If you want a book series that will make children fall head-over-heels in love with
reading, Maggie the Dog with a Heart - The Adventures of a Jack Russell Terrier, is it!
Catherine Fitzgerald is one of my absolute favourite children’s authors. Her incredible talent
for storytelling never ceases to amaze me, and with 'Furry Friends,' she delivers another
delightful treasure to the Maggie Dog collection.

In this exciting new chapter, Maggie faces a relatable milestone as she realises she cannot
always be the centre of attention in her household. This realisation sparks a fun, engaging
search for companionship that leads to valuable, real-world discoveries. The practical tips on
how to find and choose companions Maggie gathers during her hunt for peers are absolutely
fantastic for developing minds and makes her journey both a hilarious adventure and a guide
for young readers navigating their own social lives. As a former teacher, I highly recommend
this book for early elementary classrooms; children will completely adore Maggie, and
Fitzgerald’s wonderful humour is perfect for holding a group's attention while building on their
social-emotional intelligence.

Beneath its highly entertaining surface lies a deeply rewarding story worthy of reflection and
discussion, there is honestly so much to unravel, ponder, and consider from just a single
read of this exceptionally written children’s book. Through Maggie's eyes, young readers
discover the beauty of friendship and what true friendship looks like. Her story teaches
mutual respect, the value of inner character over appearance, and a timeless truth: to make
a friend, you must first learn to be one.

All in all, Fitzgerald has crafted something genuinely magical, blending essential life lessons
with the pure joy of storytelling. Led by an incredibly lovable protagonist, every single book in
the collection matches the high bar of the last. This sensational series is a true gift
guaranteed to steal the hearts of young readers and parents alike, and I cannot recommend
it highly enough!

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Louise Jane, CEO The Golden Wizard Book Prize