Here Comes Sam!: A Story of Rescue Puppy Love with Gabby & Nicky

by Jannesy DeLeon

Gabby beams as she welcomes her new puppy home! But bedtime brings a challenge because getting Sam onto the bed isn't so easy. With teamwork, patience, and a little creativity, Gabby and Nicky learn that love and problem solving go hand in hand.

Here Comes Sam! is a story about inclusion, responsibility, and the joy of bonding with a rescue pup. Perfect for ages 4 to 8, it's a heartfelt tale that celebrates determination, empathy, and the special connection between kids and their pets.

From award-winning author, Jannesy DeLeon, creator of Tag! You're It and Not A Shot!, comes another touching story inspired by her real life children, Gabby and Nicky, and their loyal dog Sam.

Genres: Picture Books

Kindle Edition

Published December 2, 2025

Reviews

[Zowie Norris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jannesy DeLeon has truly done it again! The sheer delight of Gabby and Nicky welcoming their new rescue puppy, Sam, into the fold is palpable from the very first page. If DeLeon wasn’t already crowned the Queen of Inclusivity, this book cements her title. Here Comes Sam! is a beautiful, necessary story that captures the unique joy—and challenges—of bonding with a rescue pet.
The story centers on the relatable hurdle of bedtime: getting Sam onto the bed proves to be harder than expected! But this isn’t just a cute tale about puppies; it’s a brilliant masterclass in teamwork, creativity, and perseverance. Watching Gabby and Nicky navigate this small problem with patience and love perfectly illustrates the book’s core message: love and problem-solving go hand-in-hand.
The themes of inclusion, responsibility, and empathy shine brightly. Having seen first-hand the incredible work done in animal rescue—my own daughter volunteers at rescue centres as part of her journey toward her vet degree—I know how profoundly meaningful the moment is when a deserving animal finds a loving home. This book beautifully channels that exact feeling of devotion and care. It’s a touching testament to the healing power of adoption and the special connection forged between children and their loyal companions.
Perfectly pitched for ages 4 to 8, Here Comes Sam! is an essential addition to any bookshelf. It’s a heartfelt continuation of the award-winning work from the creator of Tag! You're It and Not A Shot!, and a wonderful story that celebrates determination, empathy, and the unconditional love that only a rescue pup can bring. Highly, highly recommend!

[Deborah Fontaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Here Comes Sam!: A Story of Rescue Puppy Love with Gabby and Nicky” by Jannesy DeLeon, beautifully illustrated by Gaspar Sabater, is truly a treasure of a picture book! This charming tale celebrates the joy of adopting a puppy while navigating the ups and downs that come with welcoming a rescue pup into your life. It beautifully touches on themes of disability, inclusion, and overcoming obstacles. Gabby and Nick’s quest to help Sam get onto the bed is a touching moment that many families will find both relatable and entertaining.

The story radiates warmth, kindness, patience, and teamwork, as it showcases the bond between Gabby, Nick, and their new furry friend, Sam. I absolutely love the bond between the brother and sister and the heartfelt message woven through the narrative. The illustrations are sure to capture the attention of young readers.

This book serves as a wonderful resource, reminding us of the connection between problem solving and love. Having adopted a rescue pup myself years ago, I can vouch for the unconditional love that leads to a beautifully deep bond built on trust and affection. Sam is bound to steal your heart! This delightful read is sure to leave you smiling.

[Holly DiBella-McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here Comes Sam is a tender celebration of the joy that comes from adopting a shelter puppy and discovering what it means to truly connect. As a special educator, I was moved by how gently the book highlights bonding, problem-solving, and the many forms love can take. Gabby’s desire to snuggle with Sam is so relatable, and when her medical needs make that tricky, her brother Nicky steps in with empathy and creativity. Their teamwork models the kind of inclusive support we hope all children experience.
Jannesy Deleon once again brings us a story filled with warmth, diversity, and belonging. The illustrations burst with color and energy, making each page inviting for young readers. Most of all, the unconditional love between a child and her pet shines beautifully. This book is a wonderful read-aloud for classrooms and families alike and a gentle reminder that compassion always finds a way.

[Paula Banks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Representation Done Right and a Story Kids will Love

Here Comes Sam is the kind of children’s book that reminds you why storytelling is powerful in the first place. Gabby, Nicky, and their rescued pup Sam pull you in right away and the way this story highlights inclusion without turning it into a lesson plan? Beautiful.

What moved me most was the representation. Kids with disabilities deserve to see themselves on the page doing everyday kid things laughing, exploring, showing up exactly as they are. Parents, this is the kind of story that widens a child’s world while keeping the joy front and center.

Also the illustrations? So dope!
Now Sam… listen. Sam steals the whole show. That dog is ready for her close-up.

If you’re building a home library that actually reflects the world our children live in, this one needs to be on your shelf. I highly recommend it.

[Deanna Bussadori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paws-itively delightful! This beautifully written story bursts with colorful, vibrant illustrations and puppy-love fun. Nicky and Gaby head to the animal shelter and fall head-over-paws for a sweet little pup they name Sam. Bringing Sam home is full of tail-wagging excitement, until bedtime brings a big puppy problem! Gaby’s bed is high, Sam is tiny, and getting up there feels impossible.

With teamwork, creativity, and lots of love, Gaby and Nicky come up with a clever plan to help their furry friend. Read this adorable book to see just how imaginative they can be!

This heartwarming story gently highlights physical and mental disabilities while sharing an important message about kindness, teamwork, and inclusion. A must-read that reminds kids (and grown-ups) that everyone deserves to belong.

[Kirsten L.]

This is a sweet story that teaches children about the ways we are alike and different! Children can relate to the feeling of loving and bonding with a pet like Gabby does with Sam. Many children will also be able to relate to the relationship between a brother and sister. This story is special though in that it teaches children that people can be different or have differing abilities and that is ok. The readers will learn about Gabby and her experiences. I think children will learn that even though we all have differences, we can still find ways to connect with others. Congrats for creating a wonderful story that promotes all these things!

[Rita Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here Comes Sam! is absolute heart-hug magic! Jannesy Deleon is an AMAZING author, and she delivers a story that bursts with joy, kindness, and love on every page. A simple shelter visit turns into an unforgettable moment when Gabby and Nicky meet Sam—the sweetest, gentlest pup ever—made even more special by Erin, a truly wonderful shelter volunteer with a heart of gold.

This book beautifully celebrates rescue, teamwork, and unconditional love, and the vibrant illustrations bring the story to life in the best way. Sam will steal your heart instantly and never give it back 🐶✨ A cozy, feel-good favorite that families will cherish again and again. Highly, enthusiastically recommended!

[Ameliessa Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is pure puppy–love sweetness from start to finish. Gabby’s excitement over bringing home her rescue pup is so relatable, and Sam’s “please lift me onto the bed” problem is exactly the kind of everyday drama kids find hilarious and parents find… well, very familiar. What I loved most is how the story turns a simple bedtime challenge into a lesson in empathy, patience, and teamwork.
A gentle, joyful read that celebrates responsibility and the magic of rescue pets. Perfect for little animal lovers and for any family who has ever negotiated bedtime… with a dog.

[BaKon Brands · Rating 5 out of 5]

Step into this tender, heart-tugging tale of little Sam, a wiggly ball of fur who changes everything! When bright and compassionate Gabby and her big-hearted brother Nicky bring home their very first puppy, their world bursts into pure joy. Each page shimmers with patience, kindness, and unconditional love as this trio learns, grows, and discovers what it truly means to care for one another. Adorable, emotion-filled illustrations make every moment glow, while the story gently delivers a beautiful message of inclusion, understanding, and empowerment for readers of all abilities. A sweet, snuggly read that warms every heart it touches!

[Christina Bianco · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third fabulous book I have read from this author. Here Comes Sam! is a heartwarming, inclusive story that captures the joy—and real challenges—of welcoming a rescue puppy. Gabby and Nicky’s bedtime mission to help Sam feel full of love. A charming reminder that patience and teamwork make every new beginning a little brighter. The illustrations are amazing as well as the book. I highly recommend it.

[Andrea Hyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here Comes Sam is a beautiful, heartwarming book from start to finish. The illustrations are eye-catching, and the characters are so very endearing. Little readers will adore Gabby, Nick, and their cute four-legged friend, Sam. The author, Jannesy DeLeon, does a lovely job of incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusivity into her books. This uplifting book is a MUST for all classrooms and home libraries. Grab your copy! You won't be disappointed.

[Judy McGee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautituly written & luustrated children's story highlighting disability & overcoming challenges. Gabby & Nicky are delighted to adopt puppy Sam but at bedtime Gabby realizes she cannot get her new puppy onto her bed! Through teamwork, patience & determination the siblings figure it out! Great story about problem solving!

[Erin Mariah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A celebration of animal adoption and normalizing disabled children

I settled in to read a book about a rescued shelter pup and ended up learning about how mainstream it is for a disabled family to adopt a new pet.

One may think a family with members with disabilities may only have challenges when welcoming a furry family member but Gabby & Nicky disprove these stigmas in the most sweet, thoughtful, and fun ways.

This is the 3rd book I’ve read about Gabby and Nicky, making it an official series!

All heart, all positive animal shelter showcasing and all realistic representation of disabled capabilities — highly recommend this book for any bookshelf!