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Kate and Pippin, the true story of an animal friendship that has captured the world's imagination

Toronto - September 21, 2011 - In spring 2012, Penguin Canada will publish Kate and Pippin: An Unlikely Friendship, the true story of the heart-warming friendship between a fawn and a Great Dane that has captured the world's imagination.

Set in Comox Valley, British Columbia, and captured beautifully in photographs, words and extensive video footage, this charming, timeless, and irresistible story of friendship and love celebrates the wisdom of animals and the beauty of adoptive families.

The book was acquired for Penguin Canada's Puffin imprint from agent Jackie Kaiser at Westwood Creative Agency.

Lynne Missen, Publishing Director for Young Readers at Penguin Canada, says: "When this submission came in, it was impossible not to fall in love with it, and it proved irresistible to even the hardest of hearts. Animal stories are classic children's literature fodder. Black Beauty, The Yearling, My Friend Flicka, The Incredible Journey - these are stories that live on."

Henry Holt will publish simultaneously in the U.S.

When Pippin, a helpless fawn, was abandoned by her mother on Isobel Springett's property in Comox Valley, British Columbia, things looked uncertain for her. Three days went by, and when her mother didn't return for her, Isobel stepped in and brought her inside - only to discover that help was on hand.

Kate, Isobel's Great Dane, adopted Pippin immediately. A gentle dog that had never had puppies of her own, Kate was thrilled to have a little one to look after. From the moment Pippin snuggled into Kate's side, she didn't leave it - even when Isobel fed her sheep's milk from a baby bottle. She followed Kate everywhere, and Kate patiently shepherded her through her first strange and confusing days in a human household.

When Pippin was strong enough to go outside again, playing in the fields with Kate became her favourite occupation. Videos of their playtime became instant viral hits on YouTube, garnering nearly one million hits. The duo have been featured on numerous shows, including Animal Planet and The Ellen Degeneres Show, and this week on CTV and CBC national news.

Pippin eventually ventured back into the woods, but she never forgot her friend. She returned regularly to visit with Kate, occasionally coming into Isobel's home, returning this summer with twin fawns in tow!

Featuring Isobel Springett's beautiful photography and charmingly chronicled by Martin Springett, Kate and Pippin is sure to be a cherished classic for young and old alike.

ISOBEL SPRINGETT is a professional photographer and equestrian who keeps several horses on her acreage on Vancouver Island. She documented the unlikely love story of Kate and Pippin for over two years.

MARTIN SPRINGETT is Isobel's brother, an author, illustrator and musician who has won many awards for his picture book illustrations. He lives in Toronto.