A young girl is afraid of dogs, and a small dog is afraid of children in this funny, bighearted picture book about overcoming fear to find friendship.Jia runs from
every dog—big, tiny, spotted, or shaggy. Charlie the French bulldog hides from
every kid—behind couches, laundry, even grown-ups' legs.
When something
far scarier forces these two together, they discover a sweet surprise: a friend who understands.
On sale: May 12, 2026
Age: 4-8 years
Grade: Preschool - 3
Page count: 40 Pages
ISBN: 9780593697085
Stephanie Ellen Sy is the author of
A Roof!,
You Can't Tame a Tiger, and
Jia Has a Dog Problem. She graduated from Tufts University and now splits her time between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Hong Kong. When she’s not writing, she’s thinking about her next meal or planning her next hike. Learn more at StephanieEllenSy.com.
Isabella Kung is an artist whose illustrations have received accolades from the Society of Illustrators, Spectrum Fantasy Art, 3x3, Creative Quarterly, and SCBWI; and her original artwork has been exhibited at galleries in California, Spain, and Singapore. Isabella has taught illustration and watercolor at the Academy of Art University and California College of Arts. She grew up in Hong Kong and now lives in San Francisco with her husband and adorable cats. Learn more at IsabellaKung.com.
Praise for Jia Has a Dog Problem by Stephanie Ellen Sy; Illustrated by Isabella Kung:
★ “A doggone delight.” —
Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Praise for A Roof! written by Stephanie Ellen Sy:2024 Freeman Book Award Of Note
★ "A
bighearted tribute to a tradition rooted in love and community."
—
Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"[A]
beautiful and heartwarming story that celebrates the power of cooperation.”
—
Booklist
"
A great addition to any collection, with its representation of Filipino culture and themes of community and determination."
—
School Library Journal
Praise for No Fuzzball! written and illustrated by Isabella Kung:"In Kung's illustrations, she's an expressive, endearing little chunk of well-meaning evil.... The bright spot and full-bleed illustrations are
entertaining from the first endpaper to the last."
—
Kirkus Reviews
