Minnie Home Alone

By Catherine Jacob and Rachael Saunders

Welcome to Puppy Club!
Join Jaya, Willow, Daniel, Elsa, Arlo and Harper as they all navigate the ups and downs of life with a brand-new puppy!
Harper adores her puppy Minnie, but the pup hates being home alone and it's stressing out the whole family. They realize that Minnie is suffering from separation anxiety, and with Harper's school residential trip coming up, she feels really guilty about leaving Minnie for five whole days. Luckily, the Puppy Clubbers are on hand to help – it's time for Operation Home Alone!
But with lots of adjustments to be made, can Harper help Minnie become more independent before the school trip?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Little Tiger Press
• Release date: Mar 14, 2024
• ISBN: 9781788954761

Catherine Jacob

Catherine Jacob lives in a very old, noisy house in York where she tries to squeeze in as much story writing time as possible, in between looking after her three lovely (ever so slightly mischievous) children and occasionally appearing on TV reporting the news. She loves singing, drawing, and writing in rhyme while drinking mugs of steaming hot tea. (Not all at the same time!)

Book preview

1 2

3

For Pippin, who doesn’t like being home alone

CJ

For Vicky

RS

4

Contents

Title Page

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Daniel’s Pawsome Pup Jokes

About the Author

About the Illustrator

Collect the Series!

Copyright

5

6

Settle down, everyone, called Mr Priest. I know it’s Friday afternoon, but we need to go through this packing list.

Harper felt a surge of excitement as she focused on the list in front of her.

You’ll need two pairs of trainers, Mr Priest went on. And a sun hat and sun lotion, as we’ll be outside all day.

With just over two weeks to go until 7their first school residential, Harper didn’t think she had ever looked forward to a holiday more in her life. Four whole nights away, all by themselves. Apart from the teachers, of course! She frowned. There was just one drawback: leaving Minnie. Harper hadn’t left her puppy for one night, let alone four.

As Mr Priest continued reading out the packing list, Minnie’s inquisitive face kept floating into Harper’s mind. Would her puppy be OK without her?

The bell went for home time and everyone piled out of the classroom, buzzing with excitement.

This trip is going to be AWESOME! Willow cried.

Elsa crossed her fingers. I hope we get to share a room!

Daniel elbowed Arlo. Us too! 8

Arlo nodded. Mr Priest said we’ll find out on Monday.

Willow was scanning the packing list. I think my old sun hat’s too small.

Same for my walking boots, said Jaya. I’ll have to use Sam’s old ones.

Elsa hung back with Harper, who was still lost in Minnie thoughts. You OK?

9What? Harper muttered distractedly. Yes. I mean … it’s just I’m going to miss Minnie so much. She’s been on my mind today – it was her first time home alone as Dad had to pop out for a meeting. I hope she hasn’t been too lonely.

Elsa smiled. I bet she’s been fine.

But Harper wasn’t so sure.

On the way home, Mum had to jog to keep up with Harper, who was scooting ahead, keen to see her puppy. As they stepped through the front door, Minnie flew out of the kitchen, yapping and jumping around them.

Harper bent down to stroke her, but the pup was so frantic it was hard to get close.

Dad appeared in the hallway with an anxious look on his face. 10

Mum frowned. Is everything OK?

Let’s just say it hasn’t been the best day, Dad sighed.

Harper stopped trying to catch Minnie and looked up, alarmed. What happened?

This! Dad held up the cable for his laptop, which had been chewed in half.

Oh, Minnie, Harper exclaimed. You didn’t!

She did. Dad tried not to look cross as Minnie continued yapping and whizzing around their feet. While I was out. And look! He pointed at the kitchen door, which was covered in scratch marks.

Poor Minnie! cried Harper, finally managing to grab the wriggling pup. She’s trembling! She nuzzled her nose into Minnie’s furry head, making the soft, shushing noise she used to calm 11her down. It’s not your fault, Minnie, she soothed. She looked up at Dad. She’s not used to being left alone. She must have been scared.

Dad reached over and stroked Minnie’s ear. I suppose she must have.

Dad, you can’t leave her alone again, said Harper. Can you take her with you to meetings?

12Dad raised his eyebrows. As lovely as that would be, my clients would probably be so distracted by this cute little bundle they wouldn’t listen to a word I said.

Harper cuddled Minnie close. She’s still shaking!

Mum sighed. Well, if Dad’s going to be out at more meetings over the next few weeks, we’ll have to think of a way to train her to be calmer while she’s on her own.

Dad scratched his head. Maybe it’s a one-off. Perhaps something outside spooked her. I don’t remember our old dog batting an eyelid when she was left in the house alone, even as a pup.

That was different, said Mum. "It was a farm and there were always people coming and