Just Me and My Puppy is a Little Critter children’s picture book by Mercer Mayer, centered on the excitement and responsibility of bringing home a new puppy. Little Critter trades for a puppy and quickly discovers that having a pet means more than playing together: the puppy needs food, walks, training, patience, and care, even when things become messy or inconvenient. The story presents pet ownership through a child’s enthusiastic point of view, balancing humor with a gentle look at responsibility, affection, and learning by doing. Its simple text and expressive illustrations make it suited to young readers who enjoy animal stories, everyday family situations, and small lessons that grow naturally from the character’s own mistakes and efforts.
Author: Mercer Mayer
Publisher: Golden Book / Western Publishing Company
Year published: 1985
Number of pages: 24
Age range: 3–7