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Rumplepimple

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Life isn't easy when your big sister is an annoying cat and your moms can't understand a word you say. But that doesn't stop Rumplepimple from saving the day in a most unusual way. Find out how a car ride transforms a naughty terrier into a grocery store hero.

40 pages, Paperback

First published July 5, 2015

551 people want to read

About the author

Suzanne DeWitt Hall

26 books69 followers
Suzanne DeWitt Hall (she/they) is the author of The Language of Bodies (Woodhall Press, October 2022), which Wally Lamb called "...a film noir between covers—dark, tense, and sexy."

She also penned the Where True Love Is devotionals, the Living in Hope series which supports the family and friends of transgender people, The Path of Unlearning faith deconstruction books, and the Rumplepimple adventures.

Suzanne lives with her transgender husband, two terriers, and a cat named Chicken. Her work is designed to shine the light of love into hearts darkened by discrimination and fear. You can learn more at www.sdewitthall.com

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5 stars
57 (77%)
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11 (14%)
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4 (5%)
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2 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Aperez1984.
1 review
June 10, 2015
Rumplepimple is a story that takes you inside the mind of a beloved dog and shows the interaction with his human family and bossy cat roommate. He also happens to have to mothers. The book never highlights or makes a big deal that Rumplepimple has two mothers, which I found clever and refreshing. But the deeper meaning demonstrates that animals lack any understanding of discrimination and prejudice and are willing to love anyone around them. It’s a simple yet poignant lesson we can all learn from Rumplepimple.
Author 8 books13 followers
June 5, 2015
Suzanne aptly captures the quirky personality of an adorable wire fox terrier (WFT) making his way in the world. With a cat named Chicken and two busy moms, there’s nothing like a curious puppy to slow you down.

The illustrations are reminiscent of the Disney classics so many of us grew up with and remember fondly. The Rumplepimple series is set to become a fan favorite for generations to come.
2 reviews
May 26, 2015
Having received an advanced readers copy am now posting my review.

A fun filled adventure story of Rumplepimple the mischevious and loving , wire haired fox terrier who captured my heart.
Am looking forward to many more adventures in the future.
Would recommend to all readers and animal lovers alike.

Antonia Johnston. Mom and au pair to four children.
6 reviews3 followers
May 29, 2015
This is a cute little story about the adventures of a very naughty Wire Fox Terrier and his human family. The illustrations are priceless and the story is spot-on. The author has really captured the essence of what it is to belong to a Wire Fox Terrier. In case you didn't already know it, WFTs own US not the other way around. This one definitely gets 5 stars!
Profile Image for Brittney Bender.
1 review1 follower
June 9, 2015
A classic and loveable story that any age will enjoy. It had heart and realistic humor that came from a place of love and from a familiar background to those with animals in their homes. It will be a beloved story to any who read it and continue to reread it for years to come.
Profile Image for Mari.
60 reviews26 followers
March 24, 2018
A fun story about a wire fox terrier who gets in trouble and saves the day.
The new wonder dog, in his own mind. This is a fun story, you will enjoyed reading it to your Children or grandchildren.
Profile Image for RaiseThemRighteous.
99 reviews14 followers
April 7, 2019
Rumplepimple (2015) and Rumplepimple Goes to Jail (2017), written by Suzanne Dewitt Hall and illustrated by Kevin Scott Gierman, focuses on the exploits of Rumplepimple, a wire fox terrier with lots of energy and a strong sense of adventure. Rumplepimple lives with his cat sister, Chicken, and his two moms.

In the first book, Rumplepimple won’t leave his one mom alone, so his other mom takes him on a trip. He enjoys the car ride but isn’t excited when she starts leaving him in the car to do some shopping. Right before the door slams shut, Rumplepimple hears a cry for help. He leaps out of the car, narrowly escaping being locked in.

It turns out a mean kid is keeping a little girl’s blankie from her. Rumplepimple saves the day, but instead of seeing him as a hero, his mom sees him as a runaway dog!

The second book in the series, Rumplepimple Goes to Jail, introduces readers to a single-dad raising his son and their tutu-wearing boy cat named Mr. Noodles. Rumplepimple’s cat sister, Chicken, has an unrequited crush on Mr. Noodles.

The adventure begins when Rumplepimple notices his new friend, Mr. Noodles, sneaking off to a street festival. Worried his buddy might get hurt, he chases after him, busting through his screen door to save the day.

Instead, he gets discovered by a police officer and taken to jail. Happily, he’s reunited with his moms.

The Rumplepimple series reminds me of other children’s culture starring adventurous pets who are quasi-anthropomorphized, like the recent Disney program Puppy Dog Pals. One of my favorite things about the series is how thoughtfully and thoroughly Rumplepimple is positioned as a child, misunderstood by adults and with limited agency. Kids will surely relate to this adventure-seeking dog who can’t seem to stay out of trouble!

Another thing I really like about the series are the diverse characters. Diverse body shapes and skin tones reflect the diversity of readers.

In future books, I would like to see Rumplepimple’s relationship with Chicken further developed, it would thicken the story and give Rumplepimple more depth. In fact, relationships in general could be more richly expressed. That being said, this series is sure to delight!

Dewitt Hall has created a wonderful character in Rumplepimple. Future adventures are sure to be as giggle-inducing as the first two!

Note: I know a lot of parents want books with diverse characters that normalize without problematizing difference. These books do that very well!

This review is part of my “Snapshots of LGBTQ Kid Lit” project. I’m working on a book, The New Queer Children’s Literature: Exploring the Principles and Politics of LGBTQ* Children’s Picture Books, which is under contract with the University Press of Mississippi. Part of my research is identifying and interpreting English-language children’s picture books with LGBTQ* content published in the US and Canada between 1979 and 2019. Follow my blog to follow my journey!
Profile Image for Terry Palardy.
Author 9 books27 followers
August 5, 2015
dmarbender@gmail.com

5.0 out of 5 stars It's a dog's life ... shared., August 5, 2015
By Author TCP "Author Terry Crawford Palardy" (Massachusetts)
This review is from: Rumplepimple (The Adventures of Rumplepimple Book 1) (Kindle Edition)

Rumplepimple is certainly living a dog's life. This charming fellow is a wire fox terrier who adores his two moms and endures his big sister, Chicken the cat. He discovers new talents which earn him tasty treats (though sometimes his talents are unrecognizedd by the moms.) Having a "failure to communicate" wiwh his two loves is his one challenge in life.

But language aside, his strong emotional response to those in need is made evident in the story's climactic event. Rumplepimple comes through in a crisis with gentlemanly diplomacy, knowing when to strike the right pose and rescue the day! Of course, he is a dog and can't be held to human superhero standards, and so he does what a dog does now and then. In his own way, his behavior is still teaching others right from wrong.

This is a delightful story for read-to ages and as enticing to beginning readers. It would also make a great elementary read, providing a discussion-starting story of different perspective and social cues. Buy it for the dog lovers in your life, for the new readers in your life, and for yourself. As they say in the gentlemanly commercial, "I know you're going to love it~"
Profile Image for Tracy Boyce.
23 reviews1 follower
October 16, 2018
This is so well written and is about a family of 2 Moms, Rumplepimple, his sister Chicken and an adventure. I would recommend this book to everyone and especially for children in families with 2 Mums or Dads and for those who have friends who belong in those families. It is done so gently that it is worth getting for any family. I have. I was disappointed that there are only 2 at the moment. It teaches that love and families come in all shapes and sizes and that love is love. It is amazing how children are so accepting. I absolutely love them.
Profile Image for Donovan Ackley III.
4 reviews
July 21, 2015
This has become a favorite bedtime story of my 8-year-old! Written from the dog’s perspective as if confiding in the child reading (or being read to), Rumplepimple describes a day in his life as a typical dog – with a cat sister and two loving, sometimes exasperated human moms. He even intervenes to stop bullying when he overhears an older child teasing a much younger one. Children of LGBT parents (or children who already identify as LGBTQI themselves) are often targets of bullying by other children (and even some disapproving, strongly opinionated adults), so the simple, colorful drawings and down-to-earth storytelling from a cute, friendly dog’s perspective helps defuse what can be a sensitive topic in a safe, very approachable, even fun way – while normalizing the experiences of our families by making it just the background context (not the focus) of the story. Even better, these real-life moms of wire fox terrier Rumplepimple and many foster pups are donating a portion of the book’s profits to animal rescue organizations.
Profile Image for Satin.
Author 3 books54 followers
August 17, 2015
Rumplepimple is a good-hearted pup who gets into a spot of trouble with his two moms when he runs into a grocery store to save a little girl from bullying.

When I was reading this story to my one year old niece, she loved the bright colors and little doggy. (She actually has a white dog for a pet, although it's not a wire fox terrier.) While she may be too young to understand the storyline now, I know it will grow with her into the future!

I think it's important to encourage reading at an early age and foster a sense of wonder and joy in kids. Part of that goal includes introducing children to a wide range of people and family-types. I love that Rumplepimple has two moms, and that it's presented as a fact without fanfare!

***I purchased a copy of this book at a book signing event.***
Profile Image for Janet Balletta.
Author 5 books21 followers
January 27, 2016
Reading Rumplepimple to my grandson was a delightful experience. He loved reading about the adventures of the naughty little dog with a cat as a sister and two mommies. The book was written from the dog's point of view which I found imaginative. This book is great to teach themes of love for animals and anti-bullying which is perfect for readers of all ages. I am going to enjoy reading it to my second-grade students as they are naturally inclined towards books on dogs. My grandson rated this book with 5 stars because he said it was entertaining and had colorful pictures. He's looking forward to reading more of Rumplepimple's escapades.
13 reviews
April 30, 2016
If you like dog shenanigans you will like Rumplepimple.

Rumplepimple is a good natured dog who just happens to be very curious.
He loves his two mom's, but they drive each other a little nutty.

Rumplepimple is getting on Momsey's nerves so Mamie decides to
take him out for a ride. They end up at the mall where he starts seeing, hearing,
and smelling the sites and sounds of mall life.

Then he hears a small child crying and tries to find her and save her from trouble.
He comes across a bully teasing the little girl.

Read Rumplepimple to find out what happens with the little girl, the bully, and Rumplepimple.

Good book for kids that love pet stories.
Profile Image for Marti Dumas.
Author 27 books196 followers
December 14, 2015
The Dog Life

Adorable story with the unique angle of really trying to see things from the dog's perspective. My year old was truly tickled by the "human puppy" or calling a mean human boy a lone wolf. There are a few things that could be done to tighten up the story over all (a few times the dog's perspective gets dropped and was noted by my 10 year old), but not enough to stop me from recommending given all the cute touches (stickies!) and the fact that it was obviously an introductory story. We'll definitely check out the next one.
Profile Image for Ruth Nott.
3 reviews1 follower
December 16, 2015
Yes, he leads a dog's life and gets into mischief even though he'a s good dog. I enjoyed how he thought his moms didn't try hard enough to understand his language, and his bravery in trying to save the crying child at the supermarket. The book is cleverly illustrated and well written. What I did not like was that, at the supermarket, his mom apparently had every intention of leaving him in the car alone while she went inside. He escaped of course, but still, leaving a dog alone in the car while you shop can be deadly and should not be even inferred in a children's book.
Profile Image for Michael Wilton.
Author 27 books11 followers
February 25, 2016
I don’t know who dreamed up the name ‘Rumplepimple’ but I can say with confidence that it will be an instant success with children, as well as adults looking for birthday presents. I have never owned a wire fox-terrier, but this one certainly lives up to its reputation for liveliness, and its ability to sort out any problems that need attention - particularly a bossy cat roommate. The illustrations are also particularly apt for bringing out its character and help to point up the action. I can see that Rumplepimple will provide a ready-made platform for many more adventures to come.
Mike
Profile Image for Marie.
1 review
July 11, 2015
Rumplepimple is the Clark Kent of the Dog World

Rumplepimple looks like a mild mannered pooch. However, he springs into action more like a scurrying naughty terrier. Naughty, nice or maybe both? You will laugh out loud as I did several times. This is our grandchildren's new favorite book. Children today need fun loving super heroes. Children benefit from seeing alternative family structures as normal in children’s books, Rumplepimple has both with a fun storyline and an anti-bullying message.
Profile Image for Sharon Gibbs.
Author 6 books27 followers
November 29, 2015
Sweet read.
Wow, Rumplepimple sure has an adventure. A tale told from a dog's point of view. Imaginative story, with beautiful illustrations and some great sticky note messages that will make adult smile :)
Rumplepimple will make your kids smile and help them understand their own family pet. Lovely read recommended.
Profile Image for Connie.
Author 8 books178 followers
August 11, 2015
It's a children's book of a lovable, mischievous terrier who thwarts an act of bullying. What's not to love? Easy reading for kids (and adults!), great illustrations, and on-point messaging for big and small. Perfect!
Profile Image for Rachel McGrath.
Author 36 books59 followers
November 24, 2015
What an absolutely wonderful story. I love that this is based on a real dog, but even more so, this story is fun and has a brilliant little message about the innocence of dogs, being kind and defending against big bullies. On top of it all it is wonderfully illustrated.
Loved it!
Profile Image for Mike Rider.
Author 10 books1 follower
May 4, 2016
An excellent book about an adorable energetic dog who means well.
The story flows well and is fast paced.
The best part is the illustrations.
They are colorful and kinetic.
The character design is snappy.
Profile Image for Irayda Moran (Quezada).
519 reviews20 followers
August 22, 2015
This is a great book to get your kiddos reading. Its fun , great illustrations and a quick read that keeps them entertained.
Profile Image for Darrin Mason.
Author 35 books49 followers
August 30, 2017
Not bad at all.

Cartoon illustrations reflect the fun of this book that stars a cute dog with quite possibly the coolest doggy name in all of bookdom. A nice story with something of a smart ending. My only problem with the book is two mummies? Ultimately it has nothing to do with the story and therefore should have been left out.

3 1/2 stars.
Profile Image for Amy Sell.
7 reviews
August 16, 2018
I loved this book. The simplicity, curiosity, and whimsicality of rumplepimple. As one who daily works with kids, we need this book! It's not awkward that he has two mom's, it's just normal...like it is for my many kids with two moms or two dads. Thanks for this book!
Profile Image for M.
3 reviews3 followers
October 12, 2018
This is a very fun book for children. A super hero dog with two moms. He stands up against a bully. Gets into trouble while saving the day. We loved the illustrations and the fact that Rumplepimple is a real life dog. We follow him on twitter now. You should too.
Profile Image for Ma.
8 reviews5 followers
October 17, 2018
We loved Rumplepimple and his two moms.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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