Neat Nick’s Big Mess

A rambunctious pet dog helps an introverted, anxious boy leave his comfort zone in this endearing and very funny picture book.

Nick has always been neat. That’s what makes him comfortable. Any kind of mess or noise or other havoc makes him anxious, and often that means he chooses to be alone in his own carefully controlled bedroom. But suddenly a big, drooly, energetic dog has joined the family, and as much as he tries there’s nothing Nick can do to control the doggy mess. And so, he decides he would rather avoid the pup altogether. Or would he?

This story of coping with anxiety and learning how to compromise is as big-hearted and laugh-filled as it is delightfully messy.

Chad Otis received his BFA in design from the University of Washington and then worked with Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, Disney, Mattel, Hasbro, Nintendo, and DreamWorks for over twenty years as an animator, illustrator, and creative director. He now devotes himself to writing and illustrating children’s books. He lives with his wife in Boise, Idaho.