Member Bookstore
Dear Beast
Author: Dori Butler
Illustrator: Kevan Atteberry
Publisher: Holiday House, Inc.
Language(s): English
BUY THE BOOK
A jealous cat really, really, REALLY wants to drive away his young owner's new dog in this playful illustrated chapter book from a two-time Geisel Honor winner.
Simon has taken care of his owner, Andy, for many years. He's a good cat. Clean, responsible, and loyal. What more could a boy want? Even when Andy's dad moves out, Simon is certain that Andy doesn't need another pet. So why would Andy's dad adopt a DOG?! To make matters worse, the animal is a rude, rowdy troublemaker.
Simon's job is clear: the beast has got to go. He decides to write him a letter. Strongly worded, of course. But when the dog's response sets off an unexpected correspondence, Simon realizes the beast may be here to stay. Can he make room for another pet in Andy's life?
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 perfect for kids transitioning from picture books to chapter books.
A Junior Library Guild Selection
Simon has taken care of his owner, Andy, for many years. He's a good cat. Clean, responsible, and loyal. What more could a boy want? Even when Andy's dad moves out, Simon is certain that Andy doesn't need another pet. So why would Andy's dad adopt a DOG?! To make matters worse, the animal is a rude, rowdy troublemaker.
Simon's job is clear: the beast has got to go. He decides to write him a letter. Strongly worded, of course. But when the dog's response sets off an unexpected correspondence, Simon realizes the beast may be here to stay. Can he make room for another pet in Andy's life?
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 perfect for kids transitioning from picture books to chapter books.
A Junior Library Guild Selection
★ "The letter format allows for a variation of fonts and postscript or 'FTS (forgot to say)' commentary, while the text’s humor and colorful cartoon art animate even minor characters. . . . A tale begging for the treat of a sequel."—School Library Journal, Starred Review
"an engaging romp and an introduction to epistolary fiction."—Booklist
"Beneath the humorous cat vs. dog banter, readers learn more about Andy’s life and family through the creatures’ doting observations. Full-color cartoony art on every page provides additional setting and characterization, while a “Doggy Dictionary” in the back addresses Baxter’s many spelling errors."—The Horn Book
"Butler (the King & Kayla series) paces her epistolary story smartly and sweeps it free of distractions . . . It’s a message of acceptance that readers of this generous, easy-to-read story will warm to."—Publishers Weekly
"This inaugural title in a series about a mismatched pair of pets is a terrific introduction to early chapter books, packed with funny correspondence and enormously appealing illustrations."— Shelf Awareness
"Inventively for the early-chapter-book format, the story is told in letters written back and forth . . . Cat lovers will appreciate Simon's prickliness while dog aficionados will likely enjoy Baxter's obtuse enthusiasm, and all readers will learn about the time and patience it takes to overcome conflict and jealousy with someone you dislike."—Kirkus Reviews
"Prepare to be delighted by this story. It is, as a certain Beast would say, 'cool drool.'"—Kara LaReau, Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor author of The Infamous Ratsos series
"an engaging romp and an introduction to epistolary fiction."—Booklist
"Beneath the humorous cat vs. dog banter, readers learn more about Andy’s life and family through the creatures’ doting observations. Full-color cartoony art on every page provides additional setting and characterization, while a “Doggy Dictionary” in the back addresses Baxter’s many spelling errors."—The Horn Book
"Butler (the King & Kayla series) paces her epistolary story smartly and sweeps it free of distractions . . . It’s a message of acceptance that readers of this generous, easy-to-read story will warm to."—Publishers Weekly
"This inaugural title in a series about a mismatched pair of pets is a terrific introduction to early chapter books, packed with funny correspondence and enormously appealing illustrations."— Shelf Awareness
"Inventively for the early-chapter-book format, the story is told in letters written back and forth . . . Cat lovers will appreciate Simon's prickliness while dog aficionados will likely enjoy Baxter's obtuse enthusiasm, and all readers will learn about the time and patience it takes to overcome conflict and jealousy with someone you dislike."—Kirkus Reviews
"Prepare to be delighted by this story. It is, as a certain Beast would say, 'cool drool.'"—Kara LaReau, Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor author of The Infamous Ratsos series
-
Dear Beast #4: Simon Sleeps Over
Author: Dori Butler
More Details | Buy Now
-
King & Kayla and the Case of the Lost Library Book (#8)
Author: Dori Butler
Illustrator: Nancy Meyers
More Details | Buy Now
-
King & Kayla and the Case of the Unhappy Neighbor (#6)
Author: Dori Butler
Illustrator: Nancy Meyers
More Details | Buy Now
-
King & Kayla and the Case of the Gold Ring (#7)
Author: Dori Butler
Illustrator: Nancy Meyers
More Details | Buy Now
-
The Haunted Library #5: The Secret Room
Author: Dori Butler
More Details | Buy Now
-
The Haunted Library #4: The Five O'Clock Ghost
Author: Dori Butler
More Details | Buy Now
-
The Haunted Library #6: The Ghost at the Fire Station
Author: Dori Butler
More Details | Buy Now
-
King and Kayla and the Case of Found Fred (#5)
Author: Dori Butler
More Details | Buy Now
-
Frankie Stein Starts School
Author: Lola M. Schaefer
Illustrator: Kevan Atteberry
More Details | Buy Now
-
Dear Beast #2: The Pet Parade
Author: Dori Butler
Illustrator: Kevan Atteberry
More Details | Buy Now
-
Ghost Cat
Author: Kevan Atteberry
Illustrator: Kevan Atteberry
More Details | Buy Now
-
Dear Beast #3: Someone is Missing
Author: Dori Butler
Illustrator: Kevan Atteberry
More Details | Buy Now
-
The Buddy Files #1: The Case of the Lost Boy
Author: Dori Butler
More Details | Buy Now
-
The Buddy FIles #2: The Case of the Mixed-Up Mutts
Author: Dori Butler
More Details | Buy Now
-
The Haunted Library
Author: Dori Butler
More Details | Buy Now
-
The Buddy Files #3: The Case of the Missing Family
Author: Dori Butler
More Details | Buy Now
-
The Buddy Files #4: The Case of the Fire Truck
Author: Dori Butler
More Details | Buy Now
-
The Treasure Troop #1: Mr. Summerling's Secret Code
Author: Dori Butler
More Details | Buy Now
-
The Treasure Troop #2: The Hidden Room
Author: Dori Butler
More Details | Buy Now
-
King & Kayla and the Case of the Missing Dog Treats (#1)
Author: Dori Butler
Illustrator: Nancy Meyers
More Details | Buy Now
-
The Treasure Troop #3: Summer Island
Author: Dori Butler
More Details | Buy Now
-
King & Kayla and the Case of the Secret Code (#2)
Author: Dori Butler
Illustrator: Nancy Meyers
More Details | Buy Now
-
King & Kayla and the Case of the Mysterious Mouse (#3)
Author: Dori Butler
Illustrator: Nancy Meyers
More Details | Buy Now
-
The Treasure Troop #4: The Final Treasure
Author: Dori Butler
More Details | Buy Now
-
King & Kayla and the Case of the Lost Tooth (#4)
Author: Dori Butler
Illustrator: Nancy Meyers
More Details | Buy Now
-
The Buddy Files #7: Case of the P-O-U-N-D Pet
Author: Dori Butler
Illustrator: Dana Sullivan
More Details | Buy Now
-
The Haunted Library #3: The Ghost Backstage
Author: Dori Butler
More Details | Buy Now
-
The Haunted Library #10: The Underground Ghosts
Author: Dori Butler
More Details | Buy Now
-
The Buddy Files #5: The Case of the Library Monster
Author: Dori Butler
More Details | Buy Now
-
The Haunted Library #9: The Ghosts at the Movie Theater
Author: Dori Butler
More Details | Buy Now
-
The Buddy Files #6: The Case of the School Ghost
Author: Dori Butler
More Details | Buy Now
-
The Haunted Library #8: The Hide and Seek Ghost
Author: Dori Butler
More Details | Buy Now
-
Do You Know the Monkey Man
Author: Dori Butler
More Details | Buy Now
-
The Haunted Library #7: Ghost in the Tree House
Author: Dori Butler
More Details | Buy Now
-
Yes, I Know the Monkey Man
Author: Dori Butler
More Details | Buy Now
-
Sliding Into Home
Author: Dori Butler
More Details | Buy Now
-
Truth About Truman School
Author: Dori Butler
More Details | Buy Now
-
M is for Minnesota
Author: Dori Butler
More Details | Buy Now
-
The Haunted Library #2: The Ghost in the Attic
Author: Dori Butler
More Details | Buy Now
-
Halloween Hustle
Author: Charlotte Gunnufson
Illustrator: Kevan Atteberry
More Details | Buy Now
-
Puddles!!!
Author: Kevan Atteberry
Illustrator: Kevan Atteberry
More Details | Buy Now
-
I Love You More than the Smell of Swamp Gas
Author: Kevan Atteberry
Illustrator: Kevan Atteberry
More Details | Buy Now
-
Bunnies!!!
Author: Kevan Atteberry
Illustrator: Kevan Atteberry
More Details | Buy Now
-
Tickle Monster
Illustrator: Kevan Atteberry, Josie Bissett
More Details | Buy Now
-
Frankie Stein
Author: Lola M. Schaefer
Illustrator: Kevan Atteberry
More Details | Buy Now
-
Boogie Monster
Illustrator: Kevan Atteberry, Josie Bissett
More Details | Buy Now
-
King & Kayla and he Case of Found Fred
Author: Dori Butler
Illustrator: Nancy Meyers
More Details | Buy Now
-
King & Kayla ad the Case of the Lost Tooth
Author: Dori Butler
Illustrator: Nancy Meyers
More Details | Buy Now
-
King & Kayla and the Case of the Secret Code
Author: Dori Butler
Illustrator: Nancy Meyers
More Details | Buy Now
-
King & Kayla and the Case of the Mysterious Mouse
Author: Dori Butler
Illustrator: Nancy Meyers
More Details | Buy Now
-
King & Kayla and the Case of the Missing Dog Treats
Author: Dori Butler
Illustrator: Nancy Meyers
More Details | Buy Now
