Author: Clare Hutton
Illustrators: Maike Plenzke and Allison Steinfeld
Published: 2025
Summary
Summer's still enjoying making and selling baked goods, and it's going well enough that she and her best friend Daisy think they'll be able to raise the funds to attend an "animal camp" where they'll learn about taking care of animals by shadowing veterinarians--from common pets to zoo animals. Soon the pair are busy advertising their various pet services (homemade pet treats, walking, grooming, training) and preparing for an upcoming craft fair. Plus, Summer's still volunteering at the animal shelter. For someone whose nickname is Vacation, she's not resting much!
Furthermore, being ten, Summer and Daisy come up against some obstacles. They don't quite know how to communicate their needs without feeling rude or pushy, and they overcommit themselves. They make a bit of progress when the have a couple conversations with adults who are very understanding that the girls are close to burn-out (e.g.; Summer is going to take a break from volunteering at the pet shelter). But the two them still can't communicate well with each.
Things come to a head when the two are baking and Daisy gets embarrassed at not being able to decorate the dog treats as well as Summer, and Summer can't find a diplomatic way to tell her. After a heart-to-heart with her mom and a chance to cool off, Summer is able to patch things up with Daphne. They agree that some things they can do together, but others are best leaving the business partners to their individual strengths.
Thanks to working together but not necessarily identically, Summer and Daisy raise enough money at the craft fair for the camp--and then some!
Misc
The author dedicates her book to "Alicia Hutton, rescuer of lonely cats."
Katie Flory, who works for the Maryland Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and Janear Garrus, who founded the Chesapeake Educational Alliance and works with homeschoolers, both advised on the book.
The copy I got from the library has some weird printing issues. There are a few pages where the letters appear to be reprint almost on top of themselves, making the words slightly doubled and blurry.
The book is full of little hints and tricks for working with and understanding dogs and cats and keeping them happy and healthy.
The end of the book has a couple recipes for cat treats, and a personality quiz designed to help young girls see what sorts of businesses they might be good at.
