An insightful and funny picture book about trying to make new friends as the new dog in town and the courage it takes to face a problem “nose to nose," from the critically acclaimed author-illustrator of How Do You Dance?

A Boston Globe Horn Book Award Finalist

Multiple starred reviews! "A lovely read full of heart and lessons about friendship, delivered with playful comedy." (Booklist starred review)

Toby is the new dog on the block, and he can’t wait to meet his neighbors. But his attempts to make friends go largely un-sniffed by his busy neighborhood, and Toby finds being new isn’t so easy. At least he finds a nice, smelly ball at the park. There’s just one problem: The ball actually belongs to another pup, Pancake, who desperately wants it back.

Toby tries his best to explain his mistake, but when his messages get misunderstood, the neighborhood rumors fly: Toby is a bad dog! Beware! Toby doesn’t know if he’ll ever make a friend, but hopefully by being brave and taking a chance, he can make things right.

This pooch-filled story by critically acclaimed author Thyra Heder playfully unveils the currents of communication happening all around us and champions the courage it takes to confront a problem “nose to nose.”