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, Audiobook, Childrens, Fiction, Friendship, Dogs

240 pages, Hardcover

Published 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

[Grandma Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming and endearing, based upon true accounts. Chase and Finnegan are the best of friends. One is a Cheetah, the other a Dog. The story is told from the animals’s perspective. This was unique and I loved it. This friendship also helped them through a difficult time in their lives. Outstanding narration. Highly recommend.

I was blessed with an ALC. Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.

[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.

[Carol Jones-Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Newberry Award Winners were a favorite book of mine while in Junior High and High School. Along with the Harlequin Romances, those two made me a happy reader,

Even though I have just finished "The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan" before I knew it was a Newberry winner, it had the feel of a book I would have chosen on my own, and yea verily, I did.

This book is a charming piece written by Jasmine Warga, read by Michael Crouch, animals can be paired for the health and well being of both. I've read other pieces that have shown the literal benefits of this process. So we have Finnegan, a little older dog that has the abilities to calm people, can be a terrific friend, and one that encourges the best not only from herself but for others. We also have Chase, a very young cheetah that had lost her beautiful mother, saw her walking away on a leash, and never saw her again. These two are put together to help each other bring out the best in the other. You no doubt know that cheetahs are some of the fastest animals in the world, can exceed unbelievable speeds at a young age. Finnegan's job is to help Chase to have that kind of confidence in herself. They make it work and show Chase's talents to a group that were so impressed.

The takeaways I see of this book are 1) it's okay to make mistakes, 2) it's okay to feel anxious before performing in a personal talent, we learn how to master those feelings, 3) people will not stop loving you if you goof up. We all do it, and will continue to do it.

Can't go wrong with a Newberry. Highly recommend. Rate: 5.0 stars.

[Theresa Gonzales Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars: This book was charming and adorable. I learned that zoos use dogs to help cheetahs with companionship. I loved learning about Chase and Finnegan. I wish the novel would have got a little deeper with the characters. It did feel a little surface level. I think it touched on other things that didn’t add to the story and might create confusion for some readers. I do love Jasmine Warga’s books. She always has a great story to share and I will continue to read her books.

[Bonnie Grover · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect book for fans of “The One and Only Ivan”. Chase and Finnegan is about an unlikely friendship between a rescue dog and a baby cheetah and is told from the animals’ point of view. I think it would serve as a great springboard for animal research. I feel like I know a lot about cheetahs and now I am curious about pairing them with rescue dogs. Perfect for 2nd-4th grade readers.

[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.

[Bethany Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Balzer+Bray for the digital copy to review!

If @jasminewargabooks writes it, I’m gonna read it. This book was so beautiful and special. It follows a friendship/companionship between a cheetah and a dog. I had no idea programs like this existed and I was shocked and excited by the prospect!

I love that you are in the POV of either Chase or Finnegan at any given time, and you see them become unlikely friends and companions.

This book covers found family and friendship and love and anxiety and fear and growth and connection and trust. It is a gorgeous middle grade that I cannot recommend highly enough.

[Bethany Ergican · Rating 4 out of 5]

My kids (10, 7 & 7) loved listening to The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan, and I enjoyed it too! They actually begged me to put it on every time we got into the car. Between school drop-offs and driving to soccer practice, we easily devoured this audiobook within a couple of weeks.

As huge animal lovers, my kids immediately fell in love with both Chase and Finnegan. They each have a tragic backstory and come together in such a surprising and sweet way. We found it absolutely fascinating that zoos can pair cheetah cubs with a dog to form a friendship and help them thrive.

While Chase and Finnegan were the true stars of the story, their keepers, Basma and Ryan, were wonderful caretakers with an adorable, slow-burn romantic backstory blossoming in the background. I also loved that Basma brought some cultural diversity to the story.

Covering heavier topics like loss and grief while focusing on friendship and healing, this was such an adorable and enjoyable listen for young readers. I gave it 4⭐️, but my kids thought that was outrageous and insist it deserves 5⭐️.

Overall, I liked the audiobook, but I did find the narrator a bit nasally at times.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ALC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

[Stephanie P (Because My Mother Read) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free physical and audio copy for review.

This book was a huge hit with my kids! I read it out loud to my 4, 6, and 10 year old and they all loved it. I was pretty sure it would be a good fit for them as cheetahs are my 6 year old’s obsession, my 10 year old has a deep love of dogs and my 4 year old loves all animal stories. The author was also inspired to write this story after visiting a zoo we’ve been to several times so that was extra fun.

We interspersed my reading aloud with some family audiobook listening so they could color while I was doing food prep and as soon as we turned on the audiobook my 10 year old (an avid audiobook listener) recognized narrator Michael Crouch’s voice from other books she had listened to. He did a great job on the narration and either format would be a great way to go!

Here are each of the kids ratings and thoughts on the book:

10 year old: 5 stars. I love hearing animals’ thoughts in books. I really liked that it switched perspectives each chapter, but Finnegan was my favorite.

6 year old: 5 stars. I loved the happy ending and that it was about cheetahs. I love how I imagined Chase snuggling. She was so cute.

4 year old: 5 stars. I love Chase the most.

If I had read this on my own I probably would have given it 4 stars but I am not a huge animal book person and I am not the target audience so I am going with their rating! My 10 year old reads tons of books and gives out a lot of 4 or 4.5 stars to books she really enjoys so her giving it a full 5 is high praise.

Trigger warnings: grief, past abandonment

[Maura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet tale of friendship between a stray rescue dog and a cheetah cub. Young readers will enjoy it but I confess I thought it suffered a bit in comparison to other wild animal MG books such as Rosanne Parry’s extraordinary Wolf Called Wander series and Katherine Applegate’s Odder and One and Only Ivan series. Both Parry and Applegate infuse the character development and plot with so much rich information about these wild animals that you walk away from reading them with a great deal of new information as well as the enjoyment of a great story with emotionally gripping characters.

Don’t get me wrong…I’ll always have a soft spot for a lost dog, especially a good boy who thinks he is a bad dog because of cruel humans. A dog redemption arc is irresistible. But I can’t say I really know any more about cheetahs after reading it, and I don’t have a yearning for a sequel because I wasn’t so deeply impartially invested. Still, kids will enjoy it.

I am in awe of Warga’s breadth in terms of creativity and experimentation in so many genres.

Recommended for elementary libraries where animal tales are popular, though perhaps not as a first purchase.

Thanks to Libro.FM for the educators’ Advanced Listener Copy (ALC) of the audiobook.

[Amy (amyrose.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the MacMillan Early Listeners Program for this ALC!

This book is absolutely precious. As someone who absolutely adores their local zoo, it was fascinating to get to learn about some of the behind the scenes processes that go on there.

Chase and Finnegan are both amazing narrators for this story. Getting to see the world through the eyes of a young cheetah and a dog was just such a specifically element to this book. I think that is something that will really draw in younger readers.

Throughout the story, Jasmine Wards tackles tough topics like trauma and anxiety in a way that is approachable for younger readers. I think this is one of the most important elements of this book and I’m glad that this book exists for kids going through similar situations.

As an audiobook, I do wish that Chase and Finnegan had different narrators just to make it a little bit more dynamic when switching perspectives. But overall, the production and the personality of the narrator makes this accessible and engaging for a young audience.

[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.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to meet Jasmine Warga and listen to her talk about this book. I was so excited when I was able to get an ALC from Libro.fm.

This an adorable story about an unlikely friendship between a dog and a cheetah, but I also felt that it was a story about finding home.

I love the information about dogs and cheetahs given at the end of the book. It was interesting to learn that there really is a program that pairs cheetah cubs with rescue dogs.

100% will definitely be adding to my collection and sharing this book.

[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 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Brad · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan is a middle-grade story written by Jasmine Warga and narrated by Michael Crouch.
Chase is a cheetah cub who has just lost her mother. Finnegan is a rescue that has a terrible secret. The bond and help each other through some tough situations. This is a simple plot, but perfect for middle-graders. It's a sweet story of found family, regret, anxiety and redemption.
Michael Crouch does a wonderful job with the audio. His voice is upbeat and perfect for this story. This is great if you're looking for an audiobook to listen to in the car with the kids. Great ending for Chase and Finnegan.

Nice story from Warga.

[Amber Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story of an unlikely friendship! This would be a perfect middle grade book for any animal lover or for fans of Katherine Applegate Books (The One & Only Ivan)etc.

Thanks to libro.fm for the advance listening copy 🎧

[Sarah Ressler Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book about animals and also about friendships, mistakes and found family. A lovely addition to Jasmine Warga’s books. A great read for elementary kiddos with Michael Crouch as narrator. Learned a lot about cheetahs and awesome to connect with zoos.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rounded up to 4.5
Perfect for fans of Katherine Applegate's animal books. A story of found family, acceptance, and overcoming anxiety. Jasmine Warga has a lovely way of bringing complex human emotions out in non-human characters.

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

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

[Beth Given · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finnegan, a rescue dog, has found a new, loving home. It's brought new experiences, including the opportunity to go to work every day at the zoo, where he befriends Chase the cheetah cub. Chase, born without siblings and orphaned at a young age, comes to depend and rely on Finnegan -- and Finnegan learns to trust and open his heart again, too.

This story was really sweet. Based on an actual "ambassador programs" at various zoos, this friendship is heartwarming with stakes that feel serious but not scary. A great read-alike for The One and Only Ivan; a great read-aloud for lower elementary kids.


Thanks to Libro.fm for the ALC.

[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.

[Mikayla Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Rating: 4.5 Stars
The characters in this narrative are exceptionally well-developed, showcasing a level of realism that allows them to resonate deeply with readers. They are not only funny and emotional at times but also relatable, even though they are portrayed as animals. Chase the cheetah stands out as a wonderfully crafted character who embodies a delightful mix of humor, fun, speed, and intrigue. Her journey through performance anxiety is portrayed in a way that many readers can connect with, making her struggles and triumphs feel authentic. Additionally, her friendship with Finn, a lovable dog, brings a beautiful dynamic to the story. Chase's playful spirit and her interactions with Finn add layers to her character, making her an engaging figure throughout the narrative. Finnegan, or Finn as he is affectionately known, is another remarkable character whose complexities allow readers to empathize with his experiences. His journey is marked by anxiety and a longing for belonging, which are feelings that many can relate to in their own lives. Finn's kindness and his overall story arc, including his love for food, make him an endearing character. Through Finn, readers gain insight into the challenges of finding one's place in the world, which adds depth to the overall narrative. The side characters, Basma and Ryan, also contribute significantly to the story. Through the eyes of Finn and Chase, readers are offered a unique perspective on how humans interact with animals and how these actions are perceived from the animals' viewpoint. This exploration of interspecies relationships is fascinating, particularly the way animals can sense human emotions through various means, including smell. This aspect of the narrative enriches the story, providing a deeper understanding of the bond between humans and animals. The settings within the book are vividly described, creating an immersive and realistic backdrop that enhances the overall reading experience. The author employs descriptive language that paints a clear picture of the environments in which the characters exist, allowing readers to feel as though they are part of the world being depicted. Although I initially found the writing style a bit challenging to adjust to, it ultimately became more engaging as the story progressed. However, it is worth noting that the narrative does exhibit some repetition, particularly regarding Finn's struggles with anxiety, which may detract slightly from the overall flow of the story. The plot is intricately woven, well-developed, and paced in a way that allows readers to learn about the characters while also connecting with them on an emotional level. Throughout the story, readers are invited to grow alongside the characters, experiencing their joys and challenges. The book imparts valuable lessons about animals, the essence of friendship, the importance of trust, and strategies for overcoming anxiety. It also sheds light on zoo programs and the care required for zoo animals, providing educational insights that enrich the narrative. The alternating perspectives between Chase and Finnegan are a wonderful addition to the book. This narrative technique allows readers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the characters' thoughts and feelings, further deepening the connection to their world and experiences. The author’s decision to include these varied viewpoints enhances the overall richness of the story. At the conclusion of the book, the author provides readers with a glimpse into the inspiration and research that shaped the story. This insight, along with educational information about cheetahs, dogs, and resources for learning more about zoo programs similar to the one depicted in the narrative, adds an informative layer to the reading experience. "The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan" by Jasmine Warga is a beautifully crafted and realistic tale that explores themes of friendship, overcoming anxiety, kindness, and the search for belonging for both humans and animals. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to readers who cherish stories centered on friendship, animals, and the universal journey of overcoming fears and anxieties. It highlights the importance of kindness, support, and positivity in our lives and emphasizes how, together, we can navigate our challenges. This narrative is not just a story; it is a heartfelt exploration of the bonds that connect us all, be it human or animal.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stray, traumatized dog is found by a caring man. A small, yet curious cheetah born in a zoo. The two seem unlikely to bond, but the friendship they grow is both endearing and miraculous.

Finnegan has had a terrible experience in his old home, therefore, he is worried that his new owners, Basma and Ryan, will find out how "bad" Finnegan actually is (at least in his own mind). His goal is to be the best dog he can to these two loving people.

Chase, a young cheetah, loses her mom fairly young and is having a tough time adjusting to feeling lonely. Luckily, Basma is there to assist her, train her, and potentially find her a new friend.

When the two animals meet, though tentative at first, the two become co-dependent on their feelings, play time, and healing. Follow these two lovely creatures as they help one another fill that loneliness and learn how to find trust in both people and animal friends again.

When I first saw the cover of "The Unlikely Tale of Finnegan and Chase", my heart melted on how adorable this read could be. I was very excited to get it a go! This sweet story is written in two perspectives, Finnegan and Chase. I adored reading both perspectives since there was an air of innocence and wholeness with both animals. It also allowed me, as the reader, to see what each animal saw and experienced versus what a human believes they are experiencing.

Though I do not believe animals have as deep of thoughts as both Finnegan and Chase, the feelings they expressed seemed realistic and could absolutely be believable. Chase's uncertainty of Basma since she is human and the one who seemingly took her mother away was heartbreakingly portrayed well. Then, Finnegan's constant fear that his past decisions would affect the love his current owners feel for him was genuine and expresses the kind of loyalty dogs constantly show.

When the two creatures were finally able to meet, I became so excited. What blossomed was a friendship that is incomparable to the relationships that animals have with humans. These two connected and communicated in a way that simply cannot be done with humans. The love these two shared beautifully healed each of them in a very special and meaningful way.

It was also special to see the love and relationship between Basma and Ryan grow through the eyes of Finnegan. I knew what was happening, but Finnegan didn't know, and I loved witnessing what was happening through a dog's eye.

The only thought I have that could improve the book is the consistency of knowledge both animals have of the real world. For instance, it boggled my mind that Chase, born in a zoo but not introduced to many humans, knew what an audience was and knew to be nervous of performing in front of an audience before the seats were filled up.

Themes of friendship, honesty, trust, loyalty, trauma, forgiveness, and love are all woven into this sweet text.

Content warning: There is talk about a dog being left outside and abandoned on his own, and an animal put down to sleep. Nothing graphic, but perhaps a little talk with a young reader prior to reading would be beneficial.

Overall, I thought "The Unlikely Tale of Finnegan and Chase" was wonderful, endearing that warmed my heart and was a pleasure to read. I rate "The Unlikely Tale of Finnegan and Chase" 5 out of 5 stars. I recommend this read to upper elementary school children and up, and their parents/guardians. It is also for those who find animals endearing and sweet.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher (Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Balzer + Bray), and the author for giving me the opportunity to read "The Unlikely Tale of Finnegan and Chase". 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.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the free advance copy of this audiobook!

The quickie: Dual character perspectives - Setting: a cozy home and a zoo - Lots of emotions packed into a nugget of a book - This book is perfect for domesticated and wild animal lovers!

The animal-obsessed side of me found the cheetah’s and dog’s eye-view narrations realistic and fun. I already predict that this book will be in constant circulation at our public library. Animal perspective books with dogs are always a hit. Adding a cheetah is such a fun twist!

Both Chase and Finnegan had so much to learn about the world and were experiencing their own healing journeys. With the support of each other and some nurturing humans, their story is certain to inspire many readers!

Jasmine Warga did a phenomenal job describing every sensory detail these two characters would have encountered in their day. She must have really done her research! Getting to see the world through the eyes of a character that is very different from me is why I love reading fiction. Experiencing entering a dog park for the first time, as a dog, was such a vivid moment for me in this story.

I found the narrator's voice very youthful and animated, which was a great fit for this story! I wished that Finnegan's and Chase's voices had been more differentiated, as there were some times that I was confused who I was listening to for dialogue back and forth between the two characters. I would definitely enjoy more audiobooks narrated by Michael Crouch!

What I loved: Big emotions written in a way kids can handle - Beautiful yet unlikely friendship (Gotta love literal naming for a book title!) - Likable humans to support the story - Appreciated the animal conservation education woven into the story

What I didn’t love: Rushed pace, at times - Wished for a bigger build of conflict - Conclusion didn’t have much impact for me

You can’t go wrong with adding new animal perspective books to a middle grade collection and Jasmine Warga has such a great way with detailed descriptions. This would be a great option for a family road trip audiobook and would offer great conversations in a classroom guided reading group!

[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.