23 Dogs and 1 Cat
How One Class Came to the Rescue
Ruby’s class writes letters to help shelter animals find homes.
Based on a real classroom project in Richmond, Virginia, the book follows the students as they learn each animal’s story and write persuasive letters from the animals’ points of view.
By Kirby Larson and Mary Nethery Illustrated by Thai My Phuong Bloomsbury Children’s Books
ForthcomingFebruary 2027
New York Times Bestseller
The Christopher Medal
ASPCA Henry Bergh Award
IRA Teachers’ Choice
NPR All Things Considered
Perennial Best Seller!
The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine, and a Miracle
Nubs befriended Marine Major Brian Dennis in Iraq. When Dennis’s unit moved seventy miles away, the dog crossed a freezing desert to find him.
New York Times Bestseller
The Christopher Medal
A Classic and Family Favorite!
A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship, and Survival
After Hurricane Katrina, Bobbi the dog and Bob Cat survived together in New Orleans. Bob Cat was blind and followed the sound of Bobbi’s chain.
ASPCA Henry Bergh Award
IRA Teachers’ Choice
The Mostly True Story of How a Plain White Cat Became a Star
A stray white cat becomes a celebrity in 1890s Venice. This mostly true story brings together Nini, a café owner, and visitors including Giuseppe Verdi and the pope.
Mary Nethery writes fiction and true animal stories about friendship, resilience, and kindness.
A former primary teacher, Mary designed curricula and trained teachers across California. She has presented to thousands of students and at national and state conferences. She lives in Richmond, Virginia, with her rescue cats, Ruby Chanel and Remy Moss. Her son lives nearby.
Ask Mary about a book, a school or library visit, a bookstore or community event, or a press inquiry.
To:
Mary Nethery
Richmond, Virginia