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Have a Good Trip, Lucky! A Dog Diplomat Adventure Series
This children’s book follows Lucky, a sweet little dog from Conakry, Guinea, who gets adopted by a U.S. diplomat and then has to travel across the world when his owner gets transferred to Washington, DC. The book tells the story through Lucky’s eyes, so you feel every bit of his confusion, fear, and excitement as he goes from Africa to France to the United States. Along the way, Lucky meets new friends, kind people, and even learns what it means to be brave and loved across distances. By the end, Lucky understands that even though his “trip” was scary at first, it brought him to new family and adventures.
I really liked how this picture book mixes heart and real-world experiences. You can feel the author’s love for animals and her deep understanding of the Foreign Service life. The writing is simple enough for kids, but it still carries a lot of emotion. It’s a tender story about trust, change, and belonging. And the idea of showing life through the eyes of a traveling dog was brilliant. It gives kids a safe, gentle way to explore big feelings like separation and homesickness without it ever feeling too heavy.
The illustrations are so warm and full of life. They make every scene feel colorful and comforting. And I loved the glossary and tips at the end. They turn the story into something more than a bedtime read. It becomes a small lesson in global living, empathy, and courage. You can tell the author’s background in diplomacy shaped how thoughtfully she explains the idea of travel and duty. There’s a quiet pride behind every word.
I’d definitely recommend Have a Good Trip, Lucky! for kids who have parents in the military, Foreign Service, or any job that involves moving a lot. It’s also perfect for any child who has ever had to say goodbye, even for a little while. The story is gentle, hopeful, and real. It reminds you that home isn’t just one place. It’s the people, and sometimes the pets, who love you no matter where in the world you end up.
Pages: 38 | ISBN : 1779445385
Best Friends Forever: A Puppy’s Tale
Getting a new pet is an exciting time for a family, especially children. When four-year-old Scoopie wants a puppy for her birthday, her parents agree it is time to get a pet for the family. When the day comes to pick up their new family member Scoopie is filled with anticipation and excitement to meet her new puppy sister. It is love at first sight, and Sandy and Scoopie instantly become best friends.
One day it comes time for Scoopie’s family to move. Sandy has to ride in the cargo area of a plane. After this trip, Sandy is not the same. It turns out Sandy has Epilepsy, and the family must learn how to care for her when she has seizures. Scoopie still loves her best friend and enjoys all the good times they have together because she never would know when the next seizure would be too much for Sandy.
Author Portia Yvette Clare has written an emotional children’s book about love, loss, and friendship. Best Friends Forever: A Puppy’s Tale shares a realistic story about how sometimes life is not fair and does not go the way we want. Lossing a beloved pet is hard, and trying to explain things to young children can be a challenge. But, they need to know they are not alone, and this heartfelt book gives kids the reassurance that their feelings are valid and normal.
Illustrator Lisa Alderson brings this story to life with her vibrant and beautiful images. Scoopie’s emotions are realistic and capture the story’s pivotal moments helping younger readers follow even if they don’t understand all the words.
Scoopie’s character is strong, accepting that her best friend is sick and defending her against her cousin’s insensitive behavior. She shows maturity when Sandy dies and acceptance, and rather than running right out and getting a new pet, she takes time to grieve. Teaching children how to accept death
Best Friends Forever: A Puppy’s Tale is a beautifully written children’s book dealing with the emotions surrounding friendship, love, and loss. Through the story of a girl and her puppy, children will see that feelings of grief are a normal part of life.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B09M6KD3XY
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