While school is often a source of stress for Penny Maxwell, she is grateful for Valley Pets, the local pet shop and animal shelter where she volunteers. When she is helping take care of the animals, Penny is at her best. She writes wonderful stories about the cats and dogs, imagining creative histories for each one. While she is there, she can almost forget about the social anxiety that makes other interactions so challenging for her.

So when, near the start of Pet Tales by Heidi Tattrie Rushton, the owner of the store decides to close the animal shelter, Penny is devastated. When a girl who adopts one of the shelter cats comes up with a plan for the two of them to save the shelter, Penny is both excited and terrified. She is thrilled at the prospect of finally having a friend and working together to keep the shelter afloat, but how can someone like Penny, with her panic attacks and her tremendous fear and agitation in social situations, help raise awareness of their plight? Can she somehow find the courage to share her stories to help save the animals?

Penny is an earnest, likeable protagonist whose lifelong struggles with debilitating anxiety and paralysing fear in social situations are portrayed with compassion and candour. The author’s descriptions of Penny’s physical and emotional reactions are thoughtful and accessible, and will help young readers to empathize with and better understand those who live with anxiety and how it affects their daily lives and relationships.

The fact that Penny is able to open up to a few girls and make some friends who want to help and support her when they learn about her condition serves as a source of hope. And, while the story of a group of girls finding a way to save a much-needed pet shelter is heartwarming in and of itself, the fact that one of these girls has to overcome such major obstacles to do so makes it truly inspirational

Lisa Doucet is the co-manager of Woozles Children’s Bookstore in Halifax. She shares her passion for children’s and young adult books as our young readers editor and book reviewer.

“I absolutely loved this book! It was touching, well-written, perfect for the middle grade age group, funny, emotional, and a delight to read … There are some beautiful themes of friendship, family, standing up for oneself, believing in oneself, and caring about others. I really loved the character growth and the outcome of the story and I know many others will too.” Read full review

Heather Hines @TheMaritimeReader and GoodReads Reviewer

“A middle-grade realistic fiction featuring a kiddo who lives with panic attacks and how this affects relationships and confidence building as a youth, all while naturally weaving her character into an engaging story of family, animals and society’s responsibility to address the increasing needs for animal shelters. I loved her idea for integrating animal adoption into a more mainstream environment and loved the story! This would make a wonderful read-aloud to introduce further classroom discussion of many curriculum-based outcomes. It is obvious Heidi speaks from the heart.”

Michelle Dey, Elementary and Jr. High Librarian

“An empowering read for young readers while also greatly appealing to an audience of all ages … Through love, kindness, and honesty, the tale unfolds layers of important topics in a meaningful and heartfelt way that made it enjoyable to read.” Read full review

Sarah Butland from The Miramichi Reader

“A charming story about an eleven-year old girl, Penny, who suffers from anxiety and finds companionship and comfort at a neighborhood pet store where she helps with the cats and dogs. It's her safe place, somewhere she can be herself and slowly build up her social skills. Penny is an imaginative kid and she makes up backstories for some of her favourite animals. There's Commander Click, the foremost cat expert on outer space, and Super Bobo whose job is to keep the citizens of Kentville safe. When Penny discovers that the pet store is up for sale and some of her animals may end up back in the shelter she, with the help of her new friend outgoing Ada, hatches a plan to find them all forever homes. A sweet and gentle tale about overcoming anxiety and facing your fears, and discovering hidden strengths.”

Jo Treggiari from Block Shop Books

“Heidi Rushton has accomplished what I believe to be a great feat. With compassion and care she has given her readers a delightful uplifting story in the face of the heavy subjects she deals with - childhood anxiety and animal abuse - without glossing over the facts. Her sensitivity to her subject matter shines within the pages of this book.” Read full review

Lana Shupe, Atlantic Book Reviews and GoodReads Reviewer

I just loved the creative backstories Penny makes up, mixed in with their actual backstories. This could be a great creative writing spin-off activity for English classes fortunate to have this story read aloud or assigned to them.” Read full review

Sue Slade, Manager of Dartmouth Book Exchange and GoodReads Reviewer