~Written by Bonnie Bentley & Lindsey Gamache
~Illustrated by Kimberly Soderberg

When Kota tries to make friends in his new neighborhood, he is rejected because he isn't a champion dog, he isn't a fancy dog, and he isn't a pure breed. In fact, he doesn't know where he comes from at all. But through an unexpected friendship with his neighbor Maxwell, he discovers a new meaning of the word rescue.

Rescue Pups is an uplifting book about an adorable pup named Kota, who discovers just how important he is.
On a walk in his neighborhood, Kota meets several other dogs, but they refuse to be his friend because he is not a purebred. Back in his yard, Kota is feeling down when he makes an unexpected discovery.
As an owner of a rescue pup, I know first hand just how special they are. Our rescue pup even alerted us when our other dog became entangled in our backyard hockey net. His incessant barking saved her life, just as Kota's quick thinking helps a dog in need.
Children will cheer when Kota comes to the aid of one of the dogs that refused to be his friend. I think learning to forgive those who don't accept us for who we are is an important lesson for kids (and adults). The authors' choice of using dogs to convey their message makes it fun and easy for young readers to grasp.
I highly recommend picking up a copy of Rescue Pups: The Adventures of Maxwell & Kota. Available from KiteReaders on Amazon.