Best Friends Dog Tales #4
Available 4 August 2026
Stranded far from home, Nando is rescued by Levi, a boy with a brave heart and a gift for seeing good in others, who was also displaced by the storm. Nando and Levi are both trying to get back home, but when Levi leashes Nando, he leaves the independent herding dog with little choice but to stick with him. As they face rising waters, dangerous terrain, and the uncertainty of finding their way back, Levi offers Nando courage, friendship, and love, teaching Nando that he doesn’t have to be perfect to be loved and accepted.
“Heartbreakingly poignant … this tender middle grade book about grief, dying, love, friendship, and pride truly stands apart.” (School Library Journal, starred review)
Ripley has been trained to protect ever since she was a pup. As a German Shepherd Dog, she helped protect the wildlife refuge with Max, the best man Ripley has ever known. But that was before the accident. Before the pain of Max leaving. And before his last words: “Take care of the girls, Ripley.”
Ripley adores her girls, especially Charlie, more than anything, even peanut butter. But Ripley has been feeling the aches and pains that come with old age, and she knows her seasons are ending. Dogs do not have forever.
“If you’ve ever loved a dog, you need this book. And if you’ve never loved a dog, trust me: after reading Forever Ripley, you will. Tender, joyful, and wise, this is truly a story to cherish. (Katherine Applegate, Newbery Award-winning and #1 New York Times bestselling author of The One and Only Ivan)