| Calling all dog-lovers! Dogs have made some of the | | | | was created in 1956 by Gene Zion. Five installments |
| most unforgettable characters in literature. It's not | | | | complete the Harry collection. He is a wholesome, |
| uncommon for children to become as attached to a | | | | amusing addition to any children's library. Whether he's |
| dog in print as the real thing. Puppy love comes in all | | | | trying to quiet down his neighbor, hiding a hideous |
| forms. In fact, I believe I can trace my | | | | sweater, or visiting the seaside, Harry's always into |
| canine-cravings to my earliest days of reading, when | | | | mischief! Even reluctant readers, ages 2-8 years old, |
| I fell in love with Old Dan and Little Ann (from Where | | | | can't resist Harry! |
| the Red Fern Grows). Below, I've compiled a list of | | | | Norman Bridwell gave birth to the next character, |
| five famous dogs you must bring home for your | | | | basing him on the kind of dog he dreamed of having |
| littlest children! (Good news?you won't have to clean | | | | as a little boy. But there's nothing little about Clifford! |
| up after these champions!) | | | | Even though he's fire-engine red and as big as a |
| Carl is the star of seven picture books by Alexandra | | | | house, Clifford doesn't do anything a real dog couldn't |
| Day. The gist of these stories is that Carl, a | | | | do (with a little imagination.) The Clifford stories are |
| responsible and caring rottweiler, is given the | | | | based on ordinary events that turn extraordinary |
| responsibility of caring for baby Madeleine while her | | | | when Clifford makes innocent mistakes. His side-kick |
| parents are out. Once the adults are out of the way | | | | is his sweet little blonde owner, Emily Elizabeth. |
| the fun begins! Carl includes Madeleine on some wild | | | | Designed for readers aged 6-10 years old, Clifford |
| adventures. Sometimes they just trail the parents | | | | has been a children's favorite since 1963. Now a PBS |
| (keeping out of sight, of course), and sometimes | | | | cartoon, Clifford continues to delight dog-lovers the |
| they get into trouble?but Carl always manages to | | | | world over. |
| cover his tracks! With realistic watercolor illustrations | | | | The Original Adventures of Hank the Cowdog |
| and few words (only those necessary to suggest | | | | introduces us to Hank, and it isn't long before you |
| the storyline), Day's books are designed for very | | | | get the impression that author John R. Erickson is a |
| young readers, 2-5 year olds, and will make rottweiler | | | | keen observer of dogs. Indeed, as a former cowboy |
| fans out of readers everywhere. | | | | and ranch manager, Erickson started spinning yarns |
| In 1976 Eric Hill's son Christopher was born. Eric | | | | about Hank and Drover, two dogs he worked with |
| created a story about a small puppy to read to his | | | | on the range. These ?true? stories became the Hank |
| son at bed-time. In 1980 Where's Spot? was | | | | series, which now numbers at 48 installments. |
| published. Now over forty Spot titles fill the library | | | | Designed for middle readers, ages 6-12, these make |
| bookshelves, and the list is still growing. Cuddly and | | | | perfect read-aloud books that will even entertain |
| creamy-colored, with big brown spots on his back | | | | adults. There are even recordings of the author |
| and the tip of his tail, this dog is destined to be your | | | | reading the books available now! |
| child's best friend. With simple storylines and sturdy | | | | Without a dog-gone doubt, dogs in print can |
| flaps, Spot books appeal to 2-5 year olds. | | | | substitute as man's best friend. It's a fine reward to |
| This is the Fiftieth Anniversary for our next dog | | | | see your little one light up at the sight of a book. A |
| protagonist. (Now how old would that be in dog | | | | good dog and a good book, a match made in heaven! |
| years?) Harry, a small white dog with black spots, | | | | |