The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan

by Jasmine Warga

From the Newbery Honor-winning and #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Rover's Story comes the moving story of a cheetah who forms a friendship with a rescue dog–a bond that will change their lives forever. Perfect for fans of Katherine Applegate and Rosanne Parry.

Finnegan is a rescue dog with a broken heart.
Chase is an anxious cheetah cub, newly orphaned.

The two animals couldn't be more different. But one day, they are brought together for the unlikeliest of Finnegan must help Chase gain the confidence she needs to perform as part of an educational program for children at a zoo.

Finnegan and Chase have each suffered losses and have trouble trusting. Yet somehow, they are just what the other needs. But if Finnegan isn’t able to help Chase overcome her fears, he won’t just be letting Chase down–he could be risking his new home as well.

Inspired by true stories from zoos across the country, award-winning author Jasmine Warga creates a deeply moving tale about how the power of friendship can transcend anything – even species.

Genres: Middle Grade, Animals, Fiction, Childrens, Realistic Fiction, Dogs

240 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication March 3, 2026

About the author

Jasmine Warga is a writer from Cincinnati, Ohio who currently resides in Chicago, Illinois. She is the internationally bestselling author of My Heart and Other Black Holes and Here We Are Now. Her books have been published in over twenty-five countries and optioned for film. Her debut middle grade novel, Other Words For Home, will be published in Spring 2019. Jasmine lives in an apartment filled with books with her husband, two tiny daughters, large dog, and mischievous cat.


**I am only on Goodreads when one of my publishers sets up a Q&A for me, so the best way to contact me is through my website: www.jasminewarga.com or on twitter: @jasminewarga. Thank you so much for reading my books!**

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

EARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
This is a “must read” author for me, and her latest story didn’t disappoint. This lovely story about an unexpected friendship between a cheetah and dog is very touching. This is a perfect choice for lovers of the Ivan series.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story of friendship between a young, orphaned cheetah and her canine buddy. Based on strategies utilized at zoos and in wildlife rehabilitation centers, this pairing gives both animals the companionship they crave and aids in training cheetahs to demonstrate their athletic prowess in programs designed to increase support for cheetah conservation projects. And in Jasmine Warga’s fictionalized version, gives her dog a second chance at finding a new home.

Chase’s insecurities after losing her mom are assuaged by Finnegan’s presence but he struggles with his own for a bit longer. Warga allows her two animal characters to communicate with each other and lets readers in on their feelings as their friendship advances and they begin training for their presentation. Finnegan struggles with a few additional fears-storms cause him to lose control and in his past, this led to some destructive behavior leading to the loss of his first home and his new home with animal trainer Basma and her boyfriend Ryan is beginning to look shaky. Warga develops unique personalities and behavioral traits for both her two animal characters as well as her human ones and certainly, if used as a class novel, character profiles and comparisons are possible. Back matter includes information on cheetahs and dogs as well as animal conservation programs modeled in the book.

Highly recommended for grades 4-7 and for those who love Rosanne Parry’s Voice in the Wilderness series, McCall Hoyle’s Stella, Millie, Just Gus and Ripley as well as Applegate’s One and Only Ivan series.

Thanks for the eARC, Edelweiss and NetGalley.

[Kathryn D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Barnes and Noble for the ARC. This book was so cuteeee. It reminded me of one of my favorite books as a kid, Unlikely Friendships, which was about all kinds of surprising animal pairings. I knew about the benefits of cheetahs having dogs as their emotional support friends, so it was super fun to read about it. I think the depiction of anxiety and overthinking was EXTREMELY accurate and made me feel seen, even if it was coming from a cheetah and a dog. I think children will enjoy this book and it’ll be formative for them because they’ll realize that it’s okay to make mistakes and people won’t (or at the very least shouldn’t) stop loving them because of them messing up.

[Jessica_loves_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute novel for children grades 3 and up. Finnegan is a dog who we first meet on a cold, dark night in the woods. He is reminiscing about his former owner Samuel, a musician. Cold, scared and alone, Finnegan is rescued by a man who brings him home to his girlfriend Basma, a local zookeeper specializing in cheetahs. In alternating chapters, we simultaneously learn about Chase, a cheetah cub whose mom dies while at the zoo. Finnegan is the key to Chase’s development and trust, as have inherits the job of teaching the public about cheetah conservation. This was a sweet book where Chase and Finnegan form a sweet bond. The reader learns about overcoming anxiety, sadness and adversity while experiencing the love of friends and family.

[Kimberlin Whitsitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super sweet middle grade. My kids really enjoyed this book as I read it allowed to them. They couldn’t wait to hear how chase “wouldn’t be sad anymore” and would let basma be her friend and help her.

They loved finnegan and thought he was so funny with all the things he liked to smell. We had great conversations from this book like treating animals and others kindly even when you’re upset, handling grief and sadness, trying something new even when you’re scared can be brave. 3.75 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Lizzy (reviewsshewrote) · Rating 4 out of 5]

So cute, would be a fun one to read with your kids!

[Terri Holder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life lessons of family, love, and loyalty are discovered by two unlikely friends. An orphaned cheetah and a rescue dog both deal with loss of loved ones and their responses to those events. Their friendship helps them learn to trust others and to understand that they really can be brave.
This is a sweet book that would be great for middle grades.

Thank you MacMillan for providing me with an advanced copy to review.

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a heartwarming book about the friendship between a dog and a cheetah cub. Ryan and Basma adopt Finnegan, a dog. Basma works with a cheetah cub, Chase, at the zoo, and feels Finnegan would be a good friend for Chase who lost his mom. Slowly the two become friends, and Basma begins training them for a show at the zoo. When Ryan says we’re moving, Finnegan panics and thinks he’ll be left behind. At the show, Finnegan wants to run off, but Chase says stay. Will Finnegan leave ?
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Madalyn Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, and Jasmine Warga for an advanced reader copy of The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A true 5-star read!

This was a wonderful middle grade read. I grew up reading so many animal-focused middle grade books, and pre-teen me would’ve absolutely adored this book. (Adult me adored this book, so of course past me would’ve loved The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan!)

Finnegan is a rescue dog that is saved after being rejected by his previous owner and then attacked by a wild animal in the forest, and Chase is an orphaned and isolated cheetah in a zoo, and they are brought together in a cute way to be each other’s support animals.
They both struggle with their own anxieties, traumas, and grief, and this was portrayed really respectfully and tactfully by the author— I think both Finn’s and Chase’s struggles will help pre-teens and teens to feel seen and understood.
If I had read this book as a pre-teen, I know for certain that it would’ve positively impacted my life and helped me deal with teenage anxieties.

I also loved the way this author honored animal welfare. The story of rescuing Finnegan and nursing him back to health, both physically and emotionally, was really beautiful, and helped to showcase the importance of saving and rescuing dogs. I think this is a really important lesson for pre-teens (or anyone) to learn. Also, Finnegan has a tendency to have destructive habits when he’s scared, and it is SO IMPORTANT and so cool to witness the understanding and patience that his new people give him during his episodes— rescue dogs are not “broken” or “bad” dogs, they just need special people to love and understand them. I love that this is showcased in The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan.
I also adored the love and attention that went into Chase’s care— she was so lonely and scared, and the zoo and her caretaker put so much gentleness and patience into her emotional rehabilitation, and it was really heartwarming to see her grow. I also loved the constant remembrance of her late mother— it was a sweet way to honor her mother and to make her proud.

And the story of friendship, and how important friendship is to help us overcome our struggles and difficulties, is so beautiful!

This book was easy to read and had a great use of descriptive details and contained amazing vocabulary words. It also taught me a lot that I didn’t know about cheetahs!

As a parent, I would LOVE for my child to read The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan! I 100% recommend.
The writing style, the new words that could be learned, the stories about friendship and growth, and the lessons to be learned, make this a perfect middle grade book. ❤️

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC provided by Young Adult Books Central

Finnegan is a dog who has run away from his home with Samuel after a misunderstanding, and he finds himself out in the wilderness in a world of trouble when he is attacked by another animal. Luckily, he is rescued by Ryan, who takes him to the vet and then adopts him. Chase is a cheetah cub born in a zoo to a mother who was rescued from the wild. Unfortunately, when her mother is taken for a veterinary procedure, she passes away. Chase must be fed and trained by Basma, one of the zoo workers. Finnegan is very scared of storms and causes some trouble at home. Ryan lives with Basma, who thinks that Finnegan and Chase could help each other out. They do a lot of training so that Chase can perform in a zoo presentation meant to draw attention to the plight of animals in the wild, but also comfort each other. Chase misses her mother and is leery of leashes, since her mother was taken away wearing one and never came back, and Finnegan is worried that Ryan and Basma will discover the secrets in his past and not want him to live with them anymore. The friendship that helps out both animals is based on a real life program at the Cincinnati Zoo.

The Vivienne To cover will make this book immediately appealing to younger readers who like animal stories or who frequent the zoo; who doesn't harbor a secret wish to cuddle with a tiny cheetah? I loved that Finnegan was a rescue dog with a hidden past; so many bad things can happen to dogs, and they can't tell their new homes about them! At least Finnegan can confide in Chase when his humans don't quite understand why he is so upset when they are packing up to move to a new home.

There are just enough things going on with the humans in the book to add another level of interest. At one point, Ryan wants to ask Basma to marry him, and is quite nervous about proposing. The workings of the zoo are also quite interesting; I haven't been to the Cincinnati zoo in a long time, but was always impressed with the work they do.

Warga has quite a range of topics in her list of middle grade works; an immigrant tale in Other Words for Home (2019), a problem novel in The Shape of Tunder (2021), the sci Fi A Rover's Story (2022), a fantasy with some community issues A Strange Thing Happened in Cherry Hall (2024), and even a horror book in the second of the The Last Resort series, The Claiming (2026). This animal tale will be popular with readers who liked the unlikely friendships and animal perspectives in Applegate's The One and Only Bob, Bruce Cameron's Dogs with a Purpose tales, Robertshaw and Danka's Life in the Doghouse books.

[Cammie (Bibliolater.alligator) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grabbed this book to review as a mother reading to her 6 year old kiddo, who absolutely loves listening to chapter books- especially when the main characters are animals. We were immediately charmed by both Chase and Finnegan and their stories, and I enjoyed the alternating chapters where we got to check in with both animals and hear their stories. We were so anxious for the moment these two finally came together! In my opinion, that took just a little longer than I would have liked, as the story really picked up once the pair was introduced and their partnership began.
Because I'm an emotional reader, this one tugged at my heartstrings with both Finn's and Chase's storylines, and I cried multiple times while reading this out loud. I loved the connection Chase and Finn developed, and I especially connected with Finn finally realizing he was worth the love that his owners, and Chase, were openly giving.
I enjoyed learning about the cheetah conversation program and finding out in the end notes that dogs being introduced as companions for cheetahs is a real thing! I would love to visit the Omaha zoo to see the cheetah run in person and learn more about this program and what we can do to help protect this beautiful species. I loved the fun facts at the end of the book and we made them into a game, testing our current knowledge versus the new things we learned about cheetahs- and dogs, too!

Because I read this book out loud with my child, I asked them a few questions once we finished reading. Here are their notes/review.
Rating: Really really good but not perfect, because there was one thing I was hoping for at the very end that we never got to hear about.
My favorite part : I liked the beginning when we first learned about Chase and she was with her mommy.
Who should read this book: They should maybe read this book if they're kids and moms and they want a story about animals and animals becoming friends.

Thank you so much to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Balzer + Bray for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book broke my heart and, at the same time, made my heart sing. A formerly stray dog and a very young, orphaned cheetah form an unlikely friendship. Zoos and wildlife rehabilitation centers are discovering the values of pairing animals to provide companionship and a sense of security for both animals.

Finnegan is discovered, lost, injured, by Ryan, who takes him to the veterinarian for care. He knows he has been a bad dog and when Ryan and his girlfriend, Basma, realize this, he is sure they will put him back out again. Surprise, they don't. Basma, an animal trainer, works with a very young cheetah, Chase, and her mother. When Chase is unexpectedly orphaned, the cheetah becomes depressed and lonely. Basma brings Finnegan to visit. The two animals are able to communicate and each shares with the other their feelings and fears. Soon Basma believes Chase is ready to be trained to perform in the animal show and she enlists Finnegan to help with the training.

Finnegan is frightened of thunder storms. When it storms one night, Finnegan flees. A search ensues, he is found, but training for Chase's performance has been disrupted. Will Basma be able to make up for lost time? Will Finnegan realize what an important part he plays in Chase's life?

This will be a wonderful book to share with children in grades 4-7. The potential for some great lessons are in this book. There is information at the end of the book about cheetahs and their athletic prowess and the need for cheetah conservation projects. There is also information about shelter dogs and how each of us can help.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Balzer + Bray, in exchange for a review.

[Linda Galella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy for review purposes. All opinions are honest and mine alone.


As the owner of a rescue dog that sports one ear that stands and one that flops, I was smitten from the very beginning of this heartwarming, informative middle reader.

Finnegan begins the story in a bad place - cold, afraid, hurt and alone but soon finds himself in better circumstance thanks to Ryan. He goes to the vet, gets fed and adopted. Things are looking up!

Chase is a young cheetah. His world has been warm, soft, milk from mom; everything a young cat could dream about. Then came the day a trainer, Basma, comes to take him outside and take mom to the doctor. Mom assures him she is a good human and that he should be brave. Mom also is sure that she will be fine and they will see each other later but things don’t go well for her.

THE UNLIKELY TALE OF CHASE AND FINNEGAN is the story of how Finnegan learns to be a companion for Chase and how Chase learns to trust Basma so he can become an ambassador for cheetahs at the zoo, performing for visitors to raise awareness of their precarious status. A program like this currently exists at the Cincinnati zoo.

A secondary storyline involves Ryan and Basma who live together and are contemplating buying a new, larger home and getting married. Finnegan doesn’t quite understand how or if he fits in the relationship, adding an element of poignancy to the story.

Themes include: overcoming fear, death and anxiety, trusting, friendship, and building family

An excellent addition to family and school libraries📚

Read and Reviewed from a NetGalley eARC, with thanks to the author and publisher.

[Katie Reilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coming March 3, 2026…a new middle grade story from Jasmine Warga about friendship, found family, courage, belonging, and hope.

The story first introduces readers to Finnegan, a dog who’s hiding out in the woods. Alone and scared, he’s attacked by a woodland creature and later rescued by Ryan, the man who brings him to the vet to get checked out and decides to adopt him.

Readers then meet Chase, a cheetah cub who’s learning all she can from her mother while living at the zoo. Chase and her mother are cared for at the zoo by Basma, a zookeeper who specializes in cheetahs.

When Ryan brings Finnegan home to his girlfriend Basma, the animals’ stories begin to intertwine. After Chase becomes suddenly orphaned, Basma decides to pair the animals up to give them the companionship they both crave and rebuild the trust they’ve both lost.

Told in alternating point of view, the two animals form a sweet bond while working to overcome loneliness and anxiety.

Back matter includes fun facts about cheetahs and dogs as well as an author’s note regarding the inspiration for the story and further resources.

Favorite lines:
Page 166:
“I think we all choose our family. Or at least, some members of it. Family…” Finnegan doesn’t finish what he was saying.

Page 215:
He’s been running away from pain for so long. But you can’t outrun it. When he looks at Ryan’s face, he understands. Even though sometimes there might be pain, there can be love, too.
And that is worth everything.

Page 219:
But she is also sharing herself.
And that is brave.

[Marysue Gulick · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan
by Jasmine Warga

This is a super sweet story, based on facts about single Cheetahs and rescued dogs who form a bond. I loved that this book, while fictional, taught me several things about Cheetahs, and I believe kids will feel the same.
Chase, the baby cheetah who is orphaned, is a well-written character. She is smart and brave, and overcomes a lot to be able to help her breed by helping to educate people about what they need.
I also loved Finnegan, Chase’s companion dog, but I found myself several times during the book wishing there was more of his story, more character for him. For example, he blames himself for what happened with his first owner, but I wanted to know more about the owner and what really happened. While the book is about the animals, there is also an overall narrator who could have filled this part in. I taught a lot of readers over the years, from gifted to struggling. And one thing I learned is that all my students require “meat” to their stories to be really engaged in them. I know that my students would want more to explain why Finnegan does what he does.
I still give it 4 stars. It made me laugh and it made me teary, and I’ll think about it for awhile - my “rubric” for a good story.

[Luminous Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this touching tale, we meet the unlikely duo of Finnegan, a rescue dog with a painful past, and Chase, an orphaned cheetah. Inspired by true stories, this book explores the vital role of cheetah ambassador dogs in zoos across the nation, shining light on the educational programs that help foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for these beautiful creatures.

The power of friendship is at the heart of this story, and the bond that blossoms between Finnegan and Chase is so heartwarming. I especially enjoyed how skillfully Jasmine imagines and depicts the inner lives of these animals, inviting readers into their inner worlds filled with hopes, fears, and resilience.

This enchanting book is a perfect pick for young readers who enjoy animal stories, rich with themes of companionship and the journey of finding the courage to trust again!

Content for consideration:
Finnegan’s rescue parents, Basma and Ryan, are an unmarried couple who live together.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[TheNextGenLibrarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A moving MG book by the phenomenal @jasminewargabooks
🐆
Chase is a cheetah cub whose mother died when he was five months old. They live in a zoo where humans have been taking care of him since birth, but now that his mother is gone, Chase is anxious and wary of everything. Finnegan is a rescue dog who has found a home with a zoo keeper and her boyfriend, but struggles to trust that he is a good boy and deserves this forever home. When the two are brought together at the zoo they become fast friends, but can they trust those around them enough to fully heal?
🦮
Inspired by true accounts from zoos across the nation, Warga is able to show us a world where cheetahs, who are endangered, and rescue dogs can help one another so that all our animals are safe and loved and protected. This was such a sweet #novel that would pair well with The One and Only Ivan, The Wild Robot or The Eyes and the Impossible. This title is out November 30!

CW: animal death (Chase’s mom), animal attack, abandonment, anxiety

[Holly Beets · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming middle grade read.
We follow two animals, Chase and Finnegan, on a not so easy journey. The two animals had great character development throughout the book. We jumped POVs each chapter from Chase to Finnegan. It was so easy imagining them growing and learning.
The voice of the story was in a clear human understanding BUT it still felt like we were following animals. That seems like a delicate aspect to balance but the author did a great job. It is comparable to 'The One and Only Ivan' and 'The Wild Robot' in that sense.
It was also enjoyable to learn about cheetahs in captivity and the wild.
Chase and Finnegan are able to find trust and understanding in each other to help them grow and overcome some issues.
There are strong themes of friendship, found family, belonging and love.
They deal with issues such as anxiety, insecurity, abandonment and grief.
This book did a great job empathizing with animals and I highly recommend it.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Books for the advanced copy.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan by Jasmine Warga

A delightful book, told from the POV of a lonely cheetah cub, Chase, and a rescue dog, Finnegan, who doesn’t know what a good dog he really is. The humans in supporting roles are also exceptional, and do their best to understand, teach, and encourage. There are lessons in loyalty and self-confidence, and the need to protect and respect endangered species and individuals, valuable insights for any who work with animals (including people). There is also fun, humor, warmth, suspense. It’s a good tail, er, tale, though tails do matter in this book, needed for communication and balance.
I felt an extra connection because one winter day, with few visitors at the St. Louis Zoo, a cheetah purred as I approached her enclosure, a rare and memorable greeting. I felt honored by the friendly greeting, a gift of trust not to be taken for granted.
Labeled as being for ages 8-14, but rewarding to any age, IMHO.

[Lauren Bayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

"In the past three days, Chase has learned a lot. She has learned that Finnegan is a creature called a dog. Not a creature called a friend. A friend is something else. She is still trying to understand what that is."

Jasmine Warga proves, once again, why she is one of the best middle grade writers. The way that she is able to humanize non-human characters is simply second to none, and I hope her foray into animal fiction isn't a one-time thing. Chase and Finnegan are both so well-written, and the themes of found family and overcoming fears are particularly poignant. I truly think this could be the perfect book to add to curriculum to teach kids on how to find themes. The fact that this is based on real partnerships between dogs and cheetahs is even better, and I am sure a lot of kids will want to learn more!

Thank you to NetGalley and Balzar + Bray for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Aliceson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is unique in the fact that it was told entirely from the animals perspective. I liked that it included 2 different animals and how they thought differently. I thought that sometimes the author missed the mark on “dog” or “cat” speak. (Would a dog really describe their human as having close cropped hair and freckles?) I did appreciate how descriptive the author was, so that we as humans, always knew what was going on. Finn’s tragic past had me searching the book for clues and I was anticipating his story. I was wishing there was a child in the story to help kids better relate. Although I loved Ryan and Basma, it could be a turnoff for the intended audience. I love the sweet friendship between Chase and Finn and was pleased to find out that it’s a real thing! What a great way to bring awareness to the cheetah conservation fund!

[anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This audiobook completely stole my heart. Finnegan and Chase’s journey delivers every high and low of friendship so vividly that it feels like you’re traveling through time alongside them, experiencing each fear, setback, and triumph firsthand. The narrator elevates the story beautifully! His voice adds depth and emotion that makes the bond between these two unforgettable. By the end, I wanted to hug every dog/animal at the zoo and never let go! This is a story I will forever remember. I listened to this with my 5 year old who has a very special passion for animal wellbeing so it seemed this story moved him just as much as it did me. The author’s note was very educational for both of us, sparking a fun conversation between us. A home run for us! Thank you Macmillan Audio for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley

[Jasmine Shouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this with my 8-year-old, and we both really enjoyed this heartwarming story about friendship and healing from the past. The way that it's told allows middle schoolers and advanced elementary students to experience empathy for Chase and Finnegan on their respective journeys and enjoy the friendship that blossoms between them. It's also slightly educational as there are moments when cheetah conservation is talked about very factually.

I loved Ryan and Basma and the way Finnegan gets to see their relationship advance and be a part of their next steps, even as they were trying to help Finn recover. My 8yo said he liked the cheetah and the dog a lot.

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.

[Kathy Boskind · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this new book by Jasmine Warga. The alternating points of view really helped understand how each animal is feeling.

Chase is a baby cheetah who is born in captivity, and when she is just a baby, her mother dies. Her handler, Basma, is kind, but she misses her mother and doesn't know who she can trust.

Finnegan is a dog who is found lost in the woods after being attacked. He is rescued by a man named Ryan, who happens to be Basma's boyfriend. Finnegan is scared of storms and feels very guilty for how he behaves when he is scared.

When Basma brings Finnegan to the zoo to meet and work with Chase, the two become friends, both supporting each other through self-doubt and challenges.

This is a very sweet story, and I think animal lovers will love it.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for the free arc! What a wonderful look into the lives of a dog and a cheetah who meet each other. Told in alternating chapters from the dog and the cheetah's point of view, we meet Chase (the cheetah) and Finnegan (the dog). Chase is orphaned at just five months old when her mother dies. This leaves Chase as the sole cheetah at the zoo and she lacks the socialization that most cheetah's grow up with. In comes Finnegan, a rescue dog, who is brought in to work with Chase. Chase Finnegan has a past and we learn about it throughout the course of the book. The author does a great job of conveying the thoughts and feelings of the animals in a way that feels realistic. This book is based on a real program where dogs are brought in to work with cheetahs.

[Lisa Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know I'm going to cry during any really good animal story, and I got weepy with about a fifth of the book left. Even before I worked in rescue, I could recognize the beautiful hearts of pets, and this is such a beautiful story with a sad orphan cheetah cub Chase and an anxious rescue dog Finnegan.
Both Chase and Finnegan are hurting, and the beauty comes from their growth as they learn to support each other navigating their new circumstances. They don't understand what's happening but there is so much emotion. I got even more appreciation for how confused and frightened animals can be even when people are loving and helpful.
The narrator is fantastic and made it even better.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me listen to this wonderful audiobook

[Melissa Blizzard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Unlikely Tale of chase and Finnegan is a delightful Mid-Grade novel about the magnificent bond between people, cheetahs, and rescue dogs. When Finnegan is found lost in the woods and adopted by Ryan and Basma, he is forever given an opportunity to begin his life again in a wonderful home. Basma decides to utilize his unique personality and strengths as she pairs him with Chase, an orphaned cheetah cub living alone in the confines at the local zoo. Young readers will adore this story as it weaves the perspectives of both Finnegan and Chase into a wonderful story about devotion and resilience.

[Danielle Emily]

3.5 Sarts
Thank you to netgalley and McMillan children's The unlikely Tale of Chase and FinneganFind Jasmine Warga. this is a middle grade that follows a dog and a cheetah who become friends amidst the cheetah training for a show at a zoo.

I really enjoyed how Warga described Chase's experiences. at the beginning of the story. I also really enjoyed the development of the relationship between Finnegan and Chase.

I think this this story doesn't excellent job of teaching children the lesson that you not all your That very different people can work together to accomplish the same goal.

[Ashli Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan is tender, emotional, and full of heart—one of those stories that reminds you how healing friendship can be. Chase, an anxious cheetah cub, and Finnegan, a rescue dog with his own scars, are an unlikely pair, but their bond felt so genuine and earned. Jasmine Warga writes grief, fear, and hope with so much care, making this story accessible for younger readers while still packing a real emotional punch for adults. Inspired by true stories, this is a beautiful reminder that love, trust, and friendship can cross any boundary—even species. Absolute must-read. 💛🐆🐶

[Katie Eaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jasmine Warga has such a gift for writing tender, emotional middle grade stories, and this one absolutely melted my heart. Chase, an anxious orphaned cheetah cub, and Finnegan, a rescue dog who isn’t sure he deserves his new home, form the sweetest, most unlikely friendship at the zoo. Watching them slowly learn to trust each other (and the humans around them) was beautiful.

Inspired by real zoo programs, this story beautifully explores grief, anxiety, and what it means to feel safe and loved. It’s soft, heartfelt, and perfect for readers who loved The One and Only Ivan or The Wild Robot. Have tissues nearby, but in the best way.