If you have a pet, you understand the unique and special bond that forms between you and your animal. For families with rescue animals, that connection often carries another story—one of survival, resilience, or loss.

Bestselling children’s book author Michael Sampson aims to spotlight this type of story in his upcoming book, JoJo the Tornado Dog: A Tale of Rescue, Courage, and Family, set to release this spring. And Parents is proud to reveal the book’s cover.

You might recognize Sampson’s name from some of the most beloved children’s books, including the Brown Bear, Brown Bear Series and Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3. But what makes Sampson’s new book, JoJo the Tornado Dog, special is that all of the book’s proceeds will be donated to Operation Kindness—an organization with a mission to support animal welfare and adoption efforts for our furry friends.

All About ‘JoJo the Tornado Dog’

JoJo the Tornado Dog is based on a true story of Sampson’s own rescue pup, JoJo. JoJo was separated from his family during a tornado when it hit his home in Georgia. He was later rescued by Underhound Railroad, the organization through which Sampson adopted him.

“Most of the things that happened [in the book] were really things that happened in JoJo’s life and in our lives,” Sampson shares. 

At the time, Sampson and his family were grieving the recent loss of their beloved dog, Caddie, who inspired another one of his books, Caddie the Golf Dog. But Sampson and his young daughter were told by the shelter that a new Blue Heeler (just like Bluey!) had just been dropped off. That dog was JoJo. They were asked if they’d like to come to meet him.

Sampson wasn’t expecting to adopt a dog when he went to the shelter, but as he recalls, “We took JoJo home with us that day because everyone fell in love with him. He was 1 years old. He had a limp because he had been in a tornado.”

Once JoJo arrived at his new home, he fit in right away.

“JoJo is a phenomenal dog, truly part of the family,” Sampson says. “He is almost human, so loving and so caring, everything you could dream of in a dog.”

The story of JoJo the Tornado Dog is packed full of real-life moments and heartwarming doggy adventures that Sampson and his family share with their beloved rescue dog.

A Children’s Book That Makes a Difference

Sampson, along with Milli Brown, the Founder and CEO of Brown Books Publishing Group, are partnering with Operation Kindness for the sale of this new book. Brown is launching a new nonprofit imprint, Rado’s Press, a publishing group that will donate all of its proceeds to Operation Kindness. 

Sampson’s new book, JoJo the Tornado Dog: A Tale of Rescue, Courage, and Family, is the first title launched under this important imprint. 

A lifelong dog lover and passionate advocate for rescue animals, Sampson’s alignment with Operation Kindness and Rado’s Press felt like a natural next step to him. 

Brown remembers how their collaboration began.

“We were at a publishing conference, and all he did was talk about his dog,” she explains. “I knew then that he was as fanatical and in love with his dog as I am. We were kindred spirits.”

When Brown discussed this non-profit idea with Sampson, he offered to write the first story, which we know is JoJo’s story, and everything fell into place. 

“For him to offer to write this story was just wonderful. I thought, wow, it’s meant to happen now! It’s coming together beautifully. I want a New York Times bestseller,” she exclaims.

With so much passion behind the project, Rado’s Press is definitely off to a great start.

Sampson’s Career and His Hopes for Rado’s Press

As we mentioned, Sampson is best known for co-authoring beloved children’s books like Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom with his longtime writing partner Bill Martin Jr., who passed away in 2004. When asked if writing JoJo the Tornado Dog felt different, Sampson responded thoughtfully.

“I almost feel a spiritual connection with Bill Martin even now, and so I feel like he’s with me with every book I write, even though this one is one of the first books not with him,” Sampson says. “I still feel like he was with me because he was part of JoJo’s life, too. I’ve got pictures of him with JoJo, and so forth. JoJo certainly lived this life with my children—my daughter, Michelle, my wife, Annona, and Bill. We were all part of the story.”

Sampson expressed his heartfelt aspirations for this new imprint. 

“Through this work, I hope that two things happen: I hope that when they read about my dog Jojo, it will bring to their memories their precious dogs, throughout their own lives. But also, I hope we will encourage people to go to the animal shelter and make a home for another animal that’s waiting for their love.” 

Ed Jamison, the CEO of Operation Kindness, shared his thoughts on Rado’s Press and the animal welfare and adoption crisis.

“Collaborations and partnerships are the only way we even begin to make needed change. Groups of all different shapes and sizes working together towards the same goal. Not one group or one individual will be able to fix the situation the animals are in. It’s not a one-size answer, it’s multifaceted,” Jamison tells Parents. 

Look out for JoJo the Tornado Dog, which will hit shelves on April 7, 2026. Michael Sampson, Milli Brown, and Operation Kindness invite readers, dog lovers, parents, and children alike to join in a meaningful partnership in animal advocacy and support. Every copy bought helps further these efforts and gives more animals like JoJo the opportunity to find a loving home.