I Am Murphy and I Am WaitingWhite Lies
By Dan Yaccarino
Ages 4-8
Meet Murphy! His first picture book is a hilarious and heartfelt reminder that time apart makes every second together that much sweeter. Perfect for fans of Llama Destroys the World and Grumpy Monkey.
Murphy is an irresistibly cute and rambunctious French bulldog with a lot of emotions. . . And when the big yellow thing (aka: the bus) takes his boy away on the first day of school, he finds some interesting ways to let those feelings out. . .
But bothering the cat, protecting his boy’s dirty socks, and tearing up the house looking for him, can only go so far. His anxiety and impatience might just get the best of him.
Until . . . a reunion for the ages solves everything.
Praise for I Am Murphy and I Am Waiting
“Yaccarino turns a dog’s interminable wait for a child to return from school into a supremely relatable study of restlessness and questionable coping strategies. . . As satisfyingly compact in form and emotional impact as Murphy is in body, it’s a sprightly study of ups and downs that’s worth gnawing on.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Readers can expect a touching dog–boy reunion at book’s end and perhaps the realization that Murphy is likely to relive this ordeal the next time the boy climbs aboard the big yellow thing. It’s all so diverting that young readers likely won’t be aware that they’re on the receiving end of an empathy lesson. A hilarious, heart-tugging dog’s-eye view of life.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“This picture book will bring joy to pet owners of all ages and is perfect for fans of such canine-centric stories as Kate Klise’s Stay (2017) and Doug Salati’s Hot Dog (2022), among many others.” —Booklist, starred review
“Dan Yaccarino brings his canine hero to loveable life with illustrations that will make kids laugh and long to give Murphy a hug as big as the one he receives when his boy finally comes home.” —LitHub
“Families will enjoy this warm and funny book on repeat.” —The Horn Book
