An accidental open door leads to a second chance during the holiday seasonJokinen draws from an actual event that went viral in 2019. A nameless dog-who, we're told, "would soon be called Suzy"-wanders the streets during a snowstorm. She sees a door blown open by the wind. She enters the warm, inviting home and cozies up on the rug to sleep. The next morning, the family is in for a surprise! Suzy meets humans Emily and Jack-and, perhaps the most important heart to win over, George, the family's dog. Each time she meets a new face, she silently watches, wondering if they will like her. A quick, impulsive kiss on George's nose cements their friendship. Though Emily and Jack have a one-month-old baby, they don't hesitate to take Suzy in; she's here to stay. Tan's art is a bit static but full of bright, Christmassy reds and greens, along with a golden warmth that glows almost as brightly as the family's generosity and love. This is a touching story of an unexpected gift who wandered in and found a forever home. An author's note includes photos of Suzy and the Jokinen family, offers more context for the real-life story, and urges readers to adopt a pet in need rather than purchasing one. The family presents white.A heartwarming reminder to adopt, not shop.(Picture book. 3-6)

PreS-Gr 3 —In this fictionalized account of the author's real-life experience, a family gives a stray dog a second chance as they embark on an unplanned pet adoption. "She didn't yet have a name, but she would soon be called Suzy." Readers brave a snowstorm along with a shivering Suzy, as her treacherous journey leads her to stumble upon an open door into a warm home, where she falls asleep. The next morning, Emily and Jack, the owners of the house, find Suzy there. "Will she like me?" Suzy thinks as she leans towards Emily. "Will she be my friend?" Gentle, affectionate, and well-behaved, Suzy captivates Emily, Jack, and even their dog George. After a trip to the veterinarian, Suzy becomes part of the family. Tan's digital illustrations emphasize the chill of the snowstorm and the warmth of the house, as well as Suzy's big, adorable brown eyes. With an increase in pet adoptions during the holidays and abandonment shortly after, this book successfully provides insight for children and caregivers interested in adopting animals by demonstrating the level of planning and commitment involved when deciding to care for a rescue animal. An author's note describes the impact of Jokinen's story going viral; they used the donations that came in for Suzy's medical bills to sponsor hundreds of other pet adoptions. VERDICT Readers' hearts will be warmed by this fictionalized account of a true story.—Kimberly Filmore