Finding Susie

A “perfect pet” story from Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.

Sandra is growing up on a desert ranch surrounded by animals, but she wants one to have her very own pet. A tortoise isn’t really friendly, a little rabbit is too fearful, and a young coyote howls to rejoin his pack. A bobcat almost fits the bill, but soon grows too big and fierce to be a housecat. Sandra’s parents let her learn for herself that these animals are best suited to the wild, though it is often hard to let them go. Finally, a smiley little stray dog finds Sandra. Sandra names the dog Susie, and the two become wonderful friends.
From the Hardcover edition.

As a child, former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor got to know a wide variety of the wild, indigenous animals that surrounded her desert ranch home. Finding Susie is a composite of her own and her siblings’ experiences. She currently lives in Arizona.

Tom Pohrt’s illustrations have appeared on the cover of The New Yorker, as well as in many acclaimed picture books, including the bestselling Crow and Weasel, written by Barry Lopez. He lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
From the Hardcover edition.