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The Kindness And Love They Show
Dirt Dog Invites Prissy Poodle to the Prom is a sweet tale of a little dog who runs into one messy obstacle after another on his way to impress his Paw Party prom date. Where did the idea behind this story come from?
The idea originated with my husband and our silver Lab. One evening, they came home from hunting and tracked mud and dirt all over my freshly cleaned floors. Being a bit of a clean freak, I fussed about it—lightheartedly, of course. My husband laughed and said, “I guess we’re just Dirt Dog and the Nasty.”
We both laughed, and I immediately thought, There’s a story here. A few days later, I sat down to write Dirt Dog Invites Prissy Poodle to the Prom, and the story flowed faster than I could type.
What makes it even more interesting is that I had never planned to write children’s books. At the time, I was working on several other writing projects. Those have now been put on hold while I focus on the Dirt Dog and Friends series, along with activity books and audiobooks that will be available in Fall 2026.
What do you think children will identify with most in Dirt Dog’s experience?
I think many children will identify with the fear of rejection or being called names. At the same time, I hope they see the value of kindness, helping others, and persevering through challenges while always doing their best.
Most of all, I hope children come away understanding that their worth is not based on their appearance. Through the lesson included at the end of the book, I hope they learn that God sees their value through the kindness and love they show to others.
How do you approach incorporating faith into a children’s story in a way that feels natural and accessible?
I believe it’s important to let children first enjoy the story and connect with the characters. Afterward, parents, teachers, or caregivers can use the discussion questions and lessons to help reinforce the book’s themes. In some cases, questions can even be asked before reading to encourage children to think about their own experiences related to the story.
I never want my books to feel preachy or pushy. My goal is for Dirt Dog and Friends to help build godly character through stories that children can relate to. In books three and four, planned for 2027, I will again include Scripture and lessons that support themes such as welcoming others, teamwork, humility, and sharing.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
Tiny Tot Tiger Says Happy Birthday, America! is the second book in the Dirt Dog and Friends series and was released in June. In this book, I introduce young readers to the meaning of patriotism, the branches of the U.S. military, and the freedoms Americans enjoy. The story also reflects the belief that our freedoms are God-given and that America is “one nation under God.”
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Dirt Dog has finally worked up the courage to ask an important question. After getting cleaned up and ready, he sets out to invite Prissy Poodle to the Paw Party Prom.
But when the day does not go as planned, Dirt Dog faces one challenge after another. Instead of giving up, he keeps choosing kindness, courage, and care for others.
Through Dirt Dog’s story, children learn that confidence does not come from looking perfect. It grows when we do the right thing, even when things feel hard.
Perfect for ages 4-8, this heartwarming picture book is designed for read-alouds at home and in the classroom. Parents and educators will appreciate a story that encourages character, empathy, and confidence in a gentle, reassuring way.
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
