The Welcome Home - by Amy June Bates (Hardcover)

About the Book

"When Mr. and Mrs. Gargelson-Bittle decide life is too quiet, they go in search of the perfect pet, but after welcoming a menagerie into their home, they still felt like something is missing, until a puppy shows up at their doorstep, and now their family is complete."--

Book Synopsis

"The gorgeous illustrations and lovely storyline make this an instant classic." --Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

From the creator of The Big Umbrella comes another poetic and lushly illustrated picture book about the joy of companionship and there always being room for one more in this tale about the search for the perfect pet.

Mr. and Mrs. Gargleson-Bittle are looking for a change. Their life has become too quiet, and little changes like eating waffles only help for a moment. They decide to get a pet--but what kind should they have? First they welcome a snail into their home, then an elephant named Louise, then an aardvark named Sam.

One by one they come, and while the house is definitely no longer quiet, Mr. and Mrs. Gargleson-Bittle still have room and love for more. Could this waggy, lick-your-face puppy be what makes their family complete?

Review Quotes

* "Highly recommended for picture book collections, this fun-filled rumpus will delight young children and leave everyone in a glow."--School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

*"The gorgeous illustrations and lovely storyline make this an instant classic."--Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

"Children will enjoy feeling they know exactly what the Gargleson-Bittles need and will be satisfied when a furry creature the couple names Waffles finally arrives."--Booklist

"Though the joke centers on the couple's inability to land on the right pet, readers will be just as entertained by the animals' scene-stealing friendships and activities."--Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Amy June Bates is the author-illustrator of The Big Umbrella and The Welcome Home. She is also the illustrator of the New York Times bestseller The Leadership Journey by Doris Kearns Goodwin; Sweet Dreams and That's What I'd Do, both by singer-songwriter Jewel; Waiting for the Magic by Patricia MacLachlan; Joey: The Story of Joe Biden by Dr. Jill Biden; and many others. She has three children and lives in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, with her husband and her devilishly handsome Labrador, Mr. Mochi.