Rover is a little dog with a very special heart. Whatever anyone feels, Rover feels it too - every bit of it.

When Robin sings with joy, Rover's ears fly up. When a little mouse hurts her paw, Rover sits with her until the ache feels smaller. When Hedgehog is lonely, Rover curls up close - prickles and all - warm as toast and stays.

Then comes the day of the big, loud storm, when the whole park feels scared and shivery and sad all at once - and Rover feels every bit of that, too. It is more than one little heart can hold. But Rover's friends know just what to do, because he taught them: they sit with him, close and quiet, until the love comes feeling its way back.

Set in a leafy city park full of lanterns, benches, and friends, Rover and the Listening Heart is a gentle read-aloud story about empathy - feeling with others, and letting others feel with you. Its soft, hand-painted illustrations and simple, lyrical words make it a comforting bedtime read for ages 3-6, and a tender first book about emotions, kindness, and friendship for preschool and kindergarten readers.

Karen Laurinaria is the author of The Pine Who Learned to Bend, Milo and the Little Seed, and Ruby and the Sharing Feast. Rover is based on her own beloved dog.

Rover and the Listening Heart

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