Let's go Backer and Backer

In this heartwarming, rhythmic tale, a young girl adopts a playful puppy she loves with all her heart. Starting from the kindness of strangers who rescued the puppy, to the caring staff and veterinarian at the shelter, each page takes readers one step further back in the story. With each repeated refrain, children see the chain of compassion and care that brought the girl and her puppy together. From puppy park adventures to the puppy's safe arrival at the shelter, this cumulative story celebrates love, community, and the joy of adoption.

Why This Book Benefits Children

• Teaches empathy and kindness - By tracing the puppy's journey from rescue to adoption, children learn how many caring people play a role in helping animals.
• Builds sequencing and memory skills - The repetitive, cumulative structure helps children anticipate what comes next, reinforcing comprehension and recall.
• Encourages a sense of community - The story shows how teamwork and compassion create happy endings.
• Fosters a love of animals - It naturally introduces the concepts of pet adoption and responsible pet care in a gentle, engaging way.

How Parents Can Use This Book

• Read aloud for rhythm and repetition - The patterned text invites children to join in, making reading interactive and fun.
• Discuss each role in the story - Ask questions like, "What did the veterinarian do?" or "Who found the puppy first?" to build understanding of cause and effect.
• Connect to real-life experiences - If you have a pet, talk about its adoption story, or consider visiting a local animal shelter together.
• Encourage kindness projects - Use the story as a starting point for discussing ways to help animals or people in need in your community.

Maureen Devlin is a Seattle-based author. She is a former lawyer and social worker, and a forever Mom, Aunt, and Grand-Aunt. Her mission is to spread the joy of reading and learning to children. She strives to provide factual information to young minds in fun and fresh ways. She hopes her books spark curiosity about the world around us.