Common Sense Media Review
By Lucinda Dyer
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Unforgettable story of loss, bravery, and friendship.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
THE UNLIKELY TALE OF CHASE AND FINNEGAN begins on a dark night. A dog is lost and alone in the woods. A sudden attack by a "creature" leaves him bleeding from his ear and a leg, but just when things look hopeless, he's found by a kind human who takes him to be treated by a vet. Chase's story begins at a zoo, where the five-month-old cheetah cub lives with her mother, who teaches her about grass, the sky, and that humans like Basma, the lead cheetah trainer, can be good friends. One day, Basma comes to take Chase's mother to the vet and she never comes back. As much as Basma tries to comfort her, Chase's despondent. The dog, now named Finnegan, is taken home by Ryan, the man who found him. Finnegan's grateful to be safe and likes Basma, the woman Ryan lives with. But he's afraid they'll find out he's not a good dog and he'll have to leave. But Basma thinks Finnegan is such a good dog he'll make the perfect for companion Chase and give her the confidence she needs to perform in an educational program for children. Finnegan isn't certain about Chase when they first meet. He doesn't much like cats and certainly doesn't speak cat. As they become friends (and learn to communicate with one another) Chase gains the confidence she needs to finish her training and become a Cheetah Ambassador and Finnegan finds his forever home.
Is It Any Good?
The power of an unexpected friendship is the centerpiece of this utterly captivating story about the meaning of family, second chances, and learning to be brave. For families who enjoy reading aloud or are looking for a story that will get kids to put down their devices and listen, The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan is a great choice. Storylines about a cheetah and a rescue dog are certain to engage animal loving kids and even teens. And the challenges faced by Finnegan and Chase can open up serious discussions about acceptance, how to regain your confidence when you've messed up something really important, and what you can learn from being friends with someone who isn't anything like you.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what they learned about friendship and acceptance in The Unlikely Story of Chase and Finnegan. When you met your friends, did you have a lot in common or, like Chase and Finnegan, were you very different? What makes a good friend?
Why is it so difficult to overcome a fear? What's helped when you had to find the courage to be brave?
Do you think animals can show compassion toward one another or does that only happen in stories?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Animals
- Topics : Animals ( Dogs , Wild Animals ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Balzar+Bray
- Publication date : March 3, 2026
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 225
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : March 19, 2026
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