Harry the Dirty Dog is a children's book written by Gene Zion and illustrated by Margaret Bloy Graham. Originally published in black and white in 1956, it was reprinted in 2002 with splashes of color added by the original artist. Based on a 2007 online poll, the National Education Association named the book one of its "Teachers' Top 100 Books for Children."
Plot
The family dog, Harry, disenchanted with taking baths, buries the bathtub scrubber and runs away from home. Harry gets dirty and returns home only to find his family does not recognize him. His attempts to get his family to realize it's him only succeed when he brings back the brush he buried.
Reception
Harry the Dirty Dog received positive reviews. Kirkus Reviews called it "Another funnybone tickling charmer". Kids' Book Review found "Its timeless storyline, humour and sheer affection between the characters make the series an absolute delight for all ages." Common Sense Media commented "Expressive illustrations with old-fashioned charm." The book continues to be held in thousands of libraries worldwide.
In popular culture
- The book is read in the Barney & Friends episode "Our Furry Feathered Fishy Friends".
- Weston Woods Studios produced an adaptation of the book.
- An official musical adaptation of the book was written and produced by ArtsPower National Touring Theatre.
- Betty White, representing the Screen Actor's Guild (SAG), reads the book in a StorylineOnline YouTube video published May 21, 2012 and has received over 4.17 million views hence
References
External links
- Harry the Dirty Dog on IMDb
