Sometimes making a friend begins with just one little word: Hello.
Sparky is a small dog with a big heart and a very curious way of looking at the world. He notices butterflies, ladybugs, flowers, and all the little things the other dogs seem to miss.
But there’s one thing Sparky hasn’t quite figured out: how to make friends.
When Sparky wants to meet another dog, he stares. He doesn’t mean to be rude—he simply doesn’t know what to say. The other dogs misunderstand him, leaving Sparky watching from the sidelines and wishing he knew how to join in.
Then Sparky meets Molly.
Molly is much bigger than Sparky. In fact, she’s so big that other dogs sometimes think she looks scary. But Sparky soon discovers that Molly is gentle, kind, and a little unsure of herself, too.
Together, the unlikely pair decide to practice something that sounds easy but can sometimes feel very hard: saying “Hello.”
With a little courage, a lot of encouragement, and one new friendship, Sparky discovers that connecting with others isn’t as frightening as he imagined. And once he learns how it feels to be included, he begins noticing when someone else might need a friend, too.
Sparky Learns to Say Hello is a warmly illustrated story about friendship, kindness, empathy, acceptance, and finding the courage to take that first small step toward someone new.
Perfect for young children who may be shy, hesitant in social situations, or simply learning how to make friends, Sparky’s story offers a gentle reminder:
You don’t have to be the biggest or the bravest to make a difference. Sometimes, you just have to be the first to say hello.