Cover of the children's book Lost Stick by Anoosha Syed, featuring an illustrated fluffy white dog with black ears, a red bandana, and a red bow, running through a colorful meadow, with a young girl chasing behind and a stick flying through the air.

Lost STick

by anoosha syed

Milo loves to make his owner Louise happy because she’s his favorite person in the world. While they’re strolling through the park one day, Louise picks a twig up off the ground and says to Milo, “This is Stick”. She throws Stick across the grass and Milo excitedly brings it back to her. Milo doesn’t know why they do this over and over again, but he knows that he can put a smile on her face by running after Stick. So, when Louise throws Stick a little too far, Milo is determined to go the distance too.

Milo starts searching all over the neighborhood for Stick, while Louise simultaneously searches for Milo. Milo sets out on a grand adventure for a little pup, and while his quest takes him all over the globe, he learns that home is where he really wants to be.

Cute illustrated puppy with wings, blue spots, red bandana, and a red bow, exhibiting a playful gesture with three small red splashes nearby.

awards

A green, stylized star shape with multiple points against a transparent background.

2025 Blue Spruce Award Winner

Green star-shaped badge or icon with multiple points.

Society of Illustrators Annual Exhibit Selection

A green, 12-pointed starburst shape with rounded edges.

Society of Illustrators Original Art Show Selection

A repeating pattern of red tulips and white flowers with orange centers on a yellow background.
Repeated pattern of red tulips and white daisy-like flowers on a yellow background.
Pattern of red and white flowers with green leaves on a yellow background.
Repeating pattern of red tulips and white flowers with yellow centers on a yellow-green background.
Repeating pattern of red tulips and white daisies on a yellow background.
Repeated pattern of red tulips and white daisies with green leaves on a yellow background.
A cartoon girl with blue hair, wearing a striped shirt and red shorts, happily holding a branch with leaves, and a white fluffy dog with black ears and blue spots, wearing an orange bandana.

“He [Milo] is a lovable, stalwart, and altogether wonderful picaresque hero. The lively, bright, and highly detailed illustrations add dimension and provide sharp-eyed readers with hints about Louise’s emotions, and especially her part as an instigator of the proceedings. Even the endpapers evoke a chuckle. A delightful, heartwarming romp.”

–kirkus reviews

“Highly detailed, energetic artworkand the ultimate happy reunion are sure to please in this fun, lively read for early readers—an excellent choice for all.”

–school library journal

★ Starred Review ★

Golden background with yellow stars, circles, and asterisk-like shapes scattered across the image.
Pattern of red tulips and white daisies with yellow centers on a yellow background.
Pattern of red tulips and white flowers with orange centers on a yellow background.
A horizontal strip of decorative pattern with red tulips and white daisies on a yellow background.
Pattern of red tulips and white flowers with orange centers on a yellow background.
Pattern of illustrated red tulips and white flowers with yellow centers on a yellow background.
A decorative border with alternating red tulips and white flowers with yellow centers, surrounded by green leaves, set against a yellow background.

Peek Inside

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