Kirby of the Serengeti: A Lidog's Tail

Kirby of the Serengeti: A Lidog's Tail

Half dog. Half lion. All heart. Kirby of the Serengeti: A Lidog's Tail is a visually rich children's picture book about courage, belonging, and the quiet power of imagination. Inspired by a real-life dog, Kirby's story invites young readers into an animal adventure where identity is something to be discovered, not defined. Kirby is not just a dog. And he's not just a lion. In his dreams, he becomes something new - a Lidog, half pit bull and half lion - leading his Pride Pack across the African savanna. Alongside Lily, the calm and steady matriarch, and their four pupcubs - bold Brigo, curious Taela, wise Dahlia, and watchful Onyx - Kirby learns that family is not about sameness, but about care, trust, and being fully seen. When the Pride Pack encounters a lost and trembling zebra, Kirby and his family choose compassion over fear. As storms gather and challenges arise, the story gently shows children that courage can be found in calm moments, that joy often returns after hardship, and that belonging is something we can offer to others. Told through lyrical, cinematic text and paired with hyper-realistic illustrations, this illustrated animal story balances adventure with tenderness. Each scene carries deeper themes of self-discovery, identity, and emotional safety, reminding readers that imagination is not an escape - it is a way of understanding who we are. With early praise from Dr. John Otto, DVM ("A great lesson for life!"), Kirby of the Serengeti: A Lidog's Tail is a heartfelt picture book about values and virtues, designed for shared reading and quiet reflection. Its message resonates with children and adults alike, offering comfort, courage, and connection. Available in two editions: a premium hardcover gift edition with vivid, full-color illustrations and durable case laminate binding, and a softcover edition in a family-friendly format. Both editions are created to be treasured, revisited, and shared. Every hero's journey begins with a tail. "April Jenkins' children's book Kirby of the Serengeti is an amazing fantasy adventure across the plains of the Serengeti. The story beholds the bonding of the lion pride, yet the generosity that can still exist toward a lost baby zebra - a great lesson for life! The watchful eye of the butterfly gives the story a lightness and a guardian-angel perspective. As a veterinarian and guardian for Kirby, I thoroughly endorse this must-read for children and adults alike." - Dr. John Otto, DVM, University Animal Hospital, and Co-author of Sarge: The Veteran's Best Friend, Marvin's Gift, and Marvin's Shining Star "I taught Language Arts in public schools from fourth through eighth grade, and I believe reading is the most valuable skill a person can develop. I've been a lifelong reader since an early age, exploring every genre there is. The most important thing is finding something that touches one's heart and soul. Books and the stories they tell can change a person's life. There are so many lessons within stories—lessons that children may not always see modeled at home or in everyday life. After reading April Jenkins' children's book Kirby of the Serengeti - A Lidog's Tail , I was an immediate fan. This story has everything needed to make it a classic. It carries love and compassion for everyone. Every character is included, no matter what they look like or believe. I would love to see this story read and shared everywhere young children are being taught. I can't wait for the next story in A Lidog's Tail to be released—I'll be first in line!" — Michael Jenkins,Educator & Lifelong Reader, New Mexico Teacher of the Year (State & District Recipient) Kirby of the Serengeti - A Lidog's Tail was inspired by my real-life dog, Kirby — a dreamer with a joyful heart and a wild imagination. One night, as I watched him completely transfixed by the lions on TV, I realized that maybe, deep down, he believed he was one of them. What started as a playful idea soon grew into something much deeper — a story about courage, belonging, and the beauty of being different. Through Kirby and the Pride Pack, I wanted to share a message that feels true for all of us: that imagination isn't escape — it's a way home. That you can do anything you can imagine. And that home isn't just a place — it's the love and courage you carry inside. From Kirby's heart — told through his ghost writer's hands. ~ April Jenkins Every dream reveals something true. Kirby of the Serengeti - A Lidog's Tail is a story of self-discovery, courage, and imagination — where a dog dreams himself into the wild and realizes he was never missing anything at all. It's a celebration of belonging, of finding home within yourself, and of remembering that even our wildest dreams can remind us who we already are. What if your wildest dream... was just another part of you? What if your wildest dream... Was just another part of you? ✨ Where imagination meets heart — and every hero's jou