What do you think?
Rate this book
I Got A New Friend
A sweet introduction to owning a pet that is perfect for readers of The Most Magnificent Thing and A Ball for Daisy.
When a little girl gets a new puppy, they have a lot to learn about each other. The new friends can be shy, messy, and sometimes get into trouble. They get lost, but they always get found. Their friendship may be a lot of work--but at the end of the day, they love each other!
Experience the excitement and mystery surrounding a new pet (and a new friend) in this joyful picture book from acclaimed author and illustrator Karl Newsom Edwards.
"Cheerfully ingenuous...Totally, infectiously ebullient."--Kirkus Reviews, Starred review
"A joyous look at the work and play that go into pet ownership and friendship."--Booklist
"The concise, cheery text gently explains what to expect when a newcomer joins the household, [and] the illustrations are cartoonlike and sweet. The curly-haired, brown-skinned little girl and the large-eared, spotted puppy make an adorable pair as they learn what it means to gain a new companion."--School Library Journal
When a little girl gets a new puppy, they have a lot to learn about each other. The new friends can be shy, messy, and sometimes get into trouble. They get lost, but they always get found. Their friendship may be a lot of work--but at the end of the day, they love each other!
Experience the excitement and mystery surrounding a new pet (and a new friend) in this joyful picture book from acclaimed author and illustrator Karl Newsom Edwards.
"Cheerfully ingenuous...Totally, infectiously ebullient."--Kirkus Reviews, Starred review
"A joyous look at the work and play that go into pet ownership and friendship."--Booklist
"The concise, cheery text gently explains what to expect when a newcomer joins the household, [and] the illustrations are cartoonlike and sweet. The curly-haired, brown-skinned little girl and the large-eared, spotted puppy make an adorable pair as they learn what it means to gain a new companion."--School Library Journal
32 pages, Library Binding
First published May 23, 2017
88 people want to read
About the author
Karl Newsom Edwards
4 books4 followersKarl Newsom Edwards began working as an illustrator in 1976 and has published several books for children. Kirkus Reviews said of Fly!, his first book for Alfred A. Knopf, “In fewer than twenty words, Edwards pieces together a story of grand willpower and discovery.” He lives in Portland, Oregon. Learn more about Karl and his work at karlnewsomedwards.com or on Twitter at @KarlEdwardsArt.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
August 7, 2019
A tiny puppy comes to live with a little girl in this adorable picture-book from author/illustrator Karl Newsom Edwards, and the two new friends do everything together. The narrator observes that her new friend loves to play, makes a mess, and needs lots of love. But who is the narrator, exactly...?
An adorable exploration of the experience of getting a new pet, I Got a New Friend has a narrative that works both ways, whether told from the perspective of the girl, or of the dog. Both girl and dog are endearing characters, and the sweet charm of both is captured in the pencil and watercolor illustrations. Recommended to all young dog-lovers, as well as to anyone looking for new children's stories about having an animal (or human!) companion.
An adorable exploration of the experience of getting a new pet, I Got a New Friend has a narrative that works both ways, whether told from the perspective of the girl, or of the dog. Both girl and dog are endearing characters, and the sweet charm of both is captured in the pencil and watercolor illustrations. Recommended to all young dog-lovers, as well as to anyone looking for new children's stories about having an animal (or human!) companion.
April 13, 2018
Used for baby storytime and also for toddler storytime (theme adopting a pet). Super cute. I love the clear illustrations on the white pages and simple text. Worked very well for little bitties. They didn't get the joke at the end, but they still liked the story.
September 1, 2021
I appreciated the ambiguity regarding whether the text was about the girl or the dog.
July 21, 2017
this is just precious! i love it <3
May 17, 2017
Minimal words tell the story of a young girl getting familiar with her new puppy. Readers will see the parallels in the girl's and puppy's lives and behaviors and learn that friendship is a mutual feeling. The end pages list important rules for caring for a new friend which could be a catalyst for classroom discussions on friendships.
May 2, 2023
Puppy and child are not too different when it comes to tracking in dirt, being messy eaters, loving playing, and needing the occasional bath. Sweet, sweet title with equally adorable little girl and rambunctious puppy. The author turns our expectations upside down on the last line by revealing Winner.
October 20, 2016
Basset hound books almost always get five stars. :) The twist is super cute too.
*I read a digital ARC of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss.
*I read a digital ARC of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss.
May 18, 2018
I Got a New Friend by Karl Newsom Edwards tells the tale of a little girl who has just been given a puppy. At first, the puppy is shy and scared. The pint-sized pooch is afraid of her new surroundings.
The little girl is not about to give up on her new friend. Being patient, she allows the dog time to get to know her. Will the girl's persistence pay off? Can the pouting pup learn to trust humans?
This is a fantastic book for children who have just adopted a pet. The story presents helpful tips on how a child can help care for the new addition. I love that even though the little girl is telling the story, she appears to be speaking from the dog's point of view. She knows exactly what the pup needs in order to feel safe and loved.
Edwards' illustrations are adorable. Children will fall in love with the puppy from page one. I really like Edwards' use of white space, especially for background imaging. The main characters truly shine and take center stage. The use of a limited color palate is refreshing and keeps the story flowing at a great pace.
I would highly recommend this book to parents of young children who are considering adopting a pet. I would love to see this book incorporated in animal shelter and rescue groups across the country. The story would tie-in wonderfully with any humane education program.
The little girl is not about to give up on her new friend. Being patient, she allows the dog time to get to know her. Will the girl's persistence pay off? Can the pouting pup learn to trust humans?
This is a fantastic book for children who have just adopted a pet. The story presents helpful tips on how a child can help care for the new addition. I love that even though the little girl is telling the story, she appears to be speaking from the dog's point of view. She knows exactly what the pup needs in order to feel safe and loved.
Edwards' illustrations are adorable. Children will fall in love with the puppy from page one. I really like Edwards' use of white space, especially for background imaging. The main characters truly shine and take center stage. The use of a limited color palate is refreshing and keeps the story flowing at a great pace.
I would highly recommend this book to parents of young children who are considering adopting a pet. I would love to see this book incorporated in animal shelter and rescue groups across the country. The story would tie-in wonderfully with any humane education program.
March 4, 2019
I Got A New Friend by Karl Newsom Edwards. PICTURE BOOK. Alfred A. Knopf (Random House), 2017. $17.00. 9780399557002
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL.
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
A little girl is given a new puppy. At first she is a little shy and nervous, but soon she and the puppy become friends. The girl and her puppy do everything together. She plays hide and seek with her new friend, runs outside, and can be very noisy except when she is sleeping. She can be a lot of work and needs lots of love, but she is worth it.
A darling story with a fun twist. The story gives you the impression that it is told from the perspective of the little girl, when in actuality it is told from the puppy's perspective. The puppy loves the little girl, even when she gets dirty and sometimes smells. Because the descriptions are so interchangeable, children will love the comparisons between the girl and the dog. This is one that kids will read again and again.
Gina, Media Specialist
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL.
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
A little girl is given a new puppy. At first she is a little shy and nervous, but soon she and the puppy become friends. The girl and her puppy do everything together. She plays hide and seek with her new friend, runs outside, and can be very noisy except when she is sleeping. She can be a lot of work and needs lots of love, but she is worth it.
A darling story with a fun twist. The story gives you the impression that it is told from the perspective of the little girl, when in actuality it is told from the puppy's perspective. The puppy loves the little girl, even when she gets dirty and sometimes smells. Because the descriptions are so interchangeable, children will love the comparisons between the girl and the dog. This is one that kids will read again and again.
Gina, Media Specialist
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
May 20, 2017
Brightly colored illustrations, crated with pencil and watercolor and then refined digitally accompany a familiar experience of making a new friend. The story is told as though it's coming from the perspective of a young girl who has been given a new puppy, but as it turns out, the puppy is the one who has laid claim to its new human companion, the little girl. No matter, though, since both girl and puppy have quite a lot in common, including being a bit shy, being messy eaters, and being able to wash their faces all by themselves. Animal lovers will surely enjoy this title, which has footprints and paw prints on the end papers and practical suggestions for how to take care of your new friend, whether it is a puppy or girl. Books like this one always make me want to go pet my dog and cats and spend some time with them.
June 7, 2017
A little girl gets a new puppy and the two of them work to become friends. At first the puppy is scared, but she quickly becomes more friendly. The two play outside together, nap on the chair after making a mess, and sometimes get stinky. The puppy gets lost and then found again. They get dirty and wash up. They make noise and give tons of kisses and hugs.
Edwards uses frank and simple text to tell the story of the two new friends in this book. The little girl narrates the book and tells it from her point of view. The illustrations though show the entire story which is that she is getting just as dirty as the puppy, making just as much noise and eating just as sloppily. This clever twist adds to the pleasure of reading the book and will be enjoyed by young readers.
A warm welcome to a new pet, this picture book is a celebration of newfound friends. Appropriate for ages 2-4.
Edwards uses frank and simple text to tell the story of the two new friends in this book. The little girl narrates the book and tells it from her point of view. The illustrations though show the entire story which is that she is getting just as dirty as the puppy, making just as much noise and eating just as sloppily. This clever twist adds to the pleasure of reading the book and will be enjoyed by young readers.
A warm welcome to a new pet, this picture book is a celebration of newfound friends. Appropriate for ages 2-4.
January 7, 2017
A sweet introduction to owning a pet that is perfect for readers of The Most Magnificent Thing and A Ball for Daisy.
When a little girl gets a new puppy, they have a lot to learn about each other. The new friends can be shy, messy, and sometimes get into trouble. They get lost, but they always get found. Their friendship may be a lot of work but at the end of the day, they love each other!
Experience the excitement and mystery surrounding a new pet (and a new friend) in this joyful picture book from acclaimed author and illustrator Karl Newsom Edwards."
When a little girl gets a new puppy, they have a lot to learn about each other. The new friends can be shy, messy, and sometimes get into trouble. They get lost, but they always get found. Their friendship may be a lot of work but at the end of the day, they love each other!
Experience the excitement and mystery surrounding a new pet (and a new friend) in this joyful picture book from acclaimed author and illustrator Karl Newsom Edwards."
March 6, 2018
This cute story begins with a little girl receiving a new puppy, and starts with the narrator declaring, “I got a new friend.” It goes on to describe this friend as shy, playful, messy, stinky, and generally a lot of work. However, who is telling the story? The girl or the puppy? Young readers will love the simple illustrations, and will be able to follow the lovely story of a couple of new friends who are learning about each other. The simple texts makes for a delightful read-aloud. Recommended for students in PK to 2nd grade.
September 29, 2018
Cute, adorable and funny: a swift and sweeping tale on the experience of making a new friend. I loved the illustrations and how much they emphasized and expressed the story – the anxieties, curiosity and excitement of friendship. A nice added touch was the how-to guide for caring for a new friend after the story – a super cute inclusion. I feel like it was the puppy speaking talking about her experience making a new human friend, which gave an interesting twist and perspective to the story.
March 20, 2018
Cleverly written, this story seems to be told by the little girl, but at the end it's revealed that it's the dog that is talking about the girl. Lots of hints mixed in throughout the text. This would be fun to read with a younger child just to see if they realize what's going on before it's revealed.
February 18, 2023
What a practical, kid-scoped, picture book about how to have a dog: And how to take care of that dog, with a practical summary at the end.
* BTW, is it really such a great idea to share your ice cream cone with a dog?
* Or maybe if it's pink ice cream, and you're a little girl, then no harm can befall you? (joke)
* BTW, is it really such a great idea to share your ice cream cone with a dog?
* Or maybe if it's pink ice cream, and you're a little girl, then no harm can befall you? (joke)
May 8, 2017
You will love this book if you are a dog lover! I know that I did! The simple text is paired well with the cute illustrations of a girl and her dog. A perfect story for the new pet owner. Highly recommended.
June 10, 2017
Regardless of which perspective you look at this book from, a little girl and a little dog find a friend in one another and come to understand that they are much more the same than they are different.
*HEART EYES EMOJI*
*HEART EYES EMOJI*
August 11, 2017
A puppy describes his little girl owner just as she might describe the puppy – shy, playful, stinky, messy, loud and totally lovable. A sweet book with bright watercolor illustrations on a white background that warmly captures the growing love between puppy and child.
September 8, 2017
Overall, I liked this book but it was not one of my favorites. The book was mainly about a little girl and how she cared for her new puppy. This book is mainly for beginning readers because it shows how to care for a friend, which was displayed at the end.
October 7, 2017
This is such a sweet story about a girl and her new puppy. The illustrations are fun and the story could actually read from the girl's or puppy's perspective. Would be a great book for any child learning to take care of a new pet.
January 27, 2018
Using simple text to show the child's perspective and pictures Karl Edwards tells about how a girl gets a new friend (a puppy). They get used to each other and have fun together. Young children will see, explained in words and pictures, how to take care of a new puppy.
May 8, 2018
A little girl and a pup meet each other. They are friends and care for each other. It's a type of dual language book that the subject could either be the little girl or the puppy.
2018 storytime theme: dogs & cats
Reviewed from a library copy.
2018 storytime theme: dogs & cats
Reviewed from a library copy.
October 29, 2019
I'm going to interpret my toddler's continuous barking throughout this book as her sign of approval. Through short sentences and simple illustrations of a budding friendship, this book celebrates the bond between a child and a puppy.
August 3, 2021
How is it that I have only just read this book?!? It's perfect! The illustrations are absolutely stinking adorable and the text is so sweet and silly and fun! I love that you can't really tell from who's perspective the text is from, the girl or the puppy.
May 3, 2024
This is a sweet story about a little girl and a floppy-eared pup who are both making a new friend. The story is simultaneously told from two perspectives--which savvy readers will pick up on, and it offers tips on ways to help a new pet feel comfortable in their new home.
May 4, 2017
Simple, sweet story about a puppy and her new girl.
May 18, 2017
Adorable picture book about a young girl and her new puppy. Perfect for reading to children 3 and younger.
May 25, 2017
Really cute simple story for the little little crowd.
June 4, 2017
This is an adorable toddler-preschool friendly book about a little girl getting a puppy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews