Jake the Growling Dog: A Children’s Book about the Power of Kindness, Celebrating Diversity, and Friendship

Follow Jake, a sweet, kind, and misunderstood dog as he tries to make friends despite his differences.
Meet forest critters of all kinds while getting to know Jake. Jake loves to swim, hike, and play, but when he realizes he’s lonely a true friend comes to his aid. Soon others find friendship and understanding filling this tale with heart and hope.

Interactive, Colorful, and Fun!

Follow along with Jake’s adorable story while enjoying beautiful interactive illustrations. Each spread includes a seek and find and counting activity for the four Kindness Critters, colors to spot and learn, and cute characters to make them giggle.

Looking for books about Diversity & Friendship?

Jake the Growling Dog is a fun-loving tale about kindness, acceptance, friendship, and diversity.
Author and licensed school counselor, Samantha Shannon, and Illustrator and art educator, Kerrie Joyce, spotlight Jake, who is different from the other dogs and critters. With a little help and understanding, the others learn to love Jake despite his differences. This timely story is packed with tons of fun, while also educating our little ones about friendship and how to be kind to others.

Includes a loving-kindness and mindfulness activity for families, counselors, and schools

Along with Jake’s story, this picture book also includes a loving-kindness activity to promote character education, mindfulness, and gratitude. The activity is for families, schools, and counselors to reduce stress and bring families closer together while encouraging acts of kindness, forgiveness, and gratitude.

A Positive Story to Promote Empathy

Jake’s story encourages children to be kind, appreciate nature, find the good in all things with the power of gratitude, and to accept others who are different from them in a subtle, sweet, and impactful way.

Ages and Grades

While many kids ages 6-8 will be able to read this story on their own or with assistance, parents and grandparents will enjoy reading the story to baby, making it the perfect baby shower gift. Pre-teens to adults will also appreciate the illustrations, story, and the kindness activity to do as a family or in schools and counseling offices.

The Perfect Gift

Need a gift for a baby shower or birthday party? Jake the Growling Dog is the perfect gift for the mother-to-be, a child’s birthday party, holiday’s, and graduations. Plus, the ebook is FREE when you buy a print version.

Social-Emotional Learning Resource for Elementary School & Family Counselors, Social Workers, Elementary Teachers, and Families

Jake’s gentle story about kindness, friendship, and accepting others has been integrated into multiple school counseling programs in districts across the United States.

An ongoing series with heart and interactive fun for families, kids, and schools!

Don’t miss the other books in the Jake’s series! Each book will focus on social-emotional topics, include seek and find critters, adorable furry friends, and activities for the whole family.