A young boy in a red hoodie and blue pants sitting on grass with a small black and brown dog with pointy ears. In the background, there is a signboard that reads 'Life With Ike: The Buddy Adventures The Great Squirrel Chase'. The background features a cartoonish outdoor scene with trees and bushes.

Kaz Padilla

Life With Ike: The Buddy Adventures

The Great Squirrel Chase

A heartwarming children’s book inspired by a boy, his dog, and one very sneaky squirrel. 
Because the greatest adventures happen right in your own backyard!

A charming story about friendship, imagination, determination, and the special bond between a boy and his dog.

When eight-year-old David and his Toy Fox Terrier, Ike, discover one very determined squirrel named Sammy helping himself to the backyard bird feeder, they set out to catch him.
But Sammy always seems to be one step ahead!

Inspired by the real-life adventures of David and Ike, 
The Great Squirrel Chase celebrates the imagination, laughter, and unforgettable moments that can happen right in your own backyard.

Perfect for children ages 3–8, bedtime reading, story time, and sharing laughs together. 

WELCOME TO THE WILDEST BACKYARD ON THE BLOCK

Cartoon illustration titled "Meet the Buddies" featuring two characters: Ike, a Toy Fox Terrier, and David, a young boy. Ike has a blue collar with a tag, and David is holding a yellow note that says "Squirrel Puzzle #3." Ike's description includes loves for barking, zooming, chasing squirrels and his catchphrase "Yap Yap Yap!" David's details mention he's an eight-year-old backyard inventor who loves building traps, drawing maps, and playing with Ike.
A cartoon character of a squirrel named Sammy wearing a red circus tent hat, described as a mischievous squirrel with the job of peanut bandit and tree acrobat, who loves birdseed, nuts, and teasing Ike, with the quote "Too slow, Fuzzball!" and a welcome message to the backyard.

Ike isn’t just a character — he’s real… and this story is true. 
Inspired by the bond between a boy named David and the dog he waited eight long years for,
Life with Ike is a love letter to childhood, imagination, and growing up together.

INSPIRED BY A REAL DOG 🐾

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Small dog with large ears and black and white fur, sitting on wooden floor and looking up.
A boy in a blue shirt holding a small black and tan dog close to his shoulder.
A young boy with brown hair and light skin lying on the floor, wearing a red and white striped shirt with green cuffs, being licked on the face by a small dog with black, white, and brown fur, wearing a matching red, white, and green striped shirt.
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Close-up photo of a small black and tan dog, possibly a Chihuahua, with large ears and dark eyes, sitting on a person's lap wearing a white shirt with blue trim. The background includes a pillow and some furniture.
Grass pic.jpg
A small black and tan dog, possibly a Chihuahua, is lying on a red patterned blanket. The dog is wearing a black vest or shirt with the word 'SECURITY' written on it. The background includes some food or snack packages and wooden furniture.
A squirrel is sitting on a bird feeder hanging from a tree, surrounded by green foliage and ivy covering the tree trunk, with a garden umbrella in the foreground.
A small dog, possibly a Rat Terrier, jumping or playing near the base of a large tree in a backyard garden with green shrubs and plants.

JOIN THE ADVENTURE

Bring home a story filled with heart, humor, and unforgettable moments

👉 Get Your Signed Copy

Because every great adventure starts with a best friend!

Exclusively available here, personally signed by Kaz and paw-stamped by Ike.

🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾

GET YOUR SIGNED COPY

$19.99 BOOK
+
FREE U.S.
SHIPPING

ALSO AVAILABLE ONLINE

Prefer a standard retail copy? Find The Great Squirrel Chase at:

BUY THE GREAT SQUIRREL CHASE ON AMAZON
BUY THE GREAT SQUIRREL CHASE AT BARNES & NOBLE

MORE BACKYARD FUN
WITH IKE, DAVID & SAMMY!

Life With Ike: The Buddy Adventures Coloring & Activity Book

Color, play, solve and create with Ike, David and Sammy!

Filled with coloring pages, mazes, puzzles, drawing activities and more for children ages 3–8.

BUY ON AMAZON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kaz Padilla is a dog lover, storyteller, and first-time children’s book author.

Inspired by real memories of her son David and their dog Ike, she created
Life with Ike: The Buddy Adventures to capture the magic of childhood,
imagination, and the bond between a boy and his dog.

With The Great Squirrel Chase and the Life With Ike Coloring & Activity Book,
Kaz is just beginning to share the many adventures of David and Ike with young readers.

Woman with long hair and glasses holding a small black and white dog in front of a blurred park fountain with autumn trees.