- Little Joe and the Big Rain
- Little Joe and the Big City
- Little Joe and the Big Snow
Size: 8.50 x 8.50 in
Pages: 32
Size: 8.50 x 8.50 in
Pages: 32
It’s finally time to visit Anna’s auntie and uncle! But what happens when Little Joe gets lost in a big city? When it starts to get dark, will he finally find his way home or spend the night in a strange new place? Can he comfort an unexpected companion and maybe even find her a new home?
This heartfelt animal story explores the meaning of grief, depression, loneliness, and adoption with a child-friendly approach and a happy ending. It’s the perfect book to explain new beginnings, adoption, and how losing a loved one is never the end of the story—encouraging problem-solving, compassion, kindness, and family bonding.
He pushed and squirmed and wiggled until he popped out onto the sidewalk just past the fence. He shook himself clean and looked around excitedly. What would he do?
First, he met the pigeons. He ran across the street, yipping and tail wagging happily. The birds did not know what to make of Little Joe. They scattered into the air in a burst of feathers and thumping sounds. The birds settled on a nearby tree branch and did not appear to want to play with a dog.
Kamron Brook on Reedsy Discovery wrote:This story isn’t really about a dog. It’s about listening. Mura, the heart-marked cat Little Joe meets late in his journey, is not just a side character—she’s the emotional core. And she’s what makes this story quietly radical. While other books race to the rescue or pack in laughs, Little Joe and the Big City pauses. It lets a moment stretch—two animals in crates, separated but not alone, connecting not over fear but story. There’s nothing saccharine here; Mura isn’t magical, she’s just experienced. Her story—the second home, the lost human, the long wait—is told with restraint and emotional honesty. She could easily have been written as tragic, but Darcy opts for dignity. And Little Joe? He listens. Then, he acts. For a children’s book to explore active empathy without ever using the word is a feat. This is not a story about being brave. It’s a story about noticing someone else’s loneliness—and doing something kind about it.
Dakota Love on The Forwards Backwards Blog wrote:Must read 🏆
An outstanding picture book that explores themes of sadness, loneliness, & fear & still delivers a happy ending! Great illustrations, too!
As someone who has adopted a few “pandemic pets” myself, I cannot speak highly enough of this excellent introduction to the importance of pet adoption. This book shows the importance of friendship, family, and finding the perfect home in a fun and fantastic way, earning five out of five shining stars. Suitable for readers of all ages, especially those who love cute animals, this is one big city adventure you won’t want to miss.