In this empowerment book for kids, preschool and elementary-school-age children will learn the importance of self-love and joy of pet adoption through the curious and charming Mortimer the Terrier.

"So, if I just do things that I like, I'll find a family that likes those things too?" Mortimer asked.

"It's worth a try, isn't it?"

Mortimer's family doesn't appreciate his taste for adventure. A run-in with a roast turkey is their last straw, and the family brings Mortimer to an animal shelter. He desperately wants a new home and tries doing what all the other shelter dogs do. Nothing seems to work.

One day, the dog next door asks Mortimer a question that makes him wonder: Is the secret to finding his forever family already inside of him?

Mortimer the Terrier's Second Chance is a hilarious and heartwarming self-confidence book for kids that will:

• teach children to celebrate their individuality, even in the face of adversity
• encourage kids to consider pet adoption for their next dog or cat
• make a great gift for grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends to give to the special children in their lives

Fans of Kelp from Not Quite Narwhal and Arfy from Can I Be Your Dog? will fall in love with Mortimer the Terrier in this story that's sure to become a favorite in your family's bedtime reading rotation.

"As an early childhood educator, I'm always looking for stories that spark conversation and help children understand big ideas. Mortimer the Terrier's Second Chance does exactly that!"

—Christine Ganas, kindergarten teacher at Rodgers Forge Elementary School (#1 Ranked Elementary School in Maryland for 2024-2025)

Kristin Simonetti Hanson is an award-winning writer and editor, but her favorite title is "mom." The best part of her day is reading with her kids and watching how a compelling character, incredible illustrations, and a sensational story can teach them about the world—and themselves—in ways nothing else can. Kristin lives with her husband, their kids, and their sweet coonhound, Leilani (yes, the one in this book!), in Baltimore, Maryland. This is her first book.

"As an early childhood educator, I'm always looking for stories that spark conversation and help children understand big ideas. Mortimer the Terrier's Second Chance does exactly that! Students will be captivated by the characters and the message of individuality and self-confidence. It's a perfect read-aloud that will encourage laughter, conversation, and reflection in your classroom." — Christine Ganas, kindergarten teacher at Rodgers Forge Elementary School

"Mortimer the Terrier's Second Chance is a perfect book for littles in your life (especially the animal lovers!) who may still be learning how to build self-confidence. I adore the illustrations and how beautifully they depict Mortimer's adventures; and as a dog owner myself, I laughed my way through the description of different pups' personalities. Mortimer's journey to find a forever family, along the way discovering that his 'quirks' are actually what make him so lovable, tackles the topic of self-esteem in a gentle way that, frankly, will resonate with readers of any age." — Lindsey Young, author of Olivia the Brave

"As the director of an early childhood education center, we constantly look for new material to guide and inspire our young friends. Mortimer the Terrier's Second Chance has a message of self-love and supportive friendship that we encourage in our program. Mortimer is such a fun and inviting character that children will be drawn to and love quickly. And I love that he has a supportive friend that helps him learn that being himself is the way to find his true happiness." — Angela Peterson, director of Woodbrook Early Education Center, Baltimore, MD

"Mortimer the Terrier's Second Chance is an engaging book with beautiful imagery to help grab children's attention to valuable life lessons. As an early childhood educator, I love how Mortimer and Leilani help teach the vital skills of not giving up and staying true to yourself. In this day and age of social media pressures, it's more important than ever that children are exposed to these positive core values. Mortimer the Terrier's Second Chance is a must-have for every child's and school's bookshelf!" — Elise DeFilippis, assistant director of Woodbrook Early Education Center, Baltimore, MD