Author Andrea Cáceres Celebrates Her Dog Tobi in New Children’s Book

Andrea Cáceres, originally from Valencia, Venezuela, has released a new children’s book titled ‘Hello, Tobi!’ featuring her 15-year-old dog, Tobi, as the main character. Tobi, a small silky terrier with scruffy brown hair and long whiskers, accompanies Cáceres on walks through New York City parks. The book reflects Tobi’s initial experiences in the city and the diverse community they encounter, highlighting themes of inclusion and belonging. Cáceres, who trained as a civil engineer but pursued illustration without formal art classes, began drawing pets as a personal project after moving to the United States and being separated from Tobi for over two years. Her daily drawings gained recognition, leading to commissioned work and ultimately reuniting her with Tobi, whose journey to New York included multiple connecting flights. ‘Hello, Tobi!’ portrays not only the playful adventures of a dog in an urban setting but also the emotional bond between pet and owner, celebrating the warmth and diversity of human and animal interactions in the city. Through the story, Cáceres emphasizes community, love, and the joy of connecting across differences, making it a heartfelt introduction to both urban life and social diversity for children.