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  • Published: 22 February 2022
  • ISBN: 9780823452002
  • Imprint: Holiday House
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 80
  • RRP: $19.99

Dear Beast: Someone Is Missing!




Simon the cat and Baxter the dog have finally learned how to share their owner, Andy. It helps that Simon lives with Andy's mom and Baxter lives with Andy's dad. When a problem comes up, they simply exchange letters to sort it out. Baxter's spelling has even improved, though not by much.

But then Andy's class pet goes missing, causing an argument with his friend Noah. Andy is so, so sad. Now it's every pet for himself! Both Simon and Baxter want to solve the mystery and make Andy happy again. Which pet will collect the clues and piece together the solution? Or will another neighborhood animal get there first . . .

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 eight chapters and adorable full-color illustrations on every spread, the series is a perfect read for parents to share with kids.

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 adog, 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 thebeast? 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 hispen 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 througha 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 newfriendship. With nine chapters and adorable full-color illustrations on everyspread, the series is a perfect read for parents to share with kids.

  • Published: 22 February 2022
  • ISBN: 9780823452002
  • Imprint: Holiday House
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 80
  • RRP: $19.99

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.

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