The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan

In this moving tale of animal friendship and found family by Warga (A Strange Thing Happened in Cherry Hall), a rescue dog befriends an orphaned cheetah cub as part of a zoo’s conservation program. When her mother abruptly dies, Chase is left alone as the only cheetah in the facility. Meanwhile, pooch Finnegan—discovered lost and injured in the woods—is adopted by sympathetic humans, one of whom is the zoo’s lead cheetah trainer. After Finnegan recovers, he’s partnered with Chase as a cheetah ambassador dog. Following an initial adjustment period, the two young animals become inseparable friends, with Finnegan giving Chase much-needed confidence and companionship. In return, Chase provides steadfast comfort for Finnegan, who struggles to manage his fear of storms and abandonment. The animalian protagonists’ spare dual third-person POVs present a charming story that examines human and animal interactions by centering the growing emotional bond between Chase and Finnegan as well as their human handlers. Drawing inspiration from similar real-life programs, per an author’s note, Warga offers an accessible point of entry for curious animal lovers, culminating in a compassionate work that additionally addresses issues of anxiety and trauma. Background human characters cue as racially diverse. Ages 8–12. Agent: Brenda Bowen, Book Group. (Mar.)