65. Shy

65. Shy. Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton. 2026. 52 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, picture book, animals, music appreciation]

First sentence: Shy was the smallest and quietest pup at the shelter. She seldom made a sound. Not at suppertime. Not at walk time. Not even at playtime.

Premise/plot: Shy finds her forever home. BUT her new human is a musician who loves to play the piano. Shy loves, loves, loves this. She loves it because she can join in with her own song to match his (her human) own. But when it comes time for him to perform on stage, will Shy join him? Does he want her to?

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. It's a sweet story lightly inspired by a dog in Julie Andrews life that liked to sing along. Definitely enjoyable if you like music OR dogs OR both.


© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers