We can love a new pet without ever forgetting about the companions we have lost . . .

Rollo: A Lowcountry Puppy’s Tale

Rollo a Lowcountry Puppys Tale

Written by Adrienne Love

Illustrated by Hilda Stark

Rollo: A Lowcountry Puppy’s Tale

Written by Adrienne Love, Illustrated by Hilda Stark

On sale April 14, 2026

Ages 6-9

ISBN 979-8-9953963-1-4 (hardcover)

ISBN 979-8-9953963-0-7 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-9953963-2-1 (ebook)

LCCN: 2026907648

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In his new puppy home, Rollo notices Anna sometimes accidentally calls him “Riley,” then gets a sad look in her eye. He kisses her to make her smile again, and he knows Riley must have been a very good dog. Anna’s family introduces Rollo to the wonders of the South Carolina lowcountry, from giant sea turtles to dolphins driving fish onto the shore like shepherds. One day, Rollo is swept into danger, and he meets a creature who changes his life and gives him—and all of us—hope that where there’s love, we will always be connected, now and forever.

Rollo, A Lowcountry Puppy’s Tale, an uplifting, richly illustrated story of real and imagined adventures told from the perspective of a puppy, reassures young readers that we can love a new pet without ever forgetting about the companions we have lost. 

While author Adrienne Love wrote this book for early readers ages 6-9, Rollo’s story and the vivid illustrations will win every reader’s heart, build family connections, and help heal the grief of anyone who has loved and lost a pet.

What do readers say?

  • “The book is perfection! Harper loved the book! She really enjoyed the illustrations. Writing was easy for her to follow. She was able to read it without hesitating on any words and enjoyed the flow. Thank you again for sharing this work with us! How incredible! We feel really honored to be part of the process.”

    — Mom of Harper, age 7, who helped with early feedback on the book

  • “Nora absolutely loved it. I think it's so well written, so easy to follow. Just amazing. And she loved the illustrations.”

    — Mom of Nora, age 10

  • “This lovely story reflects on the joy pets bring into our lives and the profound relationship between animals and their owners. What makes the book especially meaningful is its premise that the love between pets and humans does not simply end when life does. It suggests this love continues in an afterlife where companions are reunited.”

    — Karen Spencer, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

  • "I made a cup of tea and sat down to read your book. It’s delightful. I especially like the opportunity for the reader to dig a little deeper in the science. I know my granddaughter used to exclusively get science fact books when she was that age [around 7 or 8]. The illustrations are terrific. Such a bold use of color. The part about Rollo’s dreams opens the door to a wider discussion with the right reader and parent. Well done. A stunning accomplishment."

    — Jan Zick, mother and grandmother


  • "First off, I want to say that you selected a wonderful illustrator! Second, your story line is very heartwarming. I was able to comfortably follow along with the plot. Bottom line is that you are a great storyteller and the illustrations are wonderful."

    — Barbara Luby, former teacher, Mount Pleasant, SC

  • “Yes . . . it proves we can love again but we never forget . . . and indeed we will see them again.”

    — Jo Little, mother and grandmother

  • “It is a sweet story for children. I liked it and enjoyed the extra information about the Lowcountry sea life. The illustrations are lovely.”

    — Susan Krasniewski, taught English and journalism for 18 years

  • "A beautiful story that all ages will cherish! The story of Rollo, his family and his adventures in the lowcountry will capture the hearts of all ages. The way the story reads makes you want to reach out and hug this precious four-legged member of the family, and the beautiful artwork throughout ensures you feel that you, too, are in the midst of all the action. A bonus are interesting details shared about the sea creatures in the lowountry. Truly a treasure of a book!"

    — Kay Strickland

What Moved Me to Write this Book

A note to readers from author Adrienne Love

I grew up with a menagerie: cats, dogs, parakeets, hamsters, and four human family members, all crammed into a New York City apartment. 

We cried an ocean of tears for each one of our pets when we lost them.

It was many years later as an adult when I broke down and found a dog, Riley, for my son, who was seven at the time.

Rollo: A Lowcountry Puppy’s Tale was born out of my grief from losing Riley.

For those of you who have not experienced the loss of a pet, I know it can be difficult to relate to the depth of grief we feel. It doesn’t matter whether they died from natural causes, or due to a compassionate choice, or by a terrible accident; it is a heartbreaking experience. This creature has been close to you in ways that are unique to that relationship. The void they leave behind feels soul-draining.

Happily, after Riley died, my husband was open to finding another dog, and that’s where this adventure began. Rollo has a completely different personality than Riley did, but one which we fell in love with. Every day brought a new surprise. Although admittedly I’d forgotten how much work a puppy can be, the rewards are boundless.

For those of you who hesitate to open your home to a new pet after the loss of another, I hope this book gives you the strength to follow your heart. Pets have so much love to give, and I believe we will always carry a connection with these animals, both in this life and the next. 

— Adrienne Love

Rollo

Dive In and Learn More!

  • Meet the real life Rollo

    Meet the Real-Life Rollo!

    ROLLO AND AUTHOR ADRIENNE LOVE FIND ADVENTURE ON THE LOWCOUNTRY SHORES EVERY DAY

    VIEW ROLLO PICTURES
  • Meet the author and illustrator

    Meet the Author and Illustrator

    LEARN MORE ABOUT ADRIENNE LOVE AND HILDA STARK

    Meet Two Lifelong Friends
  • South Carolina Lowcountry Facts

    Learn About the South Carolina Lowcountry

    DOLPHIN STRAND FISHING, SEA TURTLES, AND OTHER WONDERS

    LEARN LOWCOUNTRY FACTS
Rollo A Lowcountry Puppys Tale
Rollo a Lowcountry Puppys Tale sample page

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