The Making of Paw-sitively Stewart: The First Birthday Hat Caper

At Head of the Class, we’ve always believed that learning doesn’t just happen at a desk. It can happen on a walk, in a conversation, through a story — even while celebrating a golden retriever’s birthday.
That golden retriever is Stewart, our “Head of Pawsitivity.” Stewart isn’t a trained therapy dog, but he doesn’t need to be. He’s simply a loving pup who seems to know instinctively what each student needs — sometimes a calm presence, sometimes a joyful tail wag, sometimes just a big, goofy smile.
How Stewart Became a Teacher Without Even TryingIt didn’t take long for us to notice that Stewart had a special effect on kids. Students who refused to pick up a pencil suddenly wanted to write him birthday cards. Reluctant readers started flipping through books about puppies so they could tell Stewart what they learned.
Math even became more fun: when Stewart was a growing pup, kids calculated his age in weeks and months, comparing it to their own. (It turns out you don’t realize how old you really are until you measure it in months!) Every wag of Stewart’s tail seemed to spark curiosity — and every curious moment turned into a chance to learn.
From Classroom Companion to Storybook StarThat’s why Paw-sitively Stewart was born. We wanted to capture the joy Stewart brings to learning in a way kids everywhere could enjoy. The very first book, The First Birthday Hat Caper, tells the playful story of Stewart’s first birthday — full of warmth, humor, and just the right touch of mischief.
It’s more than a birthday tale. It’s a celebration of the little ways joy and connection can open doors to learning.

Join Us for the Launch & Open House
We can’t wait to share Stewart’s first adventure with you! Join us for the Official Book Launch & Open House:

• Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025
• Time: 1:00–3:00 PM (Live book reading at 1:15 PM)
• Location: Head of the Class Education Centre, Windsor, ON

You’ll get to hear the story read aloud, meet Stewart in person, explore fun activities for kids, and even take home a signed copy of The First Birthday Hat Caper.
And because Stewart loves giving back, a portion of each book sold will support the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society’s Pumpkin Fund, helping animals in need.
Why Stewart’s Story MattersAt the end of the day, Stewart reminds us that learning doesn’t always have to look serious. Sometimes it’s a laugh, a cuddle, a silly moment with a golden retriever. Sometimes it’s curiosity sparked by something as simple as a wagging tail.
That’s the heart of Paw-sitively Stewart: celebrating the small, joyful connections that help kids learn — anywhere, anytime.
👉 Follow Stewart on Instagram @pawsitivelystewart