Darwin the Wonder Dog Goes to School follows a young girl who brings her beloved one-eyed Jack Russell terrier to school for show-and-tell, leading to an ordinary day becoming an unforgettable adventure. Was the story inspired by a real dog or personal experiences with animals?
The story is a true story featuring our beloved one-eyed Jack Russell terrier named Darwin and my granddaughter, Abbie. Darwin gave us more than 15 yrs of joy and provided Abbie with a best friend and loyal companion. Writing about their adventures is easy because they’re true!!
What do you hope young readers learn about showing kindness to someone who looks or behaves differently from them?
I hope children learn to be kind to everyone because people (and Darwin the Wonder Dog) who are different experience the world the same way anyone else does. And, they want to do everything everyone else does. Kindness goes a long way.
Why do you think animal characters can be especially effective in helping children understand important social and emotional lessons?
Because an animal can be both completely familiar and safely not-us. That little distance is what makes the lesson land. Children know animals. They love them, they watch them, they already imagine what a dog is feeling.
Darwin gives emotional safety. If you tell a story about a child who is left out at recess, a listener might worry, is that me? Am I the mean one? If you tell it about a small dog who looks differently, the child can feel sad for the dog without feeling judged. Safety lets empathy in. Also, animals invite attachment. Most children feel affection for animals faster than they do for strangers. That affection creates investment. They want Darwin to be okay, so they lean into lessons about sharing, apologizing, waiting your turn, or being brave.
Are there plans to continue Darwin’s adventures in future books, and what other lessons would you like to explore through his character?
Yes, Darwin’s true adventures continue with Darwin the Wonder Dog Goes Camping, Darwin the Wonder Dog Goes to the Farm and Darwin the Wonder Dog Goes to the Racetrack! The sweet pup teaches bravery when you’re scared, being a loyal friend and, above all, God’s world is wonderfully made. All the Darwin books are published by Read Beleive Grow Publishing.
A Darwin Christmas story is currently in the works, and look for a Darwin Halloween story in 2027, and more.
What would your child bring to show and tell? A toy? A doll? A rock collection? Abbie brought her best friend!
In Darwin the Wonder Dog Goes to School, young readers will meet a lovable one-eyed pup who proves that being different doesn’t make you less—it makes you special. When Darwin joins Abbie for show-and-tell, what starts as an ordinary school day quickly turns into an unforgettable adventure filled with laughter, surprises, and heartwarming moments.
Through Darwin’s story, children will discover: ✨ the beauty of friendship ✨ the courage to be different ✨ the joy of kindness and compassion ✨ and a gentle reminder that God can use even the most unexpected heroes
Perfect for ages 4–8, this uplifting story is ideal for: ✔ bedtime reading ✔ classrooms and homeschool ✔ gifts for dog lovers ✔ building confidence and empathy in young hearts
Because not all heroes wear capes…some wag their tails.
Darwin the Wonder Dog Goes to School, written by Shelley Terry and Ellen Kolman, gets much of its appeal from a feeling pet owners will recognize: a dog can become part of the family almost immediately. Abbie adores Darwin, an energetic Jack Russell terrier, and her enthusiasm gives this children’s book its welcoming voice. The school visit promised by the title grows out of their close friendship, so there’s a personal reason to care about the adventure. I liked how the authors establish that bond through familiar routines and small moments of companionship. You can understand why Abbie wants everyone to meet her dog.
The writing is straightforward, with short passages and dialogue that should work comfortably when read aloud. Abbie’s excitement comes through clearly, while Grandma brings a reassuring presence to the story. Details such as Darwin waiting hopefully beneath the breakfast chair make him feel like a recognizable household pet, complete with appetites and opinions of his own. The story moves quickly, and a few emotional transitions could use more room to breathe, but its affectionate tone stays consistent. There’s also an openly Christian perspective, with prayer and trust in God woven into the family’s experience. That faith is part of how these characters understand love, care, and resilience.
Rick Tyler’s illustrations give the picture book a lively cartoon style. Bright greens, sunny yellows, and warm oranges make the home and school settings feel inviting, while bold outlines keep the characters easy to pick out. Darwin’s oversized ears, expressive face, and busy posture draw attention even when he’s sharing a page with several children. Abbie and Grandma have similarly readable expressions, which helps younger listeners follow the mood while an adult reads. The layout alternates fuller scenes with smaller drawings around the text, creating useful pauses for looking and talking. I especially liked the pictures of everyday togetherness, where the affection between girl and dog is visible without needing much explanation.
I loved Abbie’s wholehearted pride in her friend. Her affection creates a natural opening for conversations about caring for animals, appreciating differences, and recognizing how much a companion can mean to someone. The messages are stated plainly, and adults reading with children will find plenty of places to pause and invite their reactions. An epilogue and photographs also connect the fictional presentation to the real family relationship that inspired it, adding a personal touch. For families who enjoy animal stories with an explicit Christian foundation, Darwin the Wonder Dog Goes to School offers an approachable shared read with a cheerful visual personality and a believable sense of devotion.
