It seems as though the more of these books I write the more people I have to thank. I hope you all know how invaluable you have been.
First and foremost, thanks to my editor, Susan Van Metre, for her inexhaustible patience and insight. I also want to thank everyone at Abrams Books, most notably Jason Wells, for their support, hard work, and cheerleading. My wife, Alison, deserves special praise, not only for her efforts as my literary agent, but also for being the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. As always, a special thanks to Joe Deasy for his praise, criticism, and hilariously inappropriate humor. I also send out special thanks to Molly Choi, Maureen Falvey, David Snidero, and Susan Holtz-Minihane for friendship that goes above and beyond the call of duty. And to the members of Team Buckley at Wall Intermediate: Lauren, Jillian, Amanda, Meghan, Tim, Dana, Kim, Katherine, Jack, and Veronica.
Lastly, thanks to Daisy, who passed away during the writing of this book. Daisy was a West Highland White Terrier my wife found in the Czech Republic eleven years ago. Daisy was probably my single biggest inspiration. I’ll miss her playfulness and sweet nature. I hope the squirrels are fast in heaven because here she comes.