About the Book

Twelve-year-old Cat Parker knows 360 dog breeds by heart, but she’s never been allowed a dog of her own. So when her dad leaves and her mom uproots her from New York to London, Cat decides it’s time to take back control: she’ll start a dog-walking business and become London’s top dog walker.

Soon Cat is juggling tangled leashes, runaway beagles, British slang, and street names that don’t make sense. And when she meets a mysterious neighbor with a secret of his own, things get even more complicated—until one particular pup changes everything.
Here’s what makes London Unleashed a standout read:

  • A dog-driven middle-grade adventure: A dog-walking business, 360 dog breeds, and plenty of canine chaos make this story irresistible to dog lovers.
  • A relatable story about change: Cat’s move to London explores loneliness, friendship, family, and belonging with warmth and humor.
  • Fantastic black-and-white dog illustrations: Cat’s doodles, diary entries, and expressive artwork of dogs throughout the book add voice, humor, and visual appeal for middle-grade readers.
  • First in a new series: Launches A Cat Parker Book, a new middle-grade series following Cat Parker’s globetrotting adventures.

London Unleashed is perfect for readers ages 9–12 who love dog books for kids, middle-grade animal stories, illustrated middle-grade novels, and heartfelt books about friendship, fresh starts, and building your own pack.

Meet the Author

Alice Cardini writes middle grade stories about finding your people in unexpected places. Originally from the United States, Alice spent her adolescence in Japan before living most of her adult life in London and later moving to Italy. Her international experience informs her understanding of belonging—and of feeling out of place—and shapes her writing about friendship, identity, and home. A Brown University graduate, she holds a Master’s in Writing for Young People from Bath Spa University in the UK. Alice lives in Milan, Italy, with her Italian husband, two children, and their dogs. London Unleashed is her debut middle grade novel and the first in a planned series.

Meet the Illustrator

Jen Bricking is an illustrator whose work spans the worlds of video games, animation, and children’s publishing. She has created artwork for clients such as Disney and Mattel, and has illustrated numerous book covers, middle-grade novels, picture books, and magazines. Outside the studio, Jen enjoys skateboarding, riding her bike, and exploring ancient cities in faraway lands––with a sketchbook in one hand and a camera in the other.

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