A pesky cone becomes a doggie dream come true in this canine companion to Cone Cat

One day, Emma the dog leaves the vet with a giant plastic lampshade on her head. It cuts off her corners, dulls her digging, and makes Garson the greyhound gawk. One thing is clear—the cone is not good, and the only thing left to do is sulk.

When Emma’s human tries to cheer her up with a game of fetch, Emma discovers that the cone miraculously catches every ball she fumbles! Emma realizes the cone has other surprising advantages too, from serving as a helmet during her hallway hurtles to helping her dig at triple-speed. Best of all, the cone plays a pivotal role in Emma’s master plan to scare off the sneaky neighborhood squirrel, Keith.

Eventually, the cone comes off and Emma is free, but the important lesson she learned from her cone days remains: cone or no cone, it’s Emma’s inventive spirit that make her the Best. Dog. Ever. This fresh and funny follow-up to Cone Cat is a charming ode to ingenuity and making the best out of a ruff situation.

SARAH HOWDEN is the author of several books for children, including 5-Minute Stories for Fearless Girls and Cone Cat. She lives in Toronto, Ontario, with her husband and daughter and their two rambunctious cats. 

Sarah Howden's profile page

Carmen Mok is a studio-art graduate of the University of Waterloo, and a crafts and design graduate of Sheridan College in Ontario, Canada. Her books include Waiting for Sophie by Sarah Ellis, Look at Me Now by Carol McDougall and Shanda LaRamee-Jones, and Ride the Big Machines in Winter. She recently illustrated Grandmother’s Visit by Betty Quan, which was named an Asian/Pacific American Awards for Literature Picture Book Honor Title, was on the shortlist of the IODE Ontario Jean Throop Book Award and was selected for the Ontario Library Association Best Bets List. Carmen lives in St. Catharines, Ontario.

Carmen Mok's profile page

• Commended, Best Books for Kids and Teens

"Doggy devotees will enjoy this tale of a pooch finding the silver lining in a seemingly dire situation."

Kirkus Reviews

"Howden's text is fun and interesting. Mok's illustrations are charming and capture important emotions."

Kiss the Book

"A delightful and heartwarming read that celebrates resilience, resourcefulness, and the power of optimism. With its charming illustrations, accessible language, and positive message, it is a valuable addition to any child's bookshelf."

Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database

"A perseverance parable with a trouble-making dog readers can’t help but love."

School Library Journal