Fred Stays with Me!

Told from the point of view of a young child whose parents are divorced, Fred Stays with Me follows the child and her dog, Fred, from one parent's house to the other's, giving the child a sense of continuity and stability. With a simple text and kidlike language, the story expresses and addresses a child's concerns, highlights the friendship between child and pet, presents a common ground for the parents, and resolves conflict in a positive way. Tricia Tusa's charming and whimsical artwork adds a light, happy feel to this poignant but not overly sentimental story.

Review: ...a nice choice for pet-loving families, divorced or not, to share ."--Parent's Choice
A 2008 ALA Notable Children's Book
*"...Coffelt offers a fresh, villain-free look at a split family-and at a girl who finds strength, love and reassuring consistency in the dear pooch who is all her own....A gem."--Kirkus, starred review