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, Childrens, Fiction, Animals, Realistic Fiction

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 Douglas · 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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Blair · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sweet tale- and one Jasmine Warga fans will really appreciate.

SPOILERS BELOW:

As an adult reader there were some holes I really wanted filled- such as what ACTUALLY happened to Chase's mother. And also, WHY Finnegan was just such an anxious boy about being left by Basma and Ryan when he had not had anything but reaffirming love from them.

Still, I think that this is unique tale and one that animal-loving kiddos will truly enjoy.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a review copy of the book.

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the story of Finnegan and Chase, and the friendship they made through trust. Also, the aspect of Finnegan's anxiety and how the owners helped him. What I didn't like was the couple who adopted Finnegan living together without being married. That wasn't needed to make for a good story. I would have recommended the book to my granddaughter if not for that. She loves a good animal story, but the circumstances of the living arrangement is not something I want my eleven year old granddaughter to read about. Just my opinion. I was given a free copy and opinions are my own.

[Samantha Ahearne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan follows the story of an orphaned cheetah cub and a rescue dog who train together at a zoo. It is delivered in usual Jasmine Warga style. Powerful and full of depth. It is moving and touching.
The book is middle grade and helps identify emotions, fear, love, overthinking in a way that any child reader will easily resonate with. Yet as with A Rover’s Story and Other Words for Home, these books could help may adults understand their own emotions.
Highly recommend this beautiful book.

[Middle Grade Mama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jasmine Warga does it again! I loved seeing things from Chase and Finnegan's perspectives. This was a beautiful story that gave me a lot to think about. I was all in from page one til the end.

Told from dual perspectives: an abandoned dog and a baby cheetah who lives at the zoo. Chase and Finnegan's paths cross and it's just what they both need to move forward from their traumatic pasts. This book reminded me a little bit of Pax and a little bit of The One and Only Ivan.

[Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jasmine Warga is a very talented writer...and all her books...individual and series...are an unexpected blessing to anyone who reads them...

And this one is no exception...and the author is at her best in this beautiful story...a chetah and a dog...this unlikely pairing will warm your heart...

Plus what you learn about the conservation of these animals is just amazing...

Highly recommended for ages 4-7 yrs...and of course beyond...;)

[Breanna Spiegel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an absolutely adorable animal tale full of heart, friendship, and learning to be brave. I loved Chase and Finnegan's individual struggles, and the bond that they formed to help them get through the hard times. Definitely going to be one that I recommend to the Katherine Applegate fans.
(I also loved that Finnegan thought Chase looked like a puffball--totally accurate description of baby cheetahs!)

[Morningmamareads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan. This cute tale of Chase the Cheetah and Finnegan the dog becoming friends will warm your heart.
I loved seeing the world through the eyes of Finnegan and Chase. I loved seeing how they became friends and how dogs and cheetahs are working together in conservation.

[Nancy Bruen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jasmine Warga has done it again! What a delightful story! My students are going to love both Chase and Finnegan. Such a beautiful message on the value of friendship. It contains some serious messages of zoo life vs. the outdoors. My students will have a lot to debate about these issues. But it also has a wonderful message about second chances. This is a must read!

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this heartwarming middle grade story about an orphaned cheetah and a rescue dog. There are wonderful facts about each animal included at the end of the book as well as an author's note describing the true stories she was inspired by. Fascinating!

[B.C. Salkind · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a super cute, middle grade tale of a cheetah and a dog who become friends and bond. It was a very cute story and an easy read and would be perfect for middle graders or potentially even younger readers if someone was reading them this. A great book all around!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book from a Goodreads giveaway and I loved it! It was a super cute book for parents to read with there kids or for older kids to read alone. I loved Chase and Finn's story, anything to do with animals is always a good read!

[Therearenobadbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tale of unlikely friends helping each other, found family, and a zoo as a home. I enjoyed this one because I love animal characters as main characters. It's a simple story, but it has a lot that can be discussed. Belonging and friendship are the top themes.

[Shanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book with my 9 year old and we both really enjoyed it.
I will be buying more from this author to read with my kiddo.

[Briana Gagnon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so cute and pulled at my heartstrings too. I feel like this emoji sums up how I’m feeling: 🥹