Dear Beast: Simon Sleeps Over

Book excerpt: A stuck-up cat and a good-natured dog are pen pals from a distance, until a disastrous sleepover brings them together in this playful illustrated chapter book told in letters. Andy has two pets and two houses: a cat, Simon, at his mom’s house and a dog, Baxter, at his dad’s house. But when Andy’s mom goes on a business trip, Simon must spend a few nights at Andy’s dad’s house. A sleepover with the beast? Simon says, "No, thank you." Baxter, on the other hand, is sooooo excited to play together. He and Simon can go on walks! Stay up late! Eat liver treats! He can’t wait to finally meet his pen pal in person. What could go wrong? The big introduction does NOT go well for these wildly different pets. Simon is so desperate to get back home to his quiet, clean oasis that he escapes through a basement window. Can Baxter convince him to return before Andy notices his beloved cat is gone? This funny and heartwarming collaboration between Geisel Honor and Edgar Award–winning author Dori Hillestad Butler and bestselling illustrator Kevan Atteberry is a tribute to the love of a good pet—and the joy found in new friendship. With nine chapters and adorable full-color illustrations on every spread, the series is a perfect read for parents to share with kids. Named to the Delaware Diamonds Book List