Where Is Sampson? — Helen Fox

Gordon and his dog, Sampson, go everywhere together: to the park, to fish and play in the stream, to soccer games, and to the nursing home where Gordon's mother works. You could say Sampson is the best friend a boy could ever have. The only place Sampson is not allowed to go with Gordon is to school. So he sees Gordon off to school at the bus stop and meets him there when the school bus brings Gordon home. Until one very strange Friday, the unthinkable happens. On this day, Sampson is nowhere to be seen. Gordon checks all the usual places that they go, but Sampson isn't anywhere he has checked. His dad calls the shelter and the neighbors: no one has seen Sampson. By Monday evening, Gordon is very sad. Sampson seemed to have disappeared. To get his mind off of things, Gordon goes with his dad to a construction site to get a missing tool; while looking for the missing tool, they find a most unexpected surprise. Full of sweetness found only in the unconditional love given to us by our animals, the story is a tribute to the pure joy of a boy and his dog. A gentle, yet convincing reminder that as long as there is hope, there is always a chance for unforeseen surprises. Where is Sampson will touch your heart as it teaches your child.