Dear Michelle and Mindy, Agents and Editors,

Many thanks for this opportunity! I’m so pleased to submit SERGEANT DIGGS AND THE NEW RECRUIT, a humorous, big-hearted picture book. Sergeant Diggs is a no-nonsense retired military dog living in the home of his handler. At 0600, he reports to the front door of Fort Wagg for the arrival of a new recruit and is dismayed to discover a pint-size puppy. Turning this miniature mop into a soldier is going to be RUFF! But Sergeant Diggs has been on tougher missions. Throughout, pictures of Sergeant Diggs own training and service are revealed.

This story has special relevance given the presence of military dogs in the news, on postage stamps, and in people’s hearts. It’s comparable to WOLF CAMP by Andrea Zuill (Schwartz & Wade, 2016) and SPARKY! by Jenny Offill (Schwartz & Wade, 2014) in terms of a character not meeting expectations and the humor that ensues. Optional back matter might include information about military dogs such as the fact that, after retirement, 90% are adopted by their handlers.

My published works include PRINCE AND PIRATE (Putnam, 2017), HALLOWEEN HUSTLE (Two Lions, 2013) and over thirty poems for the Cricket and Highlights families of magazines. I’m lucky to be a four-time recipient of Highlights Pewter Plate Award. Please visit https://www.booksbycharlotte.com/ to view the fun, innovative ways I promote my books. I care about kids, animals, equality and the environment—in short, the future!

Thank you for considering this SERGEANT DIGGS AND THE NEW RECRUIT. I’d be thrilled to receive a request for the entire manuscript and more stories.

[retired military dog]
At 0600, Sergeant Diggs reports to the front door of Fort Wagg and stands at attention.
Head up.
Chest out.
Still as a stone. His tail doesn’t even twitch.
Today, a new recruit arrives.
Sergeant Diggs will be in charge of training.

“Yip!” [puppy]
Making a soldier out of this miniature mop is going to be…
“RUFF!”