Katana Gets a Home

Ashley Christine's 2023 picture book follows Katana, a Labradoodle who is adopted, returned to the shelter, and eventually given a permanent home by Ashley and Jacky — who patiently teach her how to belong while she teaches them a thing or two in return. The shelter-return subplot is handled gently and age-appropriately, and the dual perspective of dog and human models the kind of mutual patience that good pet adoption actually requires. The Midwest Book Review gave it an unreserved recommendation for families and preschools, and the social-emotional learning applications are real. The caveat is that this comes from a small independent press with limited broader critical exposure. For families considering pet adoption — or for classrooms exploring empathy — it's a warm and purposeful choice.