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Dirt Dog Invites Prissy Poodle to the Prom
Dirt Dog Invites Prissy Poodle to the Prom follows Dirt Dog as he wakes up excited to ask Prissy Poodle to the Paw Party Prom. He cleans himself up, gathers his courage, and heads out with his dad, only for one messy problem after another to undo all his careful grooming. A flat tire, an empty gas tank, and a brave rescue leave him muddy, sweaty, and embarrassed by the time he reaches Prissy’s door. What begins as a funny little quest to look impressive becomes a gentle story about kindness, courage, and being seen for who you really are.
I found the heart of this picture book genuinely sweet. Dirt Dog’s worries feel small on the surface, but they’re the kind of worries kids understand deeply: wanting to be liked, wanting to look right, wanting not to be laughed at. I appreciated that his messiness isn’t just slapstick, though there’s plenty of playful humor in the disasters that pile up. Each mishap reveals something good in him. He helps his dad, walks for gas, and saves a friend without stopping to calculate what it will cost him socially. That gives the message more weight. The book isn’t simply telling children not to judge by appearances. It shows them, in a concrete and emotionally clear way, what character looks like when no one is applauding yet.
The writing has a cheerful, bouncy quality, with alliterative names and phrases that feel made for reading aloud. Some moments are quite tender, especially when Dirt Dog’s confidence starts to crumble, and he assumes Prissy won’t want him anymore. Lissette Blanco’s artwork brings a lot of softness to the story. The watercolor-like textures, pastel backgrounds, sparkles, flowers, and expressive dog faces give the book a warm storybook charm. I especially liked how Dirt Dog’s muddy little body contrasts with his hopeful eyes. The illustrations make his vulnerability visible, which helps the emotional turn with Prissy feel earned.
This children’s book has a simple structure, but it uses that simplicity well, building from silliness into a message that’s tender without being empty. The faith-based framing is present and sincere, and the story’s core idea, that the heart matters more than polish, is one I’m always glad to place in front of children. I’d recommend Dirt Dog Invites Prissy Poodle to the Prom for families, Sunday school classrooms, early elementary read-alouds, and any child who needs reassurance that kindness, courage, and a good heart shine brighter than a perfect appearance.
Pages: 40 | ISBN : 978-1963377767
It’s Never JUST a Dog
In Sir Dee-O-Gee, readers follow an elderly widow as her life is transformed by the introduction of a pit bull into her otherwise mundane life. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
To put it simply, I, myself, am a disabled senior. (Though I’ve always been disabled, my disability is not in my hands.)
How do you capture the thoughts and emotions of a character like Anna Saint Anne?
To make her truly understood, I had to “learn hands.” I would attempt to notice every day whenever I used my hands and then turn whatever I was doing backwards. In as much as asking, “What if my hands didn’t work? How would I achieve this small goal?” After a few weeks of this mental exercise, she just flowed from the pen.
I wrote the mourning parts quite raw. I was in mourning when I wrote this book. I was literally mourning our pit bull, Sir. He lived to be eighteen years old. It seems such a long life, until they’re gone.
My best advice to anyone who knows someone who is mourning a pet, it’s never JUST a dog. Any pet is cherished like one’s own flesh. To speak it fairly, nothing transforms a broken heart like a dog.
If I am to be remembered fondly, I pray let it be by a dog.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
I tried to show support for the Seniors for Seniors program at the pounds. It allows seniors to adopt senior dogs with no fee. I also wanted to show how important this “unconditional love”, the company, and meaningful expansion of everyday life is. In truth, even if the only change to one’s life is walking the dog, it still serves to create a new experience and a new freedom. It is also an excellent chance to speak to neighbors and to literally, “Get out of your own head.”
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m working on a comedy series for tweens and up. I’ve nearly finished the second book in the series. However, these are still in edits, so there is no way to release a publication date. The first in the series is titled, The Knight, The Pig- wizard And The Dragon. If you like clean comedy, look for it in 2024.
Author Links: Goodreads | Amazon
Award-wining poet and artist, Angel Dunworth, writes on aging, disability, mourning and a return to society in this quirky thought-provoking book. She openly advocates the Animal Defense Leagues’ Seniors for Seniors program, saying, “It is very important to be able to adopt a dog, especially if you’ve become a shut-in. It’s a simple way to provide not only well-needed company but also perfect love. An animal’s reliance on us can quickly go from mandatory to miraculous.”
Dunworth lives in San Antonio, with her husband, who she is quoted as saying, “Is the love of my life.”
Dedication: This book is dedicated to the grandchild who cares. You who listen to the stories of the elderly, looks at pictures, play cards. You who gift your time to help another, and truly cares about quality of life, this book is for you.
You make all of the difference in the world.
Sir Dee-O-Gee; The Dog who Saved my Life
Sir Dee-O-Gee: The Dog Who Saved My Life, by Angel Dunworth, is a heartwarming children’s book revolving around Anna Saint Anne, an elderly woman, her family, and an unexpectedly endearing canine companion. The book opens with Anna’s life with her daughter Layla and grandson Ellis, highlighting their close bond through simple pleasures like playing cards and enjoying snacks. The narrative takes a turn when Ellis introduces a pit bull mix, Sir Dee-O-Gee, into Anna’s life, initially as a temporary arrangement. This introduction marks the beginning of Anna’s journey toward embracing new experiences and shaking up her previously routine life.
Dunworth’s writing style is notable for its realistic portrayal of characters, infused with subtle humor and irony, making the story both engaging and relatable. This transformation in Anna’s life, driven by the companionship of Sir Dee-O-Gee, is skillfully depicted, illustrating how this new relationship leads her to venture out of her comfort zone. In addition, her interactions with her neighbor, Mr. Finchley, add another layer of warmth to Dunworth’s narrative.
The canine character Sir Dee-O-Gee is a standout, particularly memorable for his distinct smile, which adds a unique charm to the story. The connection to a real-life dog, Dundee, whose photograph is featured in the book, enhances the emotional impact of the tale.
Dunworth showcases Anna’s reflections on her past and her gradual embrace of new adventures and friendships. The story subtly conveys the message that aging is not just about looking back but also about adapting and finding joy in new experiences. The blend of emotional elements like nostalgia and happiness is seamlessly executed, making the story appealing to a wide audience.
I recommend Sir Dee-O-Gee: The Dog Who Saved My Life for dog enthusiasts and anyone looking for a tale that captures the essence of overcoming life’s hurdles with a positive spirit. It’s an engaging read that beautifully balances emotional depth with light-hearted moments, meriting a solid recommendation for its well-crafted storyline and endearing characters.
Pages: 160 | ISBN : 978-1956581287
