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Forever Home: A Dog and Boy Love Story
A heart-tugging story about an abandoned dog who is looking for a forever home -- and a boy who finds him!
There is a dog that no one wants. Abandoned and afraid, he must use his wits to survive the city’s streets. Sadly, no one comes for him.
Meanwhile, not far away, there is a boy who wants a dog more than anything in the world. But his room is a mess. He needs to help more around the house. And his parents tell him he must learn to be more responsible. Little does the boy know, there is a dog nearby longing for a forever home and someone to love him. And that dog has his eye on our boy!
Henry Cole masterfully weaves together two tender storylines that result in a hearttugging wordless picture book that celebrates love, kindness, and compassion for animals.
There is a dog that no one wants. Abandoned and afraid, he must use his wits to survive the city’s streets. Sadly, no one comes for him.
Meanwhile, not far away, there is a boy who wants a dog more than anything in the world. But his room is a mess. He needs to help more around the house. And his parents tell him he must learn to be more responsible. Little does the boy know, there is a dog nearby longing for a forever home and someone to love him. And that dog has his eye on our boy!
Henry Cole masterfully weaves together two tender storylines that result in a hearttugging wordless picture book that celebrates love, kindness, and compassion for animals.
48 pages, Hardcover
Published August 16, 2022
95 people want to read
About the author
Henry Cole
260 books169 followersHenry Cole was a celebrated science teacher for many years before turning his talents to children's books. He has worked on nearly one hundred and fifty books for children, including Nesting, Unspoken, Big Bug, A Nest for Celeste, Jack's Garden, and On Meadowview Street. Henry loves being outside where he can sketch and write.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
August 21, 2022
my coworker read this book to me at work today and i was using every ounce of my strength to not burst into tears while standing at the register
October 6, 2022
Cole's pencil drawings are mesmerizing, and this story touches the heart. Perseverance pays off in this heartwarming tale!
September 18, 2022
A young boy wants a dog so badly that to prove to his dads that he can be responsible, he walks an empty leash every day. One day, he discovers a stray dog that he wants to rescue and his dads finally decide he's ready for his own dog. The only problem is... they can't find him when they go looking for him.
August 13, 2025
I originally gave this book 4 out of 5 stars after reading it the first time. It almost made me cry at work, it is so beautiful. (It was the page where the boy meets the stray dog in the street, and offers them a box of dog treats.) I bought it for my children's book collection, brought it home, and read it to my husband (and our former stray dog, Maggie Mae). He said, "Why did you give it 4 stars?" It's a 5 out of 5, he is right. The simple pencil drawings with the pop of color from the red leash help you focus on what is important about the story: the bond between the dog and the boy. 🐕 ❣️
It was fun to read it a second time and notice even more details in the decor of the boy's room, and the faces of the dogs at Rescue Me shelter (I like the eyes of the dog peeking under one of his parents' arms). Your eyes scan the page, looking for the stray we met with the boy before, and... Aha! There they are on the page, set apart in a kennel on their own, just like my dog was. The winter scene and author's note at the end of the book are also nice touches.
It is also worth noting that I bring too many books home and my fellow booksellers often helpfully try to dissuade me. When I picked this one up however, my co-worker and manager said, "Are you buying that one? You should. It's a good one."
It was fun to read it a second time and notice even more details in the decor of the boy's room, and the faces of the dogs at Rescue Me shelter (I like the eyes of the dog peeking under one of his parents' arms). Your eyes scan the page, looking for the stray we met with the boy before, and... Aha! There they are on the page, set apart in a kennel on their own, just like my dog was. The winter scene and author's note at the end of the book are also nice touches.
It is also worth noting that I bring too many books home and my fellow booksellers often helpfully try to dissuade me. When I picked this one up however, my co-worker and manager said, "Are you buying that one? You should. It's a good one."
December 13, 2022
Richie’s Picks: FOREVER HOME: A DOG AND BOY LOVE STORY by Henry Cole, Scholastic Press, August 2022, 48p., ISBN: 978-1-338-78404-6
“Take a good look around you
Take a good look, you're bound to see
That you and me
We're meant to be for each other
Silly girl”
– Lennon/McCartney, “Martha My Dear,” written about Paul McCartney’s Old English sheepdog, Martha (1968)
“Approximately 6.3 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year. Of those, approximately 3.1 million are dogs and 3.2 million are cats…Each year, approximately 920,000 shelter animals are euthanized (390,000 dogs and 530,000 cats)...Approximately 4.1 million shelter animals are adopted each year (2 million dogs and 2.1 million cats)....About 810,000 animals who enter shelters as strays are returned to their owners. Of those, 710,000 are dogs and 100,000 are cats.”
– ASPCA 2019 estimates
FOREVER HOME is a wordless picture book about a boy and a dog. The story begins with three spreads that precede the title page. On the front endpaper there is a view of a neighborhood of row houses. Zooming in, we see a forlorn dog sitting on a stoop in front of a house, in front of which is a For Sale sign. We then see the dog digging in a trash bin, dodging traffic, and taking shelter in a cardboard carton.
After the copyright page, the story introduces the other half of this love story: the dog-crazy boy, out on the street, dog-watching. Back home, the boy earnestly begs his two fathers for a dog. But his dads point out that his dog-themed bedroom is an absolute pigsty.
Nevertheless, the boy is resolute in his desire for a dog. He cleans his room. He demonstrates his ability to be responsible by creating an imaginary dog to care for. He acquires a bright red leash and regularly walks the “dog,” even in the rain!
At one point, the boy and the dog cross paths on the street and interact. And then, when the dads relent and the boy is brought to choose a shelter animal, it happens that the dog has been rounded up and is available for adoption. Fortunately for both the boy and the dog, they are made for one another. It’s a fairy tale ending to a story that started with the dog’s abandonment.
Henry Cole’s warm, inviting pen-and-ink illustrations are black and white, except for the bright red leash, which centers our focus on the invisible dog that is eventually replaced with the real thing.
This is a superb tale for imbuing a love for animals and for showing a young person taking responsibility, exhibiting stick-to-it-ive-ness, and being kind. The author’s note describes the real story that inspired the book and encourages readers to consider adopting a pet.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
“Take a good look around you
Take a good look, you're bound to see
That you and me
We're meant to be for each other
Silly girl”
– Lennon/McCartney, “Martha My Dear,” written about Paul McCartney’s Old English sheepdog, Martha (1968)
“Approximately 6.3 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year. Of those, approximately 3.1 million are dogs and 3.2 million are cats…Each year, approximately 920,000 shelter animals are euthanized (390,000 dogs and 530,000 cats)...Approximately 4.1 million shelter animals are adopted each year (2 million dogs and 2.1 million cats)....About 810,000 animals who enter shelters as strays are returned to their owners. Of those, 710,000 are dogs and 100,000 are cats.”
– ASPCA 2019 estimates
FOREVER HOME is a wordless picture book about a boy and a dog. The story begins with three spreads that precede the title page. On the front endpaper there is a view of a neighborhood of row houses. Zooming in, we see a forlorn dog sitting on a stoop in front of a house, in front of which is a For Sale sign. We then see the dog digging in a trash bin, dodging traffic, and taking shelter in a cardboard carton.
After the copyright page, the story introduces the other half of this love story: the dog-crazy boy, out on the street, dog-watching. Back home, the boy earnestly begs his two fathers for a dog. But his dads point out that his dog-themed bedroom is an absolute pigsty.
Nevertheless, the boy is resolute in his desire for a dog. He cleans his room. He demonstrates his ability to be responsible by creating an imaginary dog to care for. He acquires a bright red leash and regularly walks the “dog,” even in the rain!
At one point, the boy and the dog cross paths on the street and interact. And then, when the dads relent and the boy is brought to choose a shelter animal, it happens that the dog has been rounded up and is available for adoption. Fortunately for both the boy and the dog, they are made for one another. It’s a fairy tale ending to a story that started with the dog’s abandonment.
Henry Cole’s warm, inviting pen-and-ink illustrations are black and white, except for the bright red leash, which centers our focus on the invisible dog that is eventually replaced with the real thing.
This is a superb tale for imbuing a love for animals and for showing a young person taking responsibility, exhibiting stick-to-it-ive-ness, and being kind. The author’s note describes the real story that inspired the book and encourages readers to consider adopting a pet.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
January 6, 2023
Such a beautiful story and wonderful illustrations!
April 26, 2023
Absolutely gorgeous. Brought tears of joy to my eyes.
April 29, 2023
Interestingly, there is a note from the author as well as a pretty detailed copyright page. I love the pen drawings with just the pop of red.
A classic love story.
Library copy
A classic love story.
Library copy
October 3, 2022
A book for everyone who's ever wanted a dog or adopted one, a book that animal shelters will love, too! Henry Cole has written another great book, this time about a young boy who wants a dog yet he struggles doing chores like keeping his room clean. His dads are unsure he can take on the extra, and large, responsibility of taking care of a dog. Wait till you see what that boy does to show them he can! And be sure to take lots of time to notice all the details of people, animals, and places Cole includes in this marvelous wordless picture book. There's a backstory, too, which Cole adds at the end. It's terrific!
September 30, 2022
This is a wordless book about a boy who really wants a dog. His dads point out that he can't even keep his room clean. He cleans up the room to learn how to be responsible and walks an empty red leash (the only color in the black and white pencil illustrations) all day. He even picks up invisible poop. Then the family goes to the shelter and finds a dog to adopt. It is a feel good story that many will enjoy.
August 17, 2022
What's a boy to do when he really wants a dog? He needs to prove to his dads that he's responsible enough! He works hard to prove that, but when he goes to find the stray he's been befriending, it's gone. What to do then? Go to the shelter where boy and dog are happily re-united. The black and white ink illustrations in this wordless picturebook feature bright red leash and collar, symbolizing the link between the boy and the dog. Boy appears white, one dad is also white, the other dad dark skinned.
September 17, 2022
What a SWEET wordless picture book.
An abandoned dog
A boy who wants a dog more than anything
Sure you know how it is going to end. But still, the lone usage of color (red--often equated with love) speaks volumes throughout the story.
There is also a lot of diverse representation in the story. From the LGBT representation of the boy's fathers to those in wheelchairs. It shows that the love of animals truly spans ALL peoples.
An abandoned dog
A boy who wants a dog more than anything
Sure you know how it is going to end. But still, the lone usage of color (red--often equated with love) speaks volumes throughout the story.
There is also a lot of diverse representation in the story. From the LGBT representation of the boy's fathers to those in wheelchairs. It shows that the love of animals truly spans ALL peoples.
August 25, 2022
BEST FRIENDS; narrative skills
October 2, 2022
Beautiful story! The art work is amazing. I could look at this book over and over again.
September 10, 2022
Book provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review
Told in black and white sketches, Forever Home is about a little boy who attempts to convince his two fathers to let him adopt a dog. The parents show that the little boy needs to get more responsible, like cleaning his room on a regular basis. The little boy finds a red leash and carries it around with the hopes that one day a dog will be on the end of it.
The little boy sees a homeless dog and resolves to become more responsible so he can help the dog. The boy helps his Dads with household chores and cleaning his room. When his Dads decide that he is responsible enough to get a dog, the little boy heads to the dog rescue where he gives his new best friend a forever home.
Because Forever Home is a wordless book, there have to be enough details in the illustrations to show the entire story. Henry Cole's attention to detail with facial expressions and body language shows the loneliness of the little boy and his parent's encouragement when he decides to help out around the house.
Forever Home is such a sweet little book about friendship and taking care of responsibilities in order to care for another living thing. The book gives an opportunity for children to describe the feelings and actions of the little boy since he experiences a range of emotions throughout the book.
Add me on BookTok here: https://www.tiktok.com/@blissandbooks
Told in black and white sketches, Forever Home is about a little boy who attempts to convince his two fathers to let him adopt a dog. The parents show that the little boy needs to get more responsible, like cleaning his room on a regular basis. The little boy finds a red leash and carries it around with the hopes that one day a dog will be on the end of it.
The little boy sees a homeless dog and resolves to become more responsible so he can help the dog. The boy helps his Dads with household chores and cleaning his room. When his Dads decide that he is responsible enough to get a dog, the little boy heads to the dog rescue where he gives his new best friend a forever home.
Because Forever Home is a wordless book, there have to be enough details in the illustrations to show the entire story. Henry Cole's attention to detail with facial expressions and body language shows the loneliness of the little boy and his parent's encouragement when he decides to help out around the house.
Forever Home is such a sweet little book about friendship and taking care of responsibilities in order to care for another living thing. The book gives an opportunity for children to describe the feelings and actions of the little boy since he experiences a range of emotions throughout the book.
Add me on BookTok here: https://www.tiktok.com/@blissandbooks
May 18, 2023
In another of his wonderful wordless picture books, Henry Cole's art brings a whole new meaning to the term "show, don't tell." I knew I was hooked when I saw the opening two-page spread of a sad dog sitting alone on the front porch of an empty house with a "for sale" sign in the yard. Can a picture book bring tears to your eyes? Absolutely! Combining an abandoned dog with "a boy who wants a dog more than anything in the world," this heart-melting story will have you feeling the emotions of both characters as they find their way to each other. This story has a happy ending, followed by an author's note urging readers to "adopt if you can, and share your life with a pet who longs for a forever home."
I share his sentiment wholeheartedly. Great book with a great message!
I share his sentiment wholeheartedly. Great book with a great message!
June 24, 2023
The story of a young boy determined to prove to his parents he could take care of a dog properly is handled by one of my favorite authors, Henry Cole. In this story, the boy sees a stray dog and is very determined to help by giving that dog a home and a family. This is a sweet story with a bit at the end of Mr. Cole encouraging us to check our local animal shelters first when seeking a family pet.
There is diversity in family in this story as well as diversity characters. I love when books reflect the world around us. It allows more readers to find themselves in the pages of the story. Wordless books are wonderful for all and Henry Cole is one of the best creating them. I see this book as a first purchase!
There is diversity in family in this story as well as diversity characters. I love when books reflect the world around us. It allows more readers to find themselves in the pages of the story. Wordless books are wonderful for all and Henry Cole is one of the best creating them. I see this book as a first purchase!
December 9, 2022
First we see a stray dog no one wants. Then we are introduced to a boy who wants a dog. While we might anticipate the ending where the two are united, the boy has go through a lot to prove to his fathers that he can be responsible enough to look after a pet. This entails keeping his room clean and going on regular walks with an empty leash. He even makes a connection to the stray dog while out and about. Eventually there is a happy ending for both of them.
Henry Cole's detailed black and white artwork is just stunning. I really appreciate that the the boy's gay parents are incidental to the story.
Henry Cole's detailed black and white artwork is just stunning. I really appreciate that the the boy's gay parents are incidental to the story.
December 31, 2022
5 stars (I loved it)
I was skeptical at first being that this book is all about a dog and I don't like dogs. But it was really really cute! I love all that Cole was able to show in the illustrations without using any words. The boy wants a dog but his parents (who are two dads, love the inclusion!) think he isn't responsible (as shown by his messy room) so the boy begins to walk a lease and do other things to show he can be responsible. I also love how the leash is red with the rest of the book being black and white.
I was skeptical at first being that this book is all about a dog and I don't like dogs. But it was really really cute! I love all that Cole was able to show in the illustrations without using any words. The boy wants a dog but his parents (who are two dads, love the inclusion!) think he isn't responsible (as shown by his messy room) so the boy begins to walk a lease and do other things to show he can be responsible. I also love how the leash is red with the rest of the book being black and white.
October 23, 2022
This wordless book tells the story of a boy who wants a dog. His parents (two men) remind him that his room is a mess--implying that he may not be ready for the responsibility of a dog.
Meanwhile a dog is looking for a home.
Of course, in the end, the boy and dog are united.
The illustrations are signature Henry Cole--amazingly detailed and realistic pencil drawings in shades of gray and white.
ELA tie-in with "reading the pictures."
Meanwhile a dog is looking for a home.
Of course, in the end, the boy and dog are united.
The illustrations are signature Henry Cole--amazingly detailed and realistic pencil drawings in shades of gray and white.
ELA tie-in with "reading the pictures."
January 12, 2023
This wordless picture book brings all the feels. Any youngster begging their parents for a pet can relate to the boy in this story. The illustrations wonderfully drew the eye to all the ways the young boy was waiting/preparing for the dog he wanted. This title would be great for sharing with young children who are ready to 'read the pictures' or for teachers to support vocabulary & language development or writing tasks.
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January 12, 2023Alice's Thoughts: I heartily recommend doing an illustrator study on Henry Cole. You can get lost in his rich pencil drawings for hours! This wordless book is a moving story about determination and persistence in working toward your heart’s goal. The young protagonist will do anything to show his dads that he is ready for the responsibility of adopting a dog – even taking an empty leash for a walk several times a day!
February 10, 2023
I always find wordless picture books to be difficult to read to young kids as you have to constantly engage them, asking questions, keeping attention, and making it fun for them. This does, however, open many opportunities for kids to make their own assumptions and ideas about what is taking place in the story and engages their minds more.
I really enjoyed reading this and seeing the boy's determination to prove he was responsible enough to adobt a pup in need.
I really enjoyed reading this and seeing the boy's determination to prove he was responsible enough to adobt a pup in need.
March 14, 2023
A boy really wants a dog, but when his dads say no, he gets his act together and helps more and cleans his room to show he's responsible. But the stray he fell in love with is no longer living in the box he was in, can they find him now and give him a forever home?
This wordless picture book is darling! I loved how the leash was the only color in the picture. a sweet story about working for what you want, and love finding a way.
This wordless picture book is darling! I loved how the leash was the only color in the picture. a sweet story about working for what you want, and love finding a way.
July 12, 2024
I just didn't like the illustration style in this book. It was kind of nice with the stark contrast between the leash and collar and everything else, but I felt there was too much black and too many lines. Also, even though it was based on a true story, who lets their child walk an empty leash? There's definitely got to be a better way to prove your point.
I am a fan of adopting, though. That's how we got our fur baby!
I am a fan of adopting, though. That's how we got our fur baby!
December 1, 2024
A super-cute wordless picture book about a boy who wants to adopt a dog and works hard to prove he is responsible enough. His parents relent and allow him to get the dog he wants and he proves to be a very good dog owner--reading books about dog care and paying a lot of attention to his new family member. :) The illustrations are simple line drawings except for the colorful leash that connects the two. :)
September 11, 2022
Another stunning wordless picture book from Henry Cole. Told through black and while illustrations with pops of red, readers will fall in love with an abandoned dog and a boy who desperately wants to own him. Bought for my classroom library and to read for #classroombookaday with my 4/5th grade students.
December 16, 2022
A beautiful, touching wordless story of a boy who really wants a dog and a dog who really needs a home. Cole tells the story with exquisite black and white drawings. There are so many quiet touches and details, you absolutely have to go back and reread it again and again. I dare you to read it without crying.
August 18, 2022
If Henry Cole illustrated his books for the rest of his life in pencil and ink I don't think anyone would be disappointed. His art is great, but the pencil/ink illustrated books (this one, like others, wordless) are some of his best.
September 5, 2022
Henry Cole is a master of wordless books, & with Forever Home: A Dog and Boy Love Story I felt vibes of Cole’s One Little Bag, which was also full of stunning black & white illustrations with magnificent pops of red.
Another five-star, heart-filling wordless #kidlit journey. 🐾
Another five-star, heart-filling wordless #kidlit journey. 🐾
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews