction. I feel his joy and excitement when Alex comes to the realization that he has more friends than he thinks. Friendship may take different forms. Alex's story urges young readers to be more considerate and caring to autistic kids, and to accept them as who they are.

What stands out from the book is the incredible friendship between Alex and Kevin, who loves him unconditionally, provides comfort and calms him down whenever necessary. The emotional support from such a loyal friend is powerful and priceless.

Easy to follow and fun to read, this is a delightful book for all dog lovers and anyone who cares to discover and cherish all the small wonderful things in life.

About the Book:

Ages 8+ | 240 Pages
Publisher: Candlewick | ISBN-13: 9781536225808

In an endearing story about an autistic boy and his steadfast furry pal, Alex is convinced that winning a trophy at the dog show will help him make a real friend at last.

Eleven-year-old Alex knows that starting middle school will be a big change, and for an autistic person, change can be terrifying. He is sure that having a friend by his side will help. But how can he make one? Alex devises a plan to impress the kids at school by winning a trophy at the PAWS Dog Show with his trusty sidekick, Kevin the Cockapoo. This should be a walk in the park, right? If only. It turns out that finding a friend is harder than Alex thought—unless, maybe, friendship is about something more than popularity.

This charming story, told through Alex’s clear and honest voice, navigates relationships of all stripes between classmates, new neighbors, family, and, of course, a kid and his dog. After all, friendship isn’t one-size-fits-all—maybe it’s found in the small things where you least expect it.

Purchase links: Amazon | Bookshop | Barnes and Noble

Dog Park Blog Tour: Review and Prize Pack Giveaway

We know an ambassador as someone who represents a country, an organization or a brand. But what does a dog park ambassador do? What does it take to become one? Let's learn all about this honorable position in Kathryn Kazoleas' middle grade chapter book Dog Park. Enter to win a prize pack including signed copies of both Dog Park and its sequel Dog Daycare!

My Review:

Written from a dog's point of view, Dog Park is an amusing short story that centers around a labradoodle named Gibson. Gibson is eager to become a dog park ambassador, who is expected to keep the community in order and make everyone (humans included) feel welcomed. On her first training day however, Gibson's excitement soon gets replaced by embarrassment, for she finds it impossible to please the puppies or to suppress her instinct to catch a ball. Just as she is almost convinced that she's not quite ambassador material, she plunges herself into an emergency rescue mission, followed by an overnight adventure in the woods inhabited by aggressive bobcats.

Luckily, these challenges turn into opportunities for Gibson to practice her ambassador skills, including taking care of a naughty, restless, inquisitive puppy. As she finds her way back to the dog park, her confidence finds its way back to her.

Through Gibson's thoughts, actions and observations, the story brings to life a bunch of endearing canine characters, each with a set of distinct traits. Gibson is a bit uptight at times, but she is also kind, brave, smart, prudent and has a strong sense of responsibility. Gibson's best friend Stretch is funny, supportive, optimistic, and dependable. Who wouldn't want a friend like that?

Their story exemplifies the incredible power of friendship and teamwork. It inspires us to be a hero, a leader, and a problem-solver. The book also teaches about fun facts regarding different dog breeds. Did you know that bulldogs can't swim? Animal lovers, especially dog lovers, wouldn't want to miss this fast and entertaining read.

About the Book:

Ages 6+ | 116 Pages
Publisher: Kathryn Kazoleas | ISBN-13: 9781777426118

Gibson the Labradoodle is about to begin her first day of training to become a dog park ambassador, something she has been dreaming about her entire life. Dog park ambassadors hold a very high honor within the dog park community and have many important roles to make sure the dog park is a fun and safe place to be. She has so many great ideas and cannot wait to get started.

While Gibson is training alongside lead ambassador and trainer, Meistro the bulldog, things don’t go as planned. Gibson meets challenge after challenge and isn’t allowed to introduce any of her new ideas. Being a dog park ambassador isn’t what she thought it would be, so she starts to question whether the role is really for her. At the end of her very first training shift, and just as she’s about to give up and tell Meistro she isn’t cut out to be a dog park ambassador after all, there’s an emergency at the river. One of the dog park’s new puppies, Clover, has swum too far out and cannot get back to shore.

Gibson’s best friend and greatest supporter, Stretch the dachshund, convinces her she must help. Gibson springs into action, with Stretch at her side and encouraging her the entire time. Gibson saves the day…almost! Having been swept downstream and far away from the dog park, Gibson is forced to lead the trio back to safety. There’s only one way back through a dark forest with strange sounds and smells. The sun is starting to go down and everybody is tired and scared. But Gibson knows she has to get her friends back home, despite what or who gets in her way.

Purchase links: Amazon

The True Story of Nick the Fire Dog Blog Tour: Review & Giveaway

Are you curious about how an adandoned puppy becomes a beloved member of the City of Newburgh Fire Department in New York? Read The True Story of Nick the Fire Dog, a fascinating picture book written by a real firefighter based on a true story. Enter to win a copy signed by author Timonthy Dexter, Jr. along with the pawprint stamp of the real Nick the Firedog!

My Review:

The True Story of Nick the Fire Dog is a heartwarming and inspiring book for readers of all ages, especially those who care about pet adoption and animal rescue. Soon after being abandoned by his previous owner, a friendly pit bull puppy is discovered by a few kind-hearted firefighters from the nearby firehouse, where he receives proper care and finds his forever home. The puppy grows up to be known as Nick the Firedog, who, in his dashing fire coat, joins his firefighter friends on calls and help them teach fire safety to kids at local schools. What Nick originally believes to be the worst day of his life turns out to be the best thing ever!

Enriched with vibrant colors and adorable images, the story gives us the opportunity to follow Nick's unique life experience and feel what he feels under different circumstances. The book is educational in many regards. It teaches about kindness, compassion, and responsibility. It shows how to take loving care of our furry family member. It offers useful fire safety tips. Moreover, it gives us hope for a blessing in disguise and motivates us to turn a bad situation around.

My boys love the cute dog wearing the fire coat and wish they could meet the real Nick someday. The only complaint they have about the book is that it is too short. They want to read more about Nick's life as a fire dog. I'd recommend this book as a must-read for animal lovers and fans of real life heroes like firefighters.

About the Book:

Ages 4-8 | 24 Pages
Publisher: Independently Published | ISBN-13: 9798746907578

The True story of “Nick the Firedog” is a true story about a pit bull puppy that was left abandoned and tied to a fire hydrant a block away from the firehouse. The puppy was rescued by the local firefighters where he quickly became a permanent fixture at the firehouse and a local celebrity. He goes on calls, teaches fire prevention, and even has his own fire coat.

Purchase Link: Amazon

My Cat Is Blue Blog Tour: Review and Prize Pack Giveaway

As much as we'd like to enjoy the company of our furry friends, we have to face the hard fact that their life spans are shorter than ours. What can we do to help loved ones cope with sad feelings when the time has come to bid farewell? Get inspired by new children's picture book My Cat Is Blue, written by award-winning author Sarah Sommer. Plus enter to win a signed copy and a $50 Amazon gift card!

About the Book:

Book Title: My Cat Is Blue by Sarah Sommer
Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7), 36 pages
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Publisher: Mascot Books
Release date: October 2021
Tour dates: October 5 to October 18
Content Rating: G - Children's picture book featuring feelings of sadness and grief (loss of a pet), but no explicit content or language.

When someone you love is feeling down in the dumps, you try everything to help. But sometimes, you don't have the cure, and those blues can even become contagious. It just might be the unexpected that allows you both to shed your blues and move toward a bright and colorful future.

My Review:

In My Cat Is Blue, a little girl finds her cat acting very differently lately: looking sad, losing interest in his favorite food and toy, and ceasing to engage in any gestures of affection. After all failed attempts to cheer him up, the girl takes her cat to the vet, who suggests the recent loss of the family dog as the cause of the cat's blues and offers a possible solution that involves actions from the entire family.

Told in a little girl's words, the story is unique and heartwarming. What impressed me most is its brilliant use of color to express feelings of the characters and to indicate changes in mood. The story starts from the cat being blue to everyone in the story turning blue, which vividly shows how sadness can be contagious. The sweet memories appear in bright and rich colors to accentuate the harsh impacts of grief and loss. You can literally see someone's face light up as the blue and gray colors give way to warm and vibrant colors. Besides, the cat and the girl are beautifully illustrated with expressive eyes and cute body language.

The book provides feasible advice to help a loved one recover from the loss of a close friend or a cherished companion and move on with life. Love and support from family members are crucial to the healing process. It also suggests that we should be sensitive to the changes in behavior of someone we care about to facilitate early detection of psychological issues and seek help from medical professionals when necessary.

Buy the Book: Mascot Books

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Chapters Indigo | Books-A-Million

Buckets Goes on a Winter Adventure Blog Tour: Prize Pack Giveaway

Have you heard about Buckets, a French Bulldog that got famous on Instagram? His owner Taryan Crowder has written a book starring Buckets. Learn more about Buckets Goes on a Winter Adventure and enter to win a fun prize pack!

About the Book

Written by Taryn Crowder

Illustrated by Nidhom

Buckets is a curious French Bulldog, and he’s determined to find out where snow comes from! One wintry day, Buckets runs away from his home in Brooklyn in hopes of finding its origin…but what happens when he gets lost along the way? Buckets Goes on a Winter Adventure is a story of friendship and determination, and will encourage readers of all ages to explore the mysteries of the world around them.

Ages 4-8 | Mascot Books | October 1, 2019 | ISBN-13: 978-1643073699

Order your own copy on Amazon or Bookshop.

The Benefits of Getting Children Involved in Adopting Pets

Getting a four-legged friend for your home is an important decision that calls for the input of everyone in the family, including the younger members. If you are considering adopting a pet, I'd strongly suggest getting your kids involved in the entire process from finding the perfect pet for adoption to taking care of the new pet at home. This is especially necessary if your child is the one who asked for a new pet in the first place. And there are quite a few benefits for doing so.

1. Recognize the significance of saving lives.
Adopting a pet usually means saving it from being homeless or being euthanized due to lack of space in a shelter. By providing a lovely animal with a loving home, you'll not only enrich your own life, but may also save the life of another animal in need of shelter space. That's why 'saving lives' is often cited as one of the top reasons for adopting pets. You can take this opportunity to teach your child about how the adoption could make a positive impact on the lives of those animals and how it would make our own lives more meaningful.

2. Learn about the basics of decision-making.
Choosing the right pet to adopt for your family is the perfect exercise for developing decision-making skills. You may discuss with your child which breed you prefer. For instance, Chihuahuas make a highly sensible choice in San Diego because the warm, agreeable weather suits them really well. Besides, Chihuahuas are super cute and great with children. You and your child can search online for Chihuahuas available for adoption in your vicinity, attend a meetup or visit a shelter, until you find the one that is meant to become a part of your family. In the process, your kid will learn how to prioritize, how to weigh pros and cons, how to justify a decision, and things along those lines.

3. Learn to take responsibilities.
A new pet to your home will bring along a lot of responsibilities and commitments. Let your child take a share or even take the lead in fulfilling those responsibilities, such as walking the dog, grooming, feeding, potty training, visiting the vet, etc. Kids will not only learn many essential life skills along the way, they will also likely learn to appreciate all the things that their parents have done for them. They may even strengthen their bonds with their parents because of better understanding and because of sharing the care-giving responsibilities for their beloved pet.

Celebrate National Guide Dog Month with Natural Balance

September is National Guide Dog Month. It's the perfect time to learn about what life might be like for people who are blind or visually impaired. What is it like to "see" through the eyes of a guide dog?

In celebration of the National Guide Dog Month, Natural Balance, the maker of premium-quality pet food, and Guide Dogs for the Blind (a non-profit charitable organization that raises and trains exceptional guide dogs to serve the blind and visually impaired) have recognized the "Top Human-Canine Teams Who Make Us Believe."

These nine teams are outstanding examples of the amazing partnerships possible between humans and canines. I was particularly inspired by Ashleigh and here guide dog Yuri, and I'd like to share their story with you:

Imagine, for a brief moment, what it would be like to work in the middle of Times Square in New York City. Imagine weaving through the large crowds, the bustling commotion, and the pulsing energy at every corner. Now, imagine trying to do this without your eyesight. For Ashleigh Hertzig, this is not just an imaginary scenario—it’s her everyday life.

Visually impaired since birth, Ashleigh used a cane to get around for years—but found that it became increasingly difficult to be mobile during the wintertime due to dangerous patches of ice on the pavement. These harsh winter conditions—combined with encouragement from her family—got her to consider the possibility of a guide dog.

Ashleigh grew up terrified of dogs, but as she began researching Guide Dogs for the Blind, she felt that their positive reinforcement philosophy matched her personal beliefs and values. So she took a leap of faith. When Yuri—a Guide Dogs for the Blind-trained yellow Lab—first walked into her life, Ashleigh remembers he was so excited that he couldn’t stop sneezing. Now, over two years later, they’re so connected that she can’t imagine life without him.

“Being paired with Yuri has changed my life in so many ways. In addition to being my eyes, keeping me safe, and giving me independence, he has also become my best friend—and is constantly by my side,” says Ashleigh. Without Yuri, Ashleigh may have never developed the confidence and independence needed to fulfill her dream of living and working in New York City. She is now able to navigate the city’s fast-paced subway system every day, feeling fully safe and cared for.

As Ashleigh's story shows, in addition to providing enhanced mobility, guide dogs can also be a social bridge, opening a world of possibilities for friendship and human connection.

To help people like Ashleigh Hertzig, please consider donating to Guide Dogs to the Blind. Once there, you can also read the stories of the eight other amazing human-canine teams. There's no better time than National Guide Dog Month to show your support for these incredible people and their four-legged superheroes!

Do you have a special bond with your pet? Feel free to share your own story in the comment section below.

Disclosure: I received a free gift in exchange for this publication.

Leaving Triscuit Blog Tour: Excerpt, Free Offer & Giveaway

Do you miss your four-legged friend when you have to be separated from him or her for an extended period of time? Leaving Triscuit by Will Pollock is all about coping with that sort of separation anxiety. Follow the blog tour at Elite Book Tours for reviews, author interviews, guest posts and more. Learn more about the book, read a short excerpt and enter to win 1 of 3 prizes.

Leaving Triscuit is FREE 8/9-8/11!

About the Book:

Say “hello” to better good-byes! “Leaving Triscuit” is a blueprint on how you can heal the stress of leaving pets while you’re away for work or leisure. This poignant and personal story is woven with advice from animal- and human-behavior experts who contribute affirming, indispensible strategies to strengthen and even improve the unique bond between pet and parent. Using picture imaging and harnessing the innate, unspoken connection between pet and parent, your separation anxiety will fade away and a greater understanding will be formed.

Amazon

Vera Bradley Gift Bag Giveaway {Life's a Beach Giveaway Hop} #lifesabeach

June is Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month. It is estimated that 10 to 70 million stray dogs and cats live on the streets and 5.4 million dogs and cats end up in animal shelters in the U.S. annually. While half are adopted, the other half is euthanized due to lack of space in shelters. As a proud supporter of animal advocacy, Cat’s Pride has teamed up with actress Katherine Heigl to donate a portion of the proceeds of every purchase of Cat's Pride Fresh & Light Ultimate Care to the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation, an animal advocacy organization Katherine founded in her brother's memory.

The newly launched Cat’s Pride Fresh & Light Ultimate Care is a revolutionary litter that delivers the ultimate performance including 10 day odor control, the strongest clumps and low tracking. It is 50 percent lighter than traditional scoopable litters and is formulated with highly absorbent minerals and no fillers. The product is available in a 10 pound jug, in both scented and unscented hypoallergenic varieties. Follow Cat's Pride on Facebook and Twitter for cat care and adoption tips.

The Giveaway

To celebrate the launch of Fresh & Light Ultimate Care and the partnership with Katherine Heigl, Cat's Pride has generously offered to give one of my lucky readers a Vera Bradley Camocat print tote bag stuffed with a cat collar, a cat dancer toy and a coupon redeemable for one 10 lb. jug of new Cat's Pride Fresh & Light Ultimate Care Litter (ARV $75)!

Cutest Internet Cats of 2015 & #CatsMeowAwards Gift Pack Giveaway

The New Year brings in the award season. The Meow Mix Acatemy has voted and the results are in: The winner of the 2015 Internet is... Cats. From Reddit posts to Buzzfeed lists, it's im-paw-sible to scroll through your news feed without a cat pouncing its way into your heart.

Meow Mix helps kick off award show season by recognizing this year's top theatrical performances (on the Internet, of course) for The 2015 Cat's Meow Awards.

Move over, Robert Meowny, Jr., Jenni-purr Aniston and Leonardo DiCatrio -- the year's most anticipated awards show honors a flurry of furry faces.

Meow Mix received more than 25,000 submissions for the Cat's Meow Awards, which celebrates the best cat moments of the year and the one-of-a-kind bond that only cats and humans share.

Finally... an awards show starring my favorite types of purr-formers: cats!

Paw It Forward with Morris the Cat & Chance to Win Cool Prizes!

This is a guest post provided and sponsored by 9Lives.

Hey Ice Fairy's Treasure Chest readers! Morris the Cat, from 9Lives cat food, here. (You may have thought that a cat's only computer skills involve laying on the keyboard while others are trying to use it, but in fact, we are very tech savvy.)

For those of you who don't know me, I've starred in over fifty 9Lives cat food commercials, am an advo-cat for kitty rescue, and was even crowned one of Advertising's Greatest Icons by the Museum of Broadcast Communications. (But I must say, I took issue with this honor. I didn't know I was *advertising* **all those years... I just really love 9Lives!)

In case you couldn't guess, I'm purr-ty much an expert when it comes to eating, and that's the subject of my next venture. As you know, the holidays are 'prime eating time' and I want you to be able to chow down like a pro.

I also thought, with everyone in the holiday spirit, it's a great time to give back. Lucky for you, giving back is as easy as using your opposable thumbs. With those two bad boys – and the rest of your fingers – you can help feed a kitty in need. Watch this video to find out how. (Spoiler Alert: It's totally FREE!)

Purina Beyond Sweepstakes: Win A Year's Supply of Natural Dog Food!

Purina Beyond Dog Food features natural ingredients that make sure that your pet's meal is nutritionally complete. Now you could win a year's supply of Purina Beyond Dog Food for free by entering the Purina Beyond Sweepstakes! For your chance to win, simply click on the picture below (it may take longer to load than the text) and follow the instructions to submit your entry. Good luck!

Purina Beyond is available in various flavors and formats. Be sure to use the picture above to explore all the varieties available and get your favorites at Walmart, which offers best everyday prices for premium pet offerings.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post by Lunchbox. icefairy's Treasure Chest is not responsible for winner selection or prize fulfillment.

Purina Beneful Sweepstakes: Win $1000!

Purina Beneful® Dry Dog Food is now available in new packaging with the same great taste for man's best friend. You could win a $1,000 American Express gift card or one of 260 other prizes from the Purina Beneful Sweepstakes. To enter, simply click on the picture below (it may take a little longer to load than the text) and take a 3-question quiz about your dog's flavor personality! You'll be taken to the entry form once the quiz is completed. Good luck!

Beneful is a safe and healthy dog food that brings nutrition and happiness to more than 15 million dogs every year. Their number one commitment is the health and well-being of pets. Be sure to browse all Purina Beneful products to find the ones that are best for your dog.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post by Lunchbox.. icefairy's Treasure Chest is not responsible for winner selection or prize fulfillment.