Dog Days in the City

Twelve-year-old Josie must find forever homes for seven rambunctious foster puppies in this heartwarming sequel to The Unlikely Story of a Pig in the City, which the Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books called “a compelling story that will appeal to the animal fans who loved The One and Only Ivan.”

Anytime Josie Shilling’s large family gets too chaotic, volunteering at the local animal clinic is the one place she can escape—and she loves working with the animals. But when a box mysteriously appears on the clinic’s front steps, Josie suddenly becomes responsible for seven adorable puppies!

Taking care of her pig, Hamlet, last fall was a bit harder than she thought. So how is she ever going to handle a whole litter of mischievous pups and find the right homes for them all? This summer will bring big changes for Josie as she learns about growing up, letting go, and loving your pack no matter what.

Dog Days in the City is a heartwarming blend of coming-of-age and animal friendship story that is perfect for fans of Ann M. Martin’s Rain Reign, Joan Bauer’s Almost Home, and Barbara O'Connor’s Wish.

For Josie, this summer isn’t just about puppies—it’s about learning that love also means letting go.

• Fostering Puppies: When a mysterious box of seven puppies lands on her doorstep, twelve-year-old Josie makes it her mission to find them all the perfect forever homes.
• A Coming-of-Age Story: Josie learns about responsibility, friendship, and family as she navigates the biggest, most chaotic summer of her life.
• Grieving a Beloved Pet: A gentle and honest exploration of what it means to say goodbye to a cherished family dog, perfect for young readers navigating their first experience with loss.
• Friendship and First Crushes: Navigating friendships that are starting to change and the fluttery feelings of a first crush adds another layer to Josie's unforgettable summer.
• A Heartwarming Summer Read: Perfect for fans of classic animal stories, this book is filled with laughter, tears, and the unbreakable bond between kids and their pets.

“A charming tale, ideal for fans of Jeanne Birdsall’s The Penderwicks, Dana Alison Levy’s The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher, and classics by Eleanor Estes.” - School Library Journal

“An appealing protagonist figuring out what’s important to her...heartwarming and satisfying.” - ALA Booklist

“With echoes of Charlotte’s Web, Kendall’s sweet story of family, friendship, and growing pains should charm a broad range of readers.” - Publishers Weekly

“Jodi Kendall’s utterly charming, heartfelt story of the unlikely bond between a girl and a pig just goes to show that sometimes it takes a little pig with a big heart to bring a family together again. Move over Wilbur, there’s a new pig in town!” - Bobbie Pyron, critically-acclaimed author of A Dog’s Way Home

“We fell in love with The Unlikely Story of a Pig in the City! Jodi Kendall has written a charming book with powerful lessons about family and animal welfare. No matter how big she gets, there’s always room for Hamlet in our hearts.” - Steve Jenkins & Derek Walter, New York Times Bestselling authors of ESTHER THE WONDER PIG

Praise for The Unlikely Story of a Pig in the City: “Josie is an endearing heroine and her story is a compelling one. This will appeal to the fans who loved Applegate’s The One and Only Ivan.” - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books