• An InstantNew York TimesBestseller
• An Indie Next Pick
• A “howlingly funny tale.” ALABooklist(starred review)

From Drew Daywalt, the #1New York Timesbestselling author ofThe Day the Crayons Quit, and illustrator Mike Lowery comes a heavily illustrated, paper-over-board middle grade novel about Sam, a noble pug who will go to any lengths to protect his family from the bad guys!

Meet Sam: an insolent pugand incidental herowho will stop at nothing to protect his family!

When scientists Elaine and Gary Peterson adopt Sam to keep their son, Justin, company in the midst of a top-secret research project, they never imagine the precocious pup will cause more harm than good. But from chewing up Elaines hair dryer (the brain-melting heat cannon) to his inability to be house-trained (who could resist the pooping rug?), the Petersons arent sure how much more they can take. And that’sbeforeSam starts harassing Justins crush (and potential new friend), Phoebe, who Sam is sure is an evil wizard out to harm Justin.

But when a pair of crooks encroaches on the Peterson household in an attempt to steal their confidential findings, Sams actionsnever mind his reasoning for themjust may save the day.