Meet Mr. Ernie’s Literary Friends

I have always had a dog – and actually had four for many years. Sadly, disease and age took them away.  I spent a year traveling so it didn’t make sense to have a dog.  Then the pandemic set in and I realized how much I missed having a canine companion. Fortunately, a beautiful puppy came into my life. Named Mr. Ernie, after Ernest Hemingway, he is my writing muse who helps me promote books.

Today, in honor of National  Dog Day,  Mr. Ernie is sharing his favorite literary friends.

 

ANGUS AND THE DUCKS by Marjorie Flack features a curious Scottish Terrier. (Farrar, Straus and Giroux 1930)

Angus was curious about everything, but he was especially curious about the noise which came from the other side of the garden. One day he decided to find out what it was.

His adventures continue in ANGUS AND THE CAT and ANGUS GETS LOST.

 

HARRY THE DIRTY DOG by Gene Zion and illustrated by Margaret Blow Graham (Harper Collins 1956)

is a family favorite. We read one of the Harry books every week and still think the books are hilarious.

Harry was a white dog with black spots who liked everything, except… getting a bath.

Here’s a video of the story read by Betty White: http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7j0OY3236jw

 

PINKERTON, BEHAVE! by Steven Kellogg (Dial Books 1979)

Who wouldn’t want a Great Dane – especially one who is as a bad influence on the other dogs at obedience school?

This lovable dog saves the family when a burglar shows up and his adventures continue in numerous sequels.

Every new puppy has to learn to behave. First I’ll teach Pinkerton to come when he’s called.

 

 

GOOD DOG, CARL by Alexandria Day ( Farrar, Straus and Giroux 1985)

features a Rottweiler who is the best babysitter ever! We have an an everlasting love for this series.) features a Rottweiler who is the best babysitter ever!

We have an an everlasting love for this series. And, Mr. Ernie’s buddy, Oliver, is doing his best to be like Carl.

“Look after the baby, Car. I’ll be back soon.”

 

 

 

GO, DOG. GO! by P.D. Eastman (Random House 1961)

This is the BEST book for kids who are learning to read. Humor, easy to read, and party dogs!

 

TWO DOGS ON A TRIKE by Gabi Snyder and illustrated by Robin Rosenthal (Abrams Appleseed 2020)

A modern day adventure for young readers featuring a line up of dogs traveling by trike, scooter, train, and plane. What’s that? A cat!!!

 

 

McDUFF MOVES IN by Rosemary Wells, illustrated by Susan Jeffers (Scholastic 1997)

In the back of a dogcatcher’s truck sat a little white dog nobody wanted. Thump! went the truck over a bump in the road. The little dog popped out into the night.

Fortunately, this sweet little Westie finds a home with Lucy and Fred who give him sausages with rice pudding. The sequels are all just as charming.

 

 

GASTON by Kelly DiPucchio, illustrated by Christian Robinson (Antheneum Books 2014)

Mrs. Poodle admired her new puppies. Fi-Fi, Foo-Foo, Ooh-La_la, and Gaston

I dare you to read about Gaston, without laughing. He’s a French bulldog but ends up in a family of poodles by mistake.

 

 

LONE WOLF by Sarah Kurpiel (Greenwillow 2020)

Maple loved being the Parker family dog.

Maple is a husky and when out walking with her family people comment on how much she looks like a wolf. Maple begins to wonder if she could actually be a wolf and she goes find out. Great representation of diversity and book maps!

and last but not least, a school favorite –

Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathmann (G.P. Putnam 1995)

Officer Buckle knew more safety tips than anyone else in Napville. Every time he thought of a new one, he thumbtacked it to his bulletin board. Safety tip #77 NEVER stand on a SWIVEL CHAIR.

Unfortunately, Officer Buckle’s talks are a really boring. When Gloria, a German shepherd, joins him things change for the better until Officer Buckle realizes that it is Gloria is stealing the show. Chaos ensues and results in the best safety tip of all #101 “ALWAYS STICK WITH YOU BUDDY!”

 

What do you think of Mr. Ernie’s Recommendations? Do you have any favorite book dogs that we’ve missed? Let us know in the comments.

Also, check out Mr. Ernie on Instagram @MrErnieRecomends.