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  • Published: 22 February 2022
  • ISBN: 9780823448562
  • Imprint: Holiday House
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 80
  • RRP: $37.99

Dear Beast: Someone Is Missing!




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.

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

  • Published: 22 February 2022
  • ISBN: 9780823448562
  • Imprint: Holiday House
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 80
  • RRP: $37.99

About the author

Dori Hillestad Butler

Dori Hillestad Butler books have appeared on children’s choice award lists in 18 different states. Trading Places with Tank Talbott won the Maryland Children’s Choice Award in 2007. And The Buddy Files: Case of the Lost Boy won the 2011 Edgar Award for Best Juvenile Mystery. Dori has also been a ghostwriter for the Sweet Valley Twins, Unicorn Club, and Boxcar Children series, and a children’s book reviewer for several publications. She’s published numerous short stories, play, and educational materials, and has served as the Iowa Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators’ Regional Advisor. She grew up in southern Minnesota and now lives in Seattle with her husband, son, dog, and cat. She visits schools and leads writing workshops all over the country.

Also by Dori Hillestad Butler

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Praise for Dear Beast: Someone Is Missing!

  • "A tale begging for the treat of a sequel."—School Library Journal, Starred Review of Dear Beast
  • "An engaging romp and an introduction to epistolary fiction."—Booklist on Dear Beast
  • "A terrific introduction to early chapter books, packed with funny correspondence and enormously appealing illustrations."—Shelf Awareness on Dear Beast