Every summer begins with a little bit of wonder.
For Sally, this summer begins with pride, excitement, and one very special surprise. After working hard all school year and earning a place on the Honor Roll, Sally discovers that her effort, kindness, and determination have not gone unnoticed. But the gift waiting for her at home is more than a reward. It is the beginning of a brand-new responsibility.
Sometimes they are new beginnings.
Smallest acts of courage.
Every summer begins with a little bit of wonder.
For Sally, this summer begins with pride, excitement, and one very special surprise. After working hard all school year and earning a place on the Honor Roll, Sally discovers that her effort, kindness, and determination have not gone unnoticed. But the gift waiting for her at home is more than a reward. It is the beginning of a brand-new responsibility.
His name is Patches.
With soft white fur, black spots, a wagging tail, and a curious little heart, Patches quickly turns Sally’s summer into an adventure she will never forget. From chewed shoelaces and backyard training courses to rainy-day blanket forts, neighborhood greetings, reading picnics, and a community pet show, Sally learns that caring for a puppy is full of surprises. Some are funny. Some are messy. Some require patience. And some teach lessons that stay with her long after the moment has passed.
Sally and the Summer Surprise is a story about growing up one small step at a time. Through her bond with Patches, Sally discovers that responsibility is not just about doing the easy parts. It means showing up with love, even when things are inconvenient. It means staying calm when problems happen, trying again after mistakes, and remembering that progress matters more than perfection.
This book also celebrates the quiet values children build through everyday experiences: kindness, patience, courage, teamwork, creativity, and joy. Sally’s summer reminds young readers that learning does not always happen at a desk. Sometimes it happens in the backyard, on a walk to the park, during a stormy afternoon, or beside a sleepy puppy under the evening sky.
May Sally and Patches’ story encourage children to be proud of their efforts, gentle with others, brave in new situations, and open to the unexpected gifts that life brings.
Because sometimes the best surprises are not just presents.
Sometimes they are new beginnings.
Recommendations
Kindness Reading
Get ready to earn some major Turtle Points this summer with our first-ever community reading challenge! At ScottMBooks.com, we are celebrating stories that inspire kindness and safety, and we want you to join the fun. Dive into the complete adventures of Thomas, Lily, and Ben—from Thomas Loves His Bike (with his trusty training wheels!) to the courageous night of Lily and the Moonlit Rescue. Keep a log of every book you read and look for ways to practice small acts of helpfulness in your neighborhood. It’s the perfect way for young readers to grow, learn, and discover how easy it is to be a real-life hero, one chapter at a time.
By joining our community, you’ll be the first to receive behind-the-scenes looks at new adventures for Thomas, Lily, and Ben, along with exclusive tips for fostering kindness and safety in young readers.
Reading is Good Fun
Visit Your Local Library
Visiting your local library is a fantastic way to access a wealth of knowledge and resources, often for free. From borrowing the latest books and exploring diverse genres to using computers and high-speed internet, libraries bridge the digital divide. They also serve as vibrant community hubs, offering engaging programs, workshops, and story times for all ages.
Sarasota County Libraries
