All the Small Wonderful Things - by Kate Foster

About the Book

"In an endearing story about an autistic boy and his steadfast furry pal, Alex is convinced that winning a trophy at the dog show will help him make a real friend at last. Eleven-year-old Alex knows that starting middle school will be a big change, and for an autistic person, change can be terrifying. He is sure that having a friend by his side will help. But how can he make one? Alex devises a plan to impress the kids at school by winning a trophy at the PAWS Dog Show with his trusty sidekick, Kevin the cockapoo. This should be a walk in the park, right? If only. It turns out that finding a friend is harder than Alex thought--unless, maybe, friendship is about something more than popularity."--

Book Synopsis

In an endearing story about an autistic boy and his steadfast furry pal, Alex is convinced that winning a trophy at the dog show will help him make a real friend at last.

Eleven-year-old Alex knows that starting middle school will be a big change, and for an autistic person, change can be terrifying. He is sure that having a friend by his side will help. But how can he make one? Alex devises a plan to impress the kids at school by winning a trophy at the PAWS Dog Show with his trusty sidekick, Kevin the cockapoo. This should be a walk in the park, right? If only. It turns out that finding a friend is harder than Alex thought--unless, maybe, friendship is about something more than popularity. This charming story, told through Alex's clear and honest voice, navigates relationships of all stripes between classmates, new neighbors, family, and, of course, a kid and his dog. After all, friendship isn't one-size-fits-all--maybe it's found in the small things where you least expect it.

Review Quotes

This charming, empathetic story centers the engaging voice of a boy who has a strong set of strategies for doing his best.
--Kirkus Reviews

This book will appeal to readers who love dogs and want a story about how friendship often arrives unexpectedly--and a true friend will like you for you.
--Booklist

Alex's perspective as an autistic person is relayed with careful authenticity, keeping the narrative grounded in both everyday struggles to connect with others and the warmth of small, loving gestures. Foster portrays the uncomplicated support pets can provide autistic kids, sensitively representing the difficulty Alex has in reading social and emotional cues. . . . Dog-loving kids will be begging to get their paws on this one.
--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Foster's effective first-person narrative gives readers insight into how the protagonist's mind works, allowing them to observe the world the way he does. . . It is a testament to Foster's craft in character development that readers will care so much about the earnest, good-hearted Alex and that the final, tear-jerking scene is such a surprise.
--The Horn Book

About the Author

Kate Foster writes children's books about friends, family, and dogs. Originally from the southeast of England, she now lives on the beautiful Gold Coast in Australia with her family and rescue dogs.