Carly's back yard was her playground, her kingdom, her sanctuary. But one day, as she roamed her domain, she stumbled upon a timid gray kitten with bright turquoise eyes. Her heart raced with excitement as she approached the kitten, but he was terrified and ran away. Determined to befriend him, Carly sets out on a journey to win Twig's trust. But with each attempt, she realizes that patience and empathy are key to building a friendship. Will Twig finally open up to Carly? Will she be able to give him the time he needs to feel safe?" For fans of heartwarming animal stories like "The One and Only Ivan," this rhyming book will tug at your heartstrings and leave you with a smile on your face. 'Beautiful artwork and engaging rhyme.'-Emily Kircher-Morris, Host of the Neurodiversity Podcast and author of Teaching Twice Exceptional Learners in Today's Classroom . 'Looking at the world through another's point-of-view can be tricky when that view doesn't align with your own. Through this engaging story, Turner-Bumberry shows how we can all work to understand those who experience the world differently. Children will see their own stories echoed, identifying either with outgoing and friendly Carly or shy and anxious Twig. Beautiful artwork and engaging rhyme make this a picture book that you will love to share with the young people in your life.' 'This is a delightful book.'-Dr. Robert Jason Grant, creator of AutPlay Therapy. This is a delightful book that presents the budding relationship between Carly and Twig. It illustrates the double empathy therapy in a way that children can understand. The opportunity exists in this story to help children and adults better understand acceptance and relationship development with neurodivergent children. 'A Lovely Story'-Lynn Louise Wonders, author of the Miss Piper's Playroom series. 'Twig Needs Time is a beautifully illustrated rhyming story that tells the story of two animals who have two very different world-experiences resulting in initial confusion for Carly the dog when encountering the gray kitty in the bush. This lovely story provides a glimpse at the importance of respectfully attuning to the unique needs of another. This book is a gateway for children and adults to explore concepts of mindfulness, curiosity, patience, and respect.' 'This book is just plain wonderful.'-Risë VanFleet, PhD, Child/family psychologist, registered play therapist-supervisor, certified animal ethology and behavior instructor Internationally acclaimed and award-winning author of numerous books including Animal Assisted Play Therapy, President, Family Enhancement & Play Therapy Center International Institute for Animal Assisted Play Therapy® ' Twig Needs Time is a delightful book for all ages. It offers children and their families an engaging story set with wonderful illustrations. The interactions between Carly the dog and Twig the cat give an important message--with animals or people, when we listen to what others need, we can develop strong connections built on patience and mutual respect. The book itself is a pleasant and touching story, but the message is there for those who understand that animal relationships share many features with human ones. Twig Needs Time can be used in families, schools, therapeutic practices, and programs that focus on understanding other people as well as those that foster the humane treatment of animals. This book is just plain wonderful!' In 2019, I discovered a tiny, gray kitten on my property. He was terrified, and ran from me whenever I approached. I began feeding him daily, and provided a cat house for him to rest. I named him 'Twig' and loved him from afar. After over four years of care, Twig suddenly came up to me and allowed me to pet him. I was overjoyed! Carly is one of my pet dogs who is trained in Animal Assisted Play Therapy®. She is often an important bridge between my child therapy clients and me. She has an innate ability to give clients the space and care they need. At home, she is a hyper and happy dog. Twig Needs Time is a heart project I created to enhance the concept of double empathy. It is through patience, compromise and care that we are able to form lasting relationships. I hope all that read this book feel the time and care that went into it. Carly is a dog who loves to play she discovers a happy surprise it takes some work to realize that her new 'friend‛ just needs time. Twig is a cat who is very afraid he needs to run and hide he wants a new friend, is Carly the one can she give him the gift of time? Tracy Turner-Bumberry LPC, RPT-S is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor in Macon, Georgia, USA. Although she is a published author on play therapy topics, this is her first children‛s book. She loves her family, her animals, and the outdoors.