Dear Beast: Simon Sleeps Over

A stuck-up cat and a good-natured dog are pen pals from a distance, until a disastrous sleepover brings them together in this playful illustrated chapter book told in letters.

Andy has two pets and two houses: a cat, Simon, at his mom’s house and a dog, Baxter, at his dad’s house. But when Andy’s mom goes on a business trip, Simon must spend a few nights at Andy’s dad’s house. A sleepover with the beast? Simon says, "No, thank you."

Baxter, on the other hand, is sooooo excited to play together. He and Simon can go on walks! Stay up late! Eat liver treats! He can’t wait to finally meet his pen pal in person. What could go wrong?

The big introduction does NOT go well for these wildly different pets. Simon is so desperate to get back home to his quiet, clean oasis that he escapes through a basement window. Can Baxter convince him to return before Andy notices his beloved cat is gone? 

This funny and heartwarming collaboration between Geisel Honor and Edgar Award–winning author Dori Hillestad Butler and bestselling illustrator Kevan Atteberry is a tribute to the love of a good pet—and the joy found in new friendship. With nine chapters and adorable full-color illustrations on every spread, the series is a perfect read for parents to share with kids.

Named to the Delaware Diamonds Book List

Dori Butler is an award-winning author of mysteries and books for all ages, including the King and Kayla series, the Haunted Library series, and the Treasure Troopers series. She is a two-time Geisel Honor recipient, an Edgar Award winner, and has been nominated for children's choice awards in 19 states. Dori lives in the Seattle area with her husband and their very large dog, Mouse. Visit her online at www.kidswriter.com!

Kevan Atteberry is an illustrator who has written and/or illustrated many books for children, including Ghost Cat, which received a starred review in Booklist, and Tickle Monster. One of his biggest claims to fame is that he created Clippy, the animated paperclip helper in Microsoft Office. Kevan lives in the Seattle area. Visit him online at www.kevanatteberry.com!