Mark is a boy who needs a dog. But he can't get his mother on board with his plan.

Buddy is a dog who needs a boy. Buddy has an owner already, but not one who understands the kind of love and care-the something more-a dog needs.

Mr. LaRue is a neighbor who needs a community. He's alone all the time in his huge old house-and everyone needs more than that.

Over the course of a summer thunderstorm and one chaotic town council meeting, these three characters cross paths and come together in a timeless tale ripe with emotions and told in verse that resolves with love, understanding, and a sense of belonging-plus a place to play a game of fetch!