Grace Builds an Almost-Perfect Dog

A girl builds and programs a robot dog in this heartwarming STEM-based picture book perfect for fans of THE MOST MAGNIFICENT THING.

Grace can't have a real dog, so she takes matters into her own hands. She builds a robot dog named Kit!

Grace codes him to behave like the perfect dog. Kit follows her instructions perfectly.

He rolls over perfectly, every time.

He plays fetch perfectly, every single time.

But Grace soon discovers that maybe following the rules perfectly doesn't make the perfect pet . . .

Great for aspiring builders and coders, GRACE BUILDS AN ALMOST-PERFECT DOG is a tender tale about the power of friendship and determination.

A Junior Library Guild Selection

Author: Curtis Manley
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Published: 03/11/2025
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.05lbs
Size: 8.75h x 11.30w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9781250168238
Audience: Ages 4-8


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 01/01/2025
Booklist 03/01/2025 pg. 115
School Library Journal 04/18/2025 pg. 1
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2025 - Below Average, With Minor Flaw

About the Author

Curtis Manley grew up in Pennsylvania and is the author of Shawn Loves Sharks and Just Right. His background in science and poetry helps him combine nonfiction elements into fictional stories that entertain while making the universe a little more understandable. He now lives near Seattle, Washington.

Tracy Subisak is the author and illustrator of Sorry, Snail and award-winning Jenny Mei Is Sad, and the illustrator of several picture books including Amah Faraway and This Book Is Not For You!. Her books have been featured in publications such as the Washington Post and Wall Street Journal. She is of Polish and Taiwanese heritage and a believer that stories connect us all in some way. Tracy currently resides in Taiwan with her buddy-for-life Matty and turtle Ah Dou.