I, Cosmo

Ever since Cosmo became a big brother to Max ten years ago, he’s known what his job was: to protect his boy and make him happy. Through many good years marked by tennis balls and pilfered turkey, torn-up toilet paper and fragrant goose poop, Cosmo has doggedly kept his vow. Until recently, his biggest problems were the evil tutu-wearing sheepdog he met on Halloween and the arthritis in his own joints. But now, with Dad-scented blankets appearing on the couch and arguing voices getting louder, Cosmo senses a tougher challenge ahead. When Max gets a crazy idea to teach them both a dance routine for a contest, how can Cosmo refuse, stiff hips or no? Max wants to remind his folks of all the great times they’ve had together dancing — and make them forget about the “d” word that’s making them all cry. Told in the open, optimistic, unintentionally humorous voice of a golden retriever, I, Cosmo will grab readers from the first page — and remind them that love and loyalty transcend whatever life throws your way.

A golden retriever narrates a hilarious, heart-tugging tale of a dog and his humans as he tries to keep his family together while everything around them falls apart.

This striking middle-grade debut is a love letter to dogs everywhere. Readers will cheer for Cosmo and Max with all their hearts. I, Cosmo soars! Ali Standish, author of The Ethan I Was Before

Sorosiak (Wild Blue Wonder) offers Cosmo a combination of wisdom and innocence that feel truly dog-like as his warm voice conveys Max and Cosmo’s mutual affection — the steady and heartwarming constant in both their lives. Touching, bittersweet, and true, this book will appeal to anyone who has loved a pet. Publishers Weekly starred review

Cosmo’s narration combines wit, heart, stubbornness, and a grouchy dignity, all ably tugging at funny bones and heartstrings alike. Sorosiak’s author’s note is a joyful celebration of dogs’ hidden humanity, one that’s reflected in her joyfully and painfully realistic tale of a struggling family and doggedly persistent canine companion…Love might not last forever, but it can certainly teach an old dog new tricks. Kirkus Reviews starred review

Carlie Sorosiak is the author of two novels for young adults, If Birds Fly Back and Wild Blue Wonder. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia.