Wally's Grab and Run
A foster love story
Wally the foster dog doesn’t trust anyone. After moving from home to home, he learns to expect disappointment—and to believe that food and safety can vanish at any moment. So when he enters yet another foster family, Wally does what he knows best: grab the food and run. As his new foster family shows him patience, consistency, and compassion, Wally wonders if it’s time to lower the walls he's built to protect himself and open his heart to learn to trust again.
Wally's Grab and Run is a heartfelt picture book for children ages 4–8 that explores the emotional realities of foster care through the eyes of a lovable, guarded foster dog. The story reflects many challenges children in foster care face, including fear of abandonment, food insecurity, difficulty trusting adults, and the confusion of moving between homes.
Written with trauma-informed care in mind, this book supports meaningful conversations about big feelings in a safe, age-appropriate way. The story uses clear emotional language and relatable behavior to help children recognize their own reactions and build emotional awareness.
Themes & Benefits:
• Trust & Attachment: Encourages children to explore safe relationship-building at their own pace
• Abandonment & Safety: Opens conversations about loss, consistency, and emotional security
• Hope & Healing: Shows that new beginnings and safe relationships can support emotional healing
• Emotional Literacy: Helps children name and express difficult feelings
• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Aligns with SEL goals such as empathy, emotional regulation, and resilience
Perfect for foster families, adoptive families, counselors, therapists, social workers, teachers, and librarians, Wally's Grab and Run offers a compassionate resource for helping children impacted by foster care feel seen, understood, and hopeful.
Can a foster dog learn to open his heart and start trusting in people again?
New Books in the Series COMING SOON!
Wally's New School
Wally's 1st Vacation
Wally's 1st Vacation
After Wally settles into his foster home, he faces another scary challenge - the first day of school. With the loving support of his new family, Wally learns that even though change may be scary, with a bit of courage, it can open doors to new adventures, friendships, and finding your place in the world.
# 2 in the Foster Love Series.
For ages 4 - 8
Wally's 1st Vacation
Wally's 1st Vacation
Wally's 1st Vacation
Wally is excited about his first family vacation to the lake. He can't wait to dip his paws in the cool water and take long walks through the woods. But when a big storm rolls in, and his big plans get washed away, Wally discovers that the best part of any vacation is simply spending time together.
#3 in the Foster Love Series.
For ages 4 - 8
Wally's New Sister
Wally's 1st Vacation
Wally's New Sister
When a new foster dog joins the family, Wally is excited to make a new friend. But Gigi growls when he gets too close, leaving Wally hurt and sad. Remembering how scary it can be to adjust to a new home, Wally decides patience and kindness are the best ways to earn her trust and help her feel safe.
#4 in the Foster Love Series.
For ages 4 - 8
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