WOOF!: Adventures by the Sea - Aparna Karthikeyan

An unforgettable beach adventure with a massive heart! Dive into a heartwarming tale of friendship, resilience, and the daily lives of stray dogs on the coast of Mumbai.

In WOOF!: Adventures by the Sea, acclaimed storyteller Aparna Karthikeyan takes middle-grade readers and animal lovers on a beautiful journey to the shores of Mumbai. It is just before the arrival of the heavy Mumbai monsoon when the formidable alpha dog known simply as "the Don" and her local beach gang stumble upon a mysterious, unexpected package washed up on the sand. To their utter shock, a tiny, helpless puppy wriggles out. The Don is thoroughly annoyed, and her tight-knit gang is deeply upset—because on a busy public beach, a new puppy spells nothing but trouble.For community dogs, life by the ocean can be incredibly tough, and this sudden arrival completely disrupts the rhythm of their daily survival. However, the little pup—named Shingmo the Seventh—soon turns out to be a pure sliver of sunshine. Through rolling waves, sudden storms, and local beach escapades, the mismatched pack slowly weaves a tight circle of friendship, empathy, and fierce love that shelters them all. Brought to life with stunning black-and-white illustrations by artist Sagar Kolwankar, this deeply touching middle-grade novel offers a rare, compassionate glimpse into the minds and community structures of independent street animals. It is a must-read for children, families, and anyone who has ever exchanged a knowing, loving look with a dog.