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About The Book

From the creator of Not Quite Narwhal comes a classic tale of a boy and his dog—except in this unique story, one of them is a balloon!

When Spencer gets a new pet, he’s excited to do all the things that pets do—taking walks in the park, going to the vet, and attending parties together.

There’s just one hitch: Spencer’s new pet is a balloon.

And that means No. Sharp. Objects.

No drooling dogs at the park. No prickly porcupines at the vet. And absolutely no pinning tails on any donkeys!

Spencer’s New Pet is a story of pure fun about a boy, his dog, and a friendship that endures life’s sharpest...and most unexpected twists.

About The Author

Jessie Sima

Jessie Sima is the author and illustrator of bestselling picture books, including Not Quite Narwhal; Love, Z; Hardly Haunted; and more. They grew up in a small town in southern New Jersey and now write and draw in a creaky house in New York state. When not making books, Jessie can be found reading graphic novels, watching scary movies, and playing outside with dogs. You can visit them online at JessieSima.com.

About The Illustrator

Jessie Sima

Jessie Sima is the author and illustrator of bestselling picture books, including Not Quite Narwhal; Love, Z; Hardly Haunted; and more. They grew up in a small town in southern New Jersey and now write and draw in a creaky house in New York state. When not making books, Jessie can be found reading graphic novels, watching scary movies, and playing outside with dogs. You can visit them online at JessieSima.com.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (August 2, 2023)
  • Length: 56 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781534418776
  • Ages: 4 - 8

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Raves and Reviews

*** "Young readers will be tickled and amazed and will want to view it again and again. Original and thoroughly delightful." - Kirkus Reviews, starred review

*** "An entirely immersive reading experience...younger readers...[will] be delighted by this heartwarming and suspenseful story of a boy and his dog, the ending of which will leave them eager for a second reading." - Booklist, starred review

*** "With many nods to silent film—including a black-and-white palette, elegant title cards dividing the story into three parts, highly dramatic close-ups, and iris shots—Sima (Love, Z) tells the nearly wordless story of a bespectacled boy and the dog he loves very much." - Publisher's Weekly, starred review

Awards and Honors

  • Kansas NEA Reading Circle List PrimaryTitle
  • Land of Enchantment RoadRunner Award (NM)
  • Picture This Recommendation List

Resources and Downloads

High Resolution Images

More books from this author: Jessie Sima