Meika Hashimoto – författare

Wings, claws, and paws, oh my! This box set of the Animal Rescue Friends middle grade graphic novel series has all the heartwarming tales (and tails) of animal pals that need a little love and care.Welcome to Animal Rescue Friends, where any stray can find a friendly face—furry or otherwise. Each book is a collection of stories of new animals, from dogs and ferrets to cats and birds, as well as the gang of kids ready to lend a helping hand. Perfect for kids ages 9-11, this adorable comics series will inspire and uplift young animal lovers.From stray dogs and shelter cats to rabbits, birds, reptiles, and other unforgettable animal companions, each story introduces new rescue adventures and heartwarming friendships. Along the way, readers will discover how empathy, teamwork, and perseverance can make a difference—for both animals and people.This box set includes:Book 1: Animal Rescue FriendsA lonely girl living in the suburbs finds happiness with a stray pit bull; a protective mama ferret and her six kits learn to trust a shelter volunteer; a shy boy stands up for himself with the help of a strong-willed bunny; a cantankerous cat helps to mend a troubled relationship; and the shelter's unofficial mascot eventually finds a home.Book 2: Friends Fur-everIt’s the start of a new school year, and the kids are excited about their new club, Oakville Elementary School’s Club for Animal Appreciation, Education, and Rehabilitation—even if their new club advisor, Mrs. Wen, doesn’t share their enthusiasm. But as they meet a decidedly unusual crew of animals, including a bearded dragon who won’t eat, a therapy pig named Truffles, and a prickly porcupine who needs first aid, the kids and adults alike learn that when people help animals, the animals help them right back.Book 3: Learning New TricksJoin Bell, Maddie, Noah, and the rest of the Animal Rescue Friends as they learn to love an affectionate rat named Whiskers, find Sergio the tortoise a forever home that’s just his speed, fall for the antics of a chatty parrot with a familiar name, and more! Along the way, they make a few new friends and learn that everyone—even insects—can sometimes use a helping hand.Book 4: Finding HomeWhen ARF is flooded with requests for pet-care advice, the kids come up with a great idea to reach lots of people at once: They’ll start an animal-care podcast! But when the hard work of creating a podcast leads to lots of new and exciting opportunities outside the rescue, the gang finds itself pulled in different directions. The kids tackle big changes—to their friendships, to themselves, and even to ARF itself—in these stories about friendship, responsibility, and cooperation.Why young readers love Animal Rescue Friends:Positive, uplifting graphic novel stories centered on rescuing and caring for animals Relatable kid characters who learn, grow, and solve problems together Themes of friendship, compassion, responsibility, and teamwork Engaging visual storytelling that helps build reading confidence Accessible for independent and reluctant readers in grades 2–5 A complete four-book collection ideal for binge reading Give young readers a complete graphic novel adventure they'll return to again and again—and let them discover why helping others is always worth it.