The Stray and the New Girl - Paperback

by Sally Mann (Illustrator), Donna Soules (Author)

This is a fascinating tale with many true events about a homeless stray cat named Ralph. Wild and feisty, Ralph survives by planting himself hopefully on a back porch and mooching from a family with two other cats.
A sweet-hearted girl named Sadie welcomes him into their home. With care and patience, she draws him away from his skittery and untrusting personality to become a special addition to his new family. Lots of play and mayhem abound.
In the early spring, Sadie's family moves to a new home beside the ocean near the town of Colville. Sadie has her own dilemma as the new girl mixed in with an unwelcoming gaggle of girls. As determined as her new buddy Ralph, Sadie doesn't give in to the teasing of the girls in her grade. She tries to make friends with these girls, without success, but does learn how to survive by her own wits and support from others. Ralph's struggle inspires her to learn about boundaries and to use honesty and curiosity to resolve her conflict. With her willingness to understand diversity and openness to differences, she learns valuable lessons.
In the end, both Ralph and Sadie find a new place to belong and experience special friendships. Their inspiring story has a message of hope and connection for young and old alike where friendship and love blossom.