[audience applauding, cheering]
She's being called the next big thing in YA,
the author of the critically acclaimed time travel series
Back in Time with Becca Baxter. Please give a warm Lizzie welcome to...
-Kit Smithers! -[audience cheering, applauding]
It is so wonderful to have you on the show, Kit. I'm a big fan.
Oh, it is wonderful to be here, Lizzie. I'm a fan too.
-[audience whoops] -Let's dive right in.
Tell me, what did you do before you became an author?
-I was a time traveler, of course. -[chuckles]
[audience, Kit chuckle]
-Actually, I was a middle school teacher. -Oh.
And I would always fantasize about what it would be like
if I were able to go back in time to the most amazing moments in history.
Would I let them run their course, or would I change them?
-[audience laughs, applauds] -But enough about my writing.
Can we talk about the delightful letter you sent me last week?
-[audience cheers] -Beautiful handwriting, by the way.
[chuckles] I'm flattered, Kit. Thank you, really.
Let's take some questions from the audience.
-Yes? -[Maria] You wrote Kit Smithers a letter?
Did she write back?
Uh, Lizzie?
What?
Oh, no. Not yet. [chuckles]
Can you imagine if she actually did?
Imagine? It's all she's talked about this week.
That is so not true. [scoffs]
-Did the mail come yet? -[chuckles] Not yet.
Now, sweetie, Kit Smithers is probably very busy promoting her new book,
so don't take it personally if she doesn't respond.
I won't. I won't.
[chuckles] She'll write back.
Oh, and did I forget to mention
that the next stop for her book tour is right here in Middleton?
I can't wait to read this and impress her with all my well-thought-out questions.
Maybe we can both read it this week for book club. [chuckles]
What? I thought you said your book club was full.
That was before Lewis's mom got a promotion and moved the family to Spain.
So yes, there's a spot open. If you still wanna join.
Mm, let me think about that.
Having deep discussions about characters in stories
with kids who actually read for fun?
-Of course I wanna do it! -Uh, great.
I just have to run it by Daphne. She's club president.
-[car door slams] -Did you hear that?
I think the mail's here.
This day just keeps getting better and better!
[Lizzie pants]
-[Maria sighs] -Hi, Dr. Abby.
Thanks for the warm reception, Lizzie. It's wonderful to see you too.
I should get home. I'll call you the second I talk to Daphne.
-Bye. -Bye.
I'm sorry. I was just expecting something in the mail.
Oh, well, I do have a special delivery.
[gasps] Aw!
-[chuckles] -[barks]
-Hi. Hi! -[whines, barks]
Aw. [chuckles] What's his name?
One of my clients got Jack here
as a companion for her dog, Murphy, a mastiff.
But it backfired. They didn't get along from the moment they met.
-Mastiffs are huge. -[Jack whines]
Jack must have been so scared. Poor little guy.
[whines, pants]
-I think he wants to explore. -Yeah.
[chuckles] Boxer puppies can be quite needy.
-[barking] -We'll give him tons of attention.
-That's why you two are my faves. -[both chuckle]
Uh, speaking of attention,
there's a febrile cockatoo over in Chanbury who needs mine.
-Thanks, again. -[Charles] No problem.
-Thank you. -Of course.
Lizzie, you weren't expecting a letter today, were you?
-[gasps] Really? [chuckles] Oh, my gosh. -[Betsy chuckles]
I can't believe she actually wrote me back.
I can't believe you still haven't opened it.
[giggles]
-[Jack barks] -[gasps]
-[barks] -Jack, no!
-Jack! -[Betsy] Jack.
-[growling] -No, Jack, no!
-Drop it, Jack. -You're scaring him away!
I think he's feeding off your energy, honey.
[sighs] Y-Yeah, no, you're right.
Boxers can be very sensitive and excitable.
[whines]
[sighs]
Come here, Jack. It's okay, boy.
-[whines] -[Lizzie] Come here, bud.
Come on. Bring it here, Jack.
-Come on. -[whimpers, barks]
It's okay, boy.
-Come here. -[whines]
-You got it. Come here. -[whines, barks]
Good boy, Jack.
That was awesome.
Yeah. Awesome.
[Paul sighs]
Okay, uh, I think we are getting there.
"Dear Lizzie," something, something. Puppy drool. [sighs]
S-Something, smudge, "thoughtful."
Something, something. H-- [groans]
[sighs] Thanks for trying, guys.
Honey, I know you've been waiting for this letter for weeks.
[sighs]
"Fans like you are the r-r-reason I..."
I think it says "write."
What? Fans like me are the reason she writes?
I'm the reason Kit Smithers writes. [chuckles]
Okay, nobody touch this letter. I need to find a frame. [chuckles]
[both chuckle]
Here you go, Jack.
-And if you need to chew, use this. -[barks]
How's he doing?
Okay. He's kind of anxious, so I'm putting him in the crate.
It'll help him get comfortable in his new environment.
Tucking him in like we used to do with you.
Except Jack's not asking for a little more screen time.
Real funny, Dad.
-I thought it was. -[chuckles] Thank you, sweetie.
-We're proud of you. -Yeah.
You really like that dolphin, don't you?
Oh, my gosh. Handwritten and everything.
-She really took the time. [chuckles] -Yeah.
I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
Or at least a pen pal.
I need to write to that letter to Michelle Obama.
[chuckles] I'm serious, Maria.
First, I find out she's doing a reading at my favorite bookstore,
then she writes me back, and finally, she loves dogs.
Look, this is her boxer, Kaboodle.
A boxer, like Jack.
[chuckles] I know.
So, in other exciting literary news,
-I spoke to Daphne about book club. -What did she say?
The admissions committee has agreed to an interview.
Tomorrow afternoon, your house.
Admissions committee? [scoffs] Seriously?
I know. But don't worry. You'll be amazing.
Plus, how can a book club say no to someone who sort of almost knows
a soon-to-be-world-famous author?
-[chuckles] -[Jack whining, barking]
Uh, I gotta go. Thanks, Maria.
[barking, whining]
[sighs] Oh, no. You poor puppy.
[barks]
-Hey, it's okay, Jack. We're here. -[whining]
-[barks] -[Charles sighs]
Can you believe this used to be a dolphin?
-[chuckles] -Definitely can't tape that back together.
[Jack growls, barks]
What's going on with him?
He's probably acting out because he doesn't like to be alone.
Boxers crave companionship.
[Jack whines]
-[Charles grunts] -Come here, Jack.
-[Jack barks] -Come here.
-Hey, bud. -Good boy. Good boy.
-[whines] -[both chuckle]
-[growls playfully] -He definitely seems a lot happier now.
-[whining] -[both giggle]
[birds singing]
[Jack snores]
[snoring continues]
[whines]
-Good morning. -[Jack whimpers, barks]
Long night? Looked like Jack was hogging all the blankets.
-We didn't wanna wake you up. -Nothing wakes her up.
-Okay, okay. [scoffs] -[others chuckle]
We're worried about Jack,
and we wanna help him gain back his sense of security.
I don't know why that other dog was so mean to him. He's such a sweetheart.
-What if we find Jack a friend? -That's actually a really great idea.
Another dog that'll make him feel accepted.
I'll call Sammy.
He can bring over Rufus and Goldie. They're the friendliest dogs in the world.
-Jack will love them. -Sounds like a plan.
Oh, and remember, with socialization, how you introduce Jack
is just as important as who you introduce him to.
Fine. But why do you keep saying "you"?
Because I have to get ready for my own introduction.
S'mores. Excellent choice.
Actually they're "Toni S'morrisons."
Because book club.
Wordplay is a shortcut to any book club president's heart.
Now it's time for the pièce de résistance.
-Good call. They're gonna love you. -[sighs]
Sure hope so. Okay, I'm ready. [claps] Let's do this.
Uh, you know they're not coming for another hour, right?
I knew that. Just got carried away. [chuckles]
Well, um, I better put these pear tarts--
I mean "Shakes-pear" tarts... [chuckles] ...back in the fridge.
-[Goldie, Rufus panting] -All right, over here.
-[gasps] Goldie, Rufus! -[dogs barking]
I had them play tug-of-war for half an hour to burn off their zoomies.
Oh, that's my grandma's word for excess energy.
-They're gonna love having a new friend. -Great. I'll get Jack.
Okay. Ready, guys? It's gonna be great.
Come on, Jack. Come on.
-[barks] -Let's go. Come on. Don't be afraid.
-[barking] -Whoa!
-[Goldie, Rufus whining] -[grunts] Jack.
-Okay, guys. -It's okay.
-Jack, no. [sighs] -[sighs]
Do you think Jack's intimidated because Goldie and Rufus are already so close?
I don't know. If he can't get along with the two friendliest dogs in the world,
something must be wrong.
Yeah. Wonder what that other dog did to him.
I'm gonna find out.
[chuckles] The first one was my favorite because Katniss was so selfless.
I thought the same thing. [chuckles]
Wow. So many interesting titles.
We are a family of readers.
So, Lizzie, what's your position on Little Women?
Masterpiece.
To Kill a Mockingbird?
Classic. But Harper Lee's case of writer's block was very concerning.
-Audiobooks? -Love 'em,
-but prefer to read in print first. -Hmm. Maria was right.
-You are a great fit for our book club. -Told you.
-And these S'morrisons are unreal. -[Lizzie chuckles]
Does that mean I'm in?
[sighs] Here's the issue: we only have one slot available,
and we met another candidate this morning. She's also very qualified.
And she has a huge swimming pool,
which could be a game changer for our summer series.
[Lizzie sighs]
It's a big decision and I'm gonna need to sleep on it.
It was great to meet you, Lizzie.
Wait.
What if I bring a real author to our meeting on Sunday?
We'd read her books and talk about it with her.
What author?
Kit Smithers. Lizzie knows Kit Smithers.
-I do. -I'm not familiar with her work.
[stammers] Wait. You-- You actually know Kit Smithers?
I stan Becca Baxter.
Suspenseful storytelling, empowering female voice. You'd love her.
Yeah. Actually, here's a letter she wrote me.
I can't read this.
Uh, it's mostly personal stuff and, um, inside jokes between me and Kit.
Hmm. Hang on.
[sighs] I've never met a published author.
Self-published, yes, but I'm not sure that counts. [sighs]
-Welcome to the book club, Lizzie. -[chuckles]
Are you sure Jack's old owner is gonna be here?
Dr. Abby said she comes to the dog park every day at 3:00.
And even if she doesn't, maybe Jack will find some dogs to play with.
-There are tons here. -Yeah.
[barking]
-Should we let him off leash? -Yeah.
Ready to make some friends, Jack?
[other dogs barking]
Come on.
[barking continues]
-Come on, Jack. -[whimpers]
[groans] Here we go again.
-[whimpering] -Come on, Jack. It's okay.
Whoa. That dog's bigger than I am.
That's a mastiff. I'll bet it's Andrea.
-Oh, she's punctual. -[mastiff panting]
-Jack? [gasps] -[barks, whines]
Jack! Hi! [laughs]
Yeah! Oh, hello. I've missed you.
-[laughs] Hi. -[whining]
One of you must be Charles Peterson.
That's me. This is my friend, Sammy.
-Hi. -Hi. [chuckles]
I-- I'm Jack's old owner. What a coincidence to bump into you here.
Not really.
-We came to talk to you about Jack. -You did? Why? What's going on?
He's been having a really hard time adjusting.
-We think your dog really traumatized him. -[panting]
Murphy? [chuckles]
Are you kidding? She couldn't hurt a fly.
Uh, she's an old lady and a sweetie pie.
[dogs barking]
The truth is, if anyone was unwelcoming, it was Jack.
I-- I mean, he was great with my kids but wanted nothing to do with Murphy.
If she tried to play with him or came too close,
Jack would always growl.
Oh, just like he did with Rufus and Goldie.
-Yeah. -I-- I didn't wanna give him up,
and I wouldn't have, you know, if it wasn't for Murphy.
I hope you find him a good home. Uh, he is a great puppy.
Mm.
-Yeah. [sighs] -Let's go, Jack.
[barks, whines]
-He really is. -[giggles]
Don't worry, Jack. I'm not giving up on you.
[whining]
So let's look at the facts.
In the past, you've fostered helpers, chasers,
and some very adorable puppies who needed a little extra attention.
But Jack, he's sui generis.
Is that another one of your grandma's words?
Oh, no. It's Latin for...
-"in a category by himself." -[whines]
So he doesn't like to be left alone.
-And he doesn't like other dogs. -Who doesn't like other dogs?
This guy. Today didn't really go as planned.
-Mm-hmm. -Is he all right?
He will be, eventually.
He just needs to be the only dog in the house.
Or the dog park.
And you needed, uh, all this to figure that out?
-No, we were just bored. -[chuckles]
Well, when you're done, you might want to check on your sister.
I don't think today went as planned for her either.
-Okay. -Okay.
[ringtone playing]
-So, what are you gonna do about Kit? -I was able to track down her email,
and I'm sending her a really nice message...
-now. -Okay, that's a start.
But give her a few days to respond.
Remember, worrying is not gonna make her get back to you any faster.
[laptop dings]
I just got an email from Kit!
Stop it! Uh, what did she say?
"Kit Smithers is out of the office. Due to the high volume of messages,
she's not able to reply to you at this time."
Not her best work.
[sighs] What was I thinking? I mean, she's a busy adult.
She doesn't have time for special requests from some random kid.
You're not a random kid. You're her biggest fan.
Well, I'm certainly not her friend.
So, what do you wanna do?
I don't know. I have to think of something.
I'll try to think of something too. Talk later.
'Kay. Bye.
[sighs heavily]
We came to cheer you up. It was Jack's idea.
[Jack whining]
All I wanted was to get into Maria's book club.
But I lied to them and messed everything up.
I don't know why you'd need to lie.
But I also don't know why you'd need a book club.
-You can always watch the movie. -Charles.
I'm trying to cheer you up, remember?
I told them I was good friends with Kit Smithers
and that I'd bring her to our meeting on Sunday.
-Oh. -And she hasn't even returned my emails.
But you said she'd be at Cozy Nook Books on Saturday.
Why don't you just ask her then?
-I'm done bothering her. -But you don't know if you bothered her.
Maybe she's just really busy, like you said.
[stammers] You were eavesdropping? Rude!
No. I didn't wanna walk in while you were talking to Maria.
That would have been rude.
Right.
Is there anything I can do to help?
Not unless you know Kit Smithers.
Here's what I do know.
When we're trying to find a home for a puppy, you never give up.
So I don't see why you'd give up on this either.
-[whines] -Come on, Lizzie.
Jack and I will walk with you to the bookstore for moral support.
You just want me to buy you a copy of the new Majestic Dog Warrior comic book.
What you do with your allowance
-is none of my business. -Mm-hmm.
And it's not a comic book. It's manga.
[chuckles] Any leads on finding Jack a home?
Right now, just one.
Well, that's great. If it's the right one.
I'm not getting my hopes up.
[whines]
[Charles] Well?
I'm thinking.
-[Charles] Thinking about adopting? -[whines]
Or about all the things you're gonna find wrong with him, like you usually do?
[chuckles] There's nothing wrong with him. He seems friendly. And I like his ears.
Remember, he doesn't like other dogs.
I don't have other dogs. This could be a great match.
-Really? -Totally.
That's amazing!
But the thing is that he's a boxer, and that reminds me of boxing.
And boxing is about striking.
-And as a practitioner of Judo-- -I knew it.
[whines]
-Hi, Dario. -Hey, Lizzie.
-Um, I was wondering-- -Is the new Majestic Dog Warrior in yet?
-Oh, it's over in comic books. -Uh--
-Yes, I know it's manga. -Okay. Thanks.
That couldn't wait until after Kit's reading?
Nope.
[scoffs]
-Uh, can I ask you a favor? -Anything for my best customer.
Is it possible for you
-to introduce me to K-- -[groans] Excuse me.
Uh, Dar...
-Er-- I'm sorry. -It's Dario, Ms. Smithers.
Uh, well, it's Kit, not Ms. Smithers.
And as you might be able to tell, I seem to have misplaced my glasses.
-Uh, I'll check the lost and found. -[sighs]
Hi, Kit.
Hello.
I'm your biggest fan.
Maybe not your biggest. I don't know how to quantify that.
But I did write you a letter and you wrote me back.
But, of course, it got all chewed up.
But I still put it in a frame because you're, well, Kit Smithers!
Well, it's a pleasure to meet you. Now, if you'll excuse me--
You mentioned in your letter that your fans inspire you.
You're welcome.
-I mean, thank you. -[chuckles]
So, I was wondering if you might be able to make a special guest appearance
at my book club tomorrow?
Uh, delicious, literary-themed snacks guaranteed.
I'm sorry.
-No one turned them in. -Oh, that's distressing.
Hard to do a book reading when you can't read.
-[both chuckle] -I think I have an extra pair in my car.
[sighs] I am sorry, dear,
but visiting my fans' book clubs, it's just not something I do.
-But I hope you'll stay for the reading. -Oh, yeah.
Of course.
So?
[sighs] So Kit has no idea who I am, and she's not even coming to my book club.
-I don't know what I'm gonna do, Charles. -Me neither.
They're sold out of Majestic Dog Warrior.
Now I have nothing to read during the reading.
[chuckles]
You don't have to stay, but I appreciate that you would.
Plus, Jack's gonna be bored.
[whines]
Are you sure?
Yeah, I'm sure.
Okay, thanks. Come on, Jack.
[sighs]
[patrons murmuring]
Hey, Maria. What are you doing here?
Remember when we were trying to figure out the Kit situation
and I said I'd try to think of something?
-Well, I thought of something. -Okay.
I told Daphne and Vincent Kit had to leave early tomorrow
and wouldn't be able to make it, and that you argued with her,
"But, Kit, you promised. You can't let my book club down."
Did they believe you?
100%. Not only that, I told them how terrible you feel,
and they said it's totally fine.
Wait, so, does this mean I'm still in the book club?
-Mm-hmm. -Maria, that's amazing.
-No, it-- it's not. -Wait, what?
-There she is. -[gasps]
Lizzie! [chuckles]
Maria filled us in. Don't worry. It wasn't your fault.
Besides, you can introduce her to us today.
I can't wait to tell her how much we love her new book.
And she can join us for tea after all the regular people get their books signed.
-[chuckles] -I love being a VIP.
I have something to tell you both.
[sighs] I don't really know Kit Smithers.
I wrote her a letter. She wrote me back. But that was it.
I really wanted to be in your book club. And I don't have a pool, so I panicked.
[Dario] If I can have everyone's attention.
Please give a warm Cozy Nook welcome to Kit Smithers.
[sighs] Thank you all for coming. What a beautiful shop.
I understand why you did what you did.
-[Kit] Uh, before we jump in... -Really?
Totally. Daphne's another story.
[Kit] ...I'd like to share a quick story from my own far less eventful life.
As some of you might know,
I recently had to say goodbye to my best friend, my dog, Kaboodle.
-[murmuring] -Kaboodle lived a long and wonderful life,
but my heart hasn't been the same since he passed.
That's why,
when I saw an adorable boxer puppy in the parking lot ten minutes ago,
I had to say hello.
The young man walking him recognized me and we chatted a bit,
and I realized he was actually a little upset with me.
Oh, no.
But we quickly worked it out.
And that's why I wanna take this time to thank a very special person,
Lizzie Peterson...
who, I now remember, sent me one of the loveliest and most thoughtful letters
I've ever received.
Thanks to Lizzie and her brother, Charles,
my new best friend, Jack, and I will be heading home to Vermont together.
What?
That is so cool.
Anyway, let's see what Becca Baxter's been up to, shall we?
This is from chapter six,
where Becca and Sardo find themselves in the middle of a drafty, dark castle.
Why would she wait until the last chapter to introduce Benjamin?
Knowing Kit Smithers, I bet we'll find out in her next book.
What do you think?
[chuckles] Anybody else?