Super cute story about a lost puppy. Do not read with your kids unless you plan on getting a new puppy because this story pulls on your heartstrings. Super cute illustrations as well.

A Stray Dog for Christmas is based on the real animal rescue of Suzy by New Yorker, Jack Jokinen. I didn't know about this event prior to reading this book with my grandkids, but it is a wonderful story. Suzy was living on the street, and was in very poor health. She finds an open door one night before Christmas and ventures into a house and falls asleep. A neighbour sees the door open and closes it, thus locking Suzy inside. When the mother gets up in the morning she sees the dog and gets her husband. They name her Suzy. She is friendly, hungry and gets along with their dog. They take her to the vet and nurse her back to health, keeping her as part of the family. Again, the kids liked that Suzy found her own home and that she was safe. The illustrations were well done with Suzy looking very healthy when she was taken in, but the back pages included actual photos which showed that she was not. That was my only complaint with the book. My oldest grandson liked the story so much, he read it to his siblings again. We also read the back pages, which talk about the donations the family received when they posted about their adoption. It covered the vet bills and they now sponsor animal adoptions with $100.00 each for people who need it. In one year, they sponsored 365 adoptions. What a great feel good story.

What a sweet little story about this sweet little dog, Suzy, getting her forever home. It gives a good message of love and care for animals. It also encourages people to adopt a pet rather than shop for one. The reader can also take away a truth that the right thing to do is not always the easiest thing to do. My daughter loved the story, although she wishes that the author would tell us in the wrap up at the end of the book how their front door was open at night in the middle of winter! This is a nice story and would make a lovely gift for a child at Christmas.

I requested a copy of this book for review. The thoughts expressed here are wholly my own.

thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to enjoy reading this book! It is a children's book to promote the adoption of dogs, not buying them. It is a wonderful Christmas book for under the tree

Oh my gosh, this book was so, so cute. I loved reading this book! The story of Suzy the stray dog had a clear plot (complete with beginning, middle, and end), a heartwarming ending, and utterly adorable and joyful illustrations. On top of that, the illustrations were drawn in such a way that the reader got immersed *fully* into the story. I could even imagine the smell of cinnamon and pine wafting through the house. Impressive! Additionally, this book is a holiday book, and kids LOVE holiday books. I have no doubt that kids everywhere will want to read this book year after year around Christmas. Lastly, what makes this book even better is that it's a true story. ALL readers will love this aspect and be left with joy warming their hearts.
Bravo!

This is an adorable picture book that would make an awesome Christmas gift! Not only is the story precious but the fact that it is based on a true story with a very happy ending makes it a must have book for new pet owners. The authors' generosity in sharing Suzy's life with their readers is extremely endearing and I envision this book as a Hallmark movie,

This sets unrealistic expectations for adopted animals and strays. The dog is cute and the story is fine. People are suckers for dog books and Christmas books so this will probably circulate well.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for this copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is such a cute story that reminded me of my childhood when my sister and I begged our mom to keep a stray pup who stumbled on our front door..

I firmly stand by the idea of 'Adopt. Don't shop.'
So I loved it and it's perfect for kids. They'll love the beautiful illustrations.

I love that this book is based on a real family's experience. I think it is relatable and both kids and adults will enjoy it. Perfect for any family who considers their dog to be a part of their family.

I realized at one point as I read that I was automatically reaching out toward my own rescue, Daisy, the namesake for my review blog. I wanted to feel the connect with her that this book made me feel for Suzy. Like the Suzy of this book, Daisy, too, was once an unwanted stray. Knowing the joy Daisy has brought into my home, it was a given that I was going to love this book. It was made even better when I realized that the author was able to use Suzy's story to help rescue other homeless dogs. In other words, a winner of a story with a wonderful impact.

I won't share the story, the blurb tells you all you need to know, but will say that it is heartwarming. It's an easy read with lots of repeated phrases, largely seen through Suzy's eyes. It was a sheer luck that not only was the author's door ajar that cold winter's night but that Suzy found her way to them. You'll smile when you see how she makes friends with George, the then current solo dog. Dogs tend to operate by instinct and Suzy's were right on. The illustrations were well done, neither too sappy nor too simple. Suzy's expressions alone show how she was able to melt hearts and win over not just George but his human family. The real life photos at the end are a fun plus.

I liked that while the author didn't elaborate what medical needs Suzy had other than malnutrition, he did emphasize the importance of her having a vet checkup as soon as possible. In other words, they mirror good pet ownership and responsibility. When you take a stray or rescue into your home, that's important as, in a way, good health helps ensure a good relationship between humans and pet. Bottom line, a great dog story that doubles as a meaningful Christmas story. A double win. Thanks #NetGalley and #SourceBooksKids for sharing this story with me. It made me feel happy, especially as I snuggled with my own one-time rescue, now queen of the house, Daisy.

"A Stray Dog for Christmas" is a truly heartwarming book. It's wonderful to find stories that instill values of love and compassion in children, and this book accomplishes that beautifully. As an adult, I'm acutely aware of the harsh reality for stray animals. While I want my child to understand this reality eventually, I prefer to convey the message with the same tenderness that Jokinen uses (at least at my son's young age). The inclusion of real-life photographs at the book's conclusion was a touching addition, and it warmed my heart to learn that hundreds of adoptions have occurred thanks to Suzy's story. The illustrations are inviting and vibrant, just right for young readers. My son was captivated, repeatedly requesting "read it again". I'm looking forward to adding a copy to our collection when the book is released.

This is such a precious little story about a stray puppy who wanders into a warm, cozy home full of love. The illustrations are just precious and it doubles as a Christmas book as well! It is based on a true story, which makes it even more special!

Suzy is a homeless dog in the cold of winter who finds her way into a warm cozy home overnight - and when the family awakens they fall instantly in love with her!

This is an adorable kids book based on the true story of Suzy and her family. As dog owners, my toddler loved this story and the illustrations on the pages. It’s a lovely Christmas story of love and family.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

This was the sweetest story and to know it was based on a true story made it even better. The cover of this book is adorable and the red is so eye catching! This will be a fun story to read during the holidays, but could be enjoyed all year round. My four year old son really enjoyed the book.

Homeless Suzy the dog is cold and walking outside when she sees light and an open door. Inside are delicious smells, it's cozy and it's so warm she curls up and goes to sleep. The next morning when the owners of the house walk down stairs they see her, love her and decide to keep her. By the end she's so happy to be a part of the family with another furry dog brother. I love the authors note at the end with pictures. of his very own Suzy the dog and her story. So sweet and such a fun book to read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

Coming out in time for the holiday season this cute children’s book is about Suzy. Suzy does not have a home and it’s cold outside. She finds an open door and goes inside. While she’s worried the family won’t like her, they love her. The authors note at the end tells this is based on a true story and I think that is magical. Kids starting to read will love this book for its short word pages and cute illustrations.

Loved the story and inspiration behind this adorable children's book. A very lucky dog to find her forever family! Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for a chance to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review.

We road tripped to Florida for spring break and I was so happy I had been approved for sixteen new children’s books coming out this year. It helped so much to break up some time with stories! The kids loved them and had so much fun picking out a book from my netgalley app to read. We didn’t read a single book we didn’t like! Tuckers favorite was Elmo’s new book, Kinley loved the fairy godmother book, Dawsyn loved the basketball one, and Briggs adored the animal book. I highly suggest adding all of these to your summer library reading lists for kids. I love children’s books, and these were full of beautiful illustrations, stories, and allowed us to have some great conversations after them. Thank you @netgalley for these advanced copies! @lisakatzenberger @alicewalstead @eringuendelsberger @aimeereid @christiematheson @jackjokinen @sandranickel @janechapman @hudaharajli @fraanushkin @saralauxakin @laurapurdiesalas @katyhudson emilymurrow @zackwilliams 📚📖🚗☀️🏝️🌊👙

A Love Letter to My Library by Lisa Katzenberger

I Can Do It Even If I’m Scared by Lisa Katzenberger

How to Catch a Fairy Godmother by Alice Walstead

Elmo Gives Thanks by Erin Guendelsberger

Baby Animals Trying by Aimee Reid

A Mischief of Mice by Christie Matheson

A Stray Dog for Christmas by Jack Jokinen

Bears Big Idea by Sandra Nickel

Each of Us Is a Miracle by Jane Chapman

All About Nature by Huda Harajli

Katie Woo and JoJo on the Go by Fran Manushkin

The Pass by Sara Laux Akin

Line Leads the Way by Laura Purdue Salas

A Bold Pumpkin Plan by Katy Hudson

Little Helpler, Big Imagination by Emily Morrow

A Little More like Jesus by Zack Williams

Not me tearing up again while reading a children’s book! This was so cute! I loved both the story and the illustrations, which were so cute and fitting! My daughter really enjoyed looking at the pictures too.

I love books that have a good story but also a good message. As foster parents for countless cats and dogs, this is a message close to our hearts and I’m excited to introduce this conversation to my daughter once her understanding grows.

Thank you to NetGalley for this feel good story about a homeless dog named Suzy who came in the author’s open door and settled into his family’s hearts ..This book teaches about love and acceptance and doing the right thing in life not the easy thing- a powerful message that needs to be heard in today’s society.Great book for preschoolers and early elementary readers.