This book is a heart-warming tale of love that deftly illuminates key life lessons, reachable by youth at the nursery, kindergarten, and elementary school levels. It not only shows children how to love, care for, and respect their pets, but also their parents, friends and neighbors. It's important to understand that what we freely give, we also receive in return. In this book the children see how their pet responds to their love by herding chickens, and standing guard while the girls swim in the pond. The surprise gift the girls receive at the story's end shows a pet also gives love in many ways.