Animal Rescue Friends

At the Animal Rescue Friends shelter, everyone is looking for a way to belong—kids and animals alike. From Epic! Originals, this is the first book in the Animal Rescue Friends graphic novel series, filled with humor and furry friendships middle grade readers will love.

“Cute critters, compassionate kids, and community—what’s not to love?”—Kirkus Reviews

Welcome to Animal Rescue Friends, where any stray can find a friendly face. This first collection of comics for readers ages 8-10 includes five tales of found family: A lonely girl living in the suburbs finds happiness with a stray pit bull; a protective mama ferret and her six kits learn to trust a shelter volunteer; a shy boy stands up for himself with the help of a strong-willed bunny; a cantankerous cat helps to mend a troubled relationship; and the shelter’s unofficial mascot eventually finds a home.

Perfect for kids who love pets, rescue stories, and friendship-focused adventures, this adorable comics series is an inspiring, uplifting read.

Why young readers love Animal Rescue Friends:

• Positive, uplifting graphic novel stories centered on rescuing and caring for animals
• Relatable kid characters who learn, grow, and solve problems together
• Themes of friendship, compassion, responsibility, and teamwork
• Engaging visual storytelling with humor and heart that helps build reading confidence
• Accessible for independent and reluctant readers in grades 2–5

Meet the animals, discover new friends, and start an adventure that young readers will want to revisit again and again.