About the Book

Spanky is a French bulldog who always felt different from other dogs. They love to climb trees, jump up on furniture, drink milk, and hang out with the neighborhood cats. In fact, they identify more as a cat than as a dog.

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Readers’ Favorite 5-Star Award Winner

Portrait
★★★★★

“A good intro about identity issues for the elementary and intermediate grades’ level of development. It’s easy to relate to, and the illustrations are engaging”

Matthew Vogel

Instructional Innovation Specialist, Hoffman School in Glenview, IL

★★★★★

““The story is beautifully written - simple and mature, as well as very timely. The message is so positive. This book can be a great learning tool”

Eva M. Bucki

SPED teacher, Matthews Middle School in Island Lake, IL

★★★★★

Great book! We will absolutely carry it in the school library”

Kyle Pucciarello

Learning Resource Director, School District 34 in Glenview, IL

About The Author

The heartfelt and authentic 'Puzzled Pup' was posthumously released by the family of author Jake Stevens. The book was inspired by Jake's rescue dog, Cookie, who acted more like a cat than a dog when they first brought Cookie home - sitting in boxes, jumping up onto the kitchen table, and while on walks pulling towards the neighbors' house where two cats lived, hoping to play with them. Sadly for Cookie, the cats were only interested in batting around their leash and not actually playing.

Jake said, "it occurred to me one day that Cookie thought they might BE a cat, and if I could write a book about a little dog identifying more as a cat, that maybe kids who feel different could relate, and understand their own feelings. Most importantly, to know that it's okay, and to feel safe to tell their parents or guardians, and start a conversation about something so big".

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