I Am Not a Dog Toy by Ethan T. Berlin, Jared Chapman (Illustrator); 2021. Hardcover. (Ch-PIC)

A toy bear insists that he's a kid's toy--not a dog toy--in this story that shows that a true friendship is always one that goes in both directions. A fun bear, who wears a vest with many pockets, is the brand new toy for a little girl. Bear couldn't be more excited to play with the girl, but she is a little less than enthused. In fact, she throws him into the dog's water bowl. Splash! Bear doesn't take the hint. Dog, however, is very excited to play with Bear. But Bear insists he is not a dog toy, he is a kid's toy. So he keeps trying to get the girl's attention... to no avail. Will Bear ever realize that Dog is the better friend? Kids making friends will see that friendship isn't really friendship unless it's reciprocated in this hilarious and sweet picture book.