Saying Hello and Goodbye: "Foster’s Leash" by Sarah Sommer is a Heartfelt Tale for Little Animal Lovers

If you’ve ever opened your heart to a rescue animal—or thought about fostering one—Foster’s Leash by Sarah Sommer is a must-read picture book that beautifully captures the joys and challenges of giving a dog a temporary home. Published by Mascot Kids and releasing in April 2025, this heartfelt story follows a foster family and their rescue dog, Pepper, as they navigate the emotional ups and downs of pet fostering. With charming illustrations and a message full of heart, this book is a fantastic way to introduce young readers to empathy, responsibility, and the meaning of selfless love.

Thank you to the author for the book and my honest review. iRead Book Tours sponsors this book tour and is offering a giveaway for the book. Scroll down to read my full review and enter the giveaway!

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My Review "Foster's Leash" by Sarah Sommer

Fostering animals is one of those heart-expanding, bittersweet experiences—and Foster’s Leash by Sarah Sommer captures that perfectly for little readers. With adorable illustrations and a sensitive, thoughtful storyline, this picture book brings young kids into the world of pet fostering through the eyes of a family and their rescue dog, Pepper. It’s sweet, realistic, and full of important lessons about love, responsibility, and letting go.

📖 A Story for the Whole Family (Especially Dog Lovers!)

The story follows a family who opens their home to Pepper, a rescue dog who needs a safe place to stay. Fostering means opening your heart—but it also means knowing you won’t be the dog’s forever home. That tension—between attachment and release—is gently unpacked in a way that’s age-appropriate and emotionally resonant.

What stands out is how Foster’s Leash doesn’t shy away from the harder feelings. It acknowledges that goodbyes are tough—but that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth it. It’s a powerful message for kids learning to deal with emotions, change, and the concept of doing something kind even when it’s not easy.

🎨 Illustrations That Tug at the Heart

Let’s talk about the artwork—it’s so cute. The illustrations are soft, colorful, and full of personality. Pepper is irresistibly expressive, and the family’s journey is beautifully captured with warmth and charm. Every page feels cozy, making it a joy to read aloud at bedtime or during story time.

If you’ve got a rescue pup at home, you might even find yourself getting a little teary-eyed (like I did). My own dog, Akira, was rescued, and so many moments in this book reminded me of her. It’s clear that Sarah Sommer either has first-hand experience or has done her homework—there’s such heart and authenticity in how the story unfolds.

🐕‍🦺 A Great Gift for Kids Wanting a Dog

Is your little one begging for a dog? Foster’s Leash is a perfect way to introduce the concept of pet ownership and all the responsibility that comes with it. It shows both the joy and the work involved in caring for an animal. More importantly, it teaches empathy in a very real, tangible way.

This book is also a wonderful tool for teachers, counselors, and caregivers wanting to explore themes of temporary care, change, and emotional resilience in a gentle, relatable format.

💬 Final Thoughts

Foster’s Leash is more than just a cute dog story—it’s an emotional journey wrapped in colorful pages. With its tender message, lovable characters, and charming art, it earns a full five-star rating from me. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Whether you’re a dog lover, a foster family, or simply someone who appreciates a well-told story with heart, this one deserves a spot on your bookshelf.

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