Dear Beast: Someone Is Missing!

Who says cats and dogs don't get along? A snobby cat and a good-natured dog team up--sort of--to solve the mystery of a missing classroom pet in this playful illustrated chapter book told in letters.

Simon the cat and Baxter the dog have finally learned how to share their owner, Andy. It helps that Simon lives with Andy's mom and Baxter lives with Andy's dad. When a problem comes up, they simply exchange letters to sort it out. Baxter's spelling has even improved, though not by much.

But then Andy's class pet goes missing, causing an argument with his friend Noah. Andy is so, so sad. Now it's every pet for himself! Both Simon and Baxter want to solve the mystery and make Andy happy again. Which pet will collect the clues and piece together the solution? Or will another neighborhood animal get there first . . .

This funny and heartwarming collaboration between Geisel Honor and Edgar Award-winning author Dori Hillestad Butler and bestselling illustrator Kevan Atteberry is a tribute to the love of a good pet--and the joy found in new friendship. With eight chapters and adorable full-color illustrations on every spread, the series is a perfect read for parents to share with kids.

Dori Butler is an award-winning author of mysteries and books for all ages, including the King and Kayla series, the Haunted Library series, and the Treasure Troopers series. She is a two-time Geisel Honor recipient, an Edgar Award winner, and has been nominated for children's choice awards in 19 states. Dori lives in the Seattle area with her husband and their very large dog, Mouse. Visit her online at www.kidswriter.com!

Kevan Atteberry is an illustrator who has written and/or illustrated many books for children, including Ghost Cat, which received a starred review in Booklist, and Tickle Monster. One of his biggest claims to fame is that he created Clippy, the animated paperclip helper in Microsoft Office. Kevan lives in the Seattle area. Visit him online at www.kevanatteberry.com!