What do you think?
Rate this book
Stinker
"Please take this book home with you. It does not stink. It is irresistible." -Judy Schachner, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Skippyjon Jones
Stinker is a puppy stuck in the pound. He's playful and loving and wants more than anything to be adopted. Unfortunately, little Stinker is always making big smells. As family after family return the ever-patient pooch back to the shelter, even he begins to lose hope. That is, until Stinker meets a snarky tomcat who can wriggle his way out of any situation. Together they stage a great escape in order to find just the right home, where Stinker will be loved in spite of his smells.
Stinker is a puppy stuck in the pound. He's playful and loving and wants more than anything to be adopted. Unfortunately, little Stinker is always making big smells. As family after family return the ever-patient pooch back to the shelter, even he begins to lose hope. That is, until Stinker meets a snarky tomcat who can wriggle his way out of any situation. Together they stage a great escape in order to find just the right home, where Stinker will be loved in spite of his smells.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published September 1, 2017
1 person is currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
David Zeltser
9 books20 followersDavid Zeltser is the author of Lug: Dawn of the Ice Age and its sequel, Lug: Blast from the North. These novels satirize humanity’s response to climate change and have been praised by Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, and Al Gore, who called the first book “a great combination of humor and powerful insight.”
His debut picture book, Ninja Baby (Chronicle Books, illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Diane Goode), was a runner-up for the Magnolia State Book Award, featured in USA Today, and received a starred review from Publishers Weekly, which called it “a funny and pitch-perfect story.” His more recent picture books include Codzilla (HarperCollins, illustrated by Jared Chapman) and The Night Library (Random House, illustrated by Raul Colón), which School Library Journal described as “sure to inspire people of all ages to pick up a book and experience the magic that unfolds.” The Universe Ate My Homework (Lerner Books, illustrated by Ayesha Rubio) was praised by NPR science journalist and Radiolab host Robert Krulwich, who kindly lent his voice to the book trailer.
David is also a screenwriter. He co-wrote the feature script Solo with director Joseph Greco; it is being produced by Oscar-winning producer Jonathan Sanger and James Trezza.
David and his friend Julia Chiapella co-founded The Word Lab, a free after-school writing center for kids. It’s in Santa Cruz, California, where he lives with his family.
His debut picture book, Ninja Baby (Chronicle Books, illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Diane Goode), was a runner-up for the Magnolia State Book Award, featured in USA Today, and received a starred review from Publishers Weekly, which called it “a funny and pitch-perfect story.” His more recent picture books include Codzilla (HarperCollins, illustrated by Jared Chapman) and The Night Library (Random House, illustrated by Raul Colón), which School Library Journal described as “sure to inspire people of all ages to pick up a book and experience the magic that unfolds.” The Universe Ate My Homework (Lerner Books, illustrated by Ayesha Rubio) was praised by NPR science journalist and Radiolab host Robert Krulwich, who kindly lent his voice to the book trailer.
David is also a screenwriter. He co-wrote the feature script Solo with director Joseph Greco; it is being produced by Oscar-winning producer Jonathan Sanger and James Trezza.
David and his friend Julia Chiapella co-founded The Word Lab, a free after-school writing center for kids. It’s in Santa Cruz, California, where he lives with his family.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 24, 2017
Stinker is a picturebook written by David Zeltser and illustrated by Julia Patton which is currently scheduled for release on September 1 2017. Stinker is a puppy stuck in the pound. He's playful and loving and wants more than anything to be adopted. Unfortunately, little Stinker is always making big smells. As family after family return the ever-patient pooch back to the shelter, even he begins to lose hope. That is, until Stinker meets a snarky tomcat who can wriggle his way out of any situation. Together they stage a great escape in order to find just the right home, where Stinker will be loved in spite of his smells.
Stinker is a fun story about a dog with a serious flatulence problem. All he wants is a home and to be loved, but most people cannot get past the stink. I loved that the narrator of the little stinker's tale is a snarky cat who promises a happy ending. The cat tells about the failed adoption, and then Stinker's search outside the pound. I liked that the failed opportunities are told, not just the final solution, which is charming. This makes the story not just about accepting others despite faults and accepting yourself, but also about persistence and that failing is part of the process. This is an all around cute and engaging story that will bring on the giggles and perhaps teach a lesson or two along the way.
Stinker is a fun story about a dog with a serious flatulence problem. All he wants is a home and to be loved, but most people cannot get past the stink. I loved that the narrator of the little stinker's tale is a snarky cat who promises a happy ending. The cat tells about the failed adoption, and then Stinker's search outside the pound. I liked that the failed opportunities are told, not just the final solution, which is charming. This makes the story not just about accepting others despite faults and accepting yourself, but also about persistence and that failing is part of the process. This is an all around cute and engaging story that will bring on the giggles and perhaps teach a lesson or two along the way.
December 19, 2017
Zeltser, David Stinker 20 pgs. Carolrhoda books (Lerner), 2017. $20. PICTURE BOOK
This is the story of a shelter pet, Stinker, who could not land a forever home because he barks a lot and farts even more. It goes through a variety of family situations that return him before finally finding the perfect new owner. Large pages with bright illustrations.
I have to say I don’t like the take home message from this book –that only a deaf old man who has a bad sense of smell could love this dog. I think a better message is that working with a dog who barks too much –via exercise, training and attention is hard work and that builds love. (the smell is just the wrong food). This book references depression, so you would need to explain that to young readers. Some of the illustrations were darling –like the dog, but the cat and the people were not my favorite. I prefer a stinky dog story with a bit more heart and a lot more humor –Dog Breath by Dave Pilkey.
EL(K-3) -OPTIONAL. Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017/...
This is the story of a shelter pet, Stinker, who could not land a forever home because he barks a lot and farts even more. It goes through a variety of family situations that return him before finally finding the perfect new owner. Large pages with bright illustrations.
I have to say I don’t like the take home message from this book –that only a deaf old man who has a bad sense of smell could love this dog. I think a better message is that working with a dog who barks too much –via exercise, training and attention is hard work and that builds love. (the smell is just the wrong food). This book references depression, so you would need to explain that to young readers. Some of the illustrations were darling –like the dog, but the cat and the people were not my favorite. I prefer a stinky dog story with a bit more heart and a lot more humor –Dog Breath by Dave Pilkey.
EL(K-3) -OPTIONAL. Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017/...
January 15, 2020
David Zeltser's Stinker is yet another warm hearted piece of stigma about like living with like, but it's more palatable and enjoyable in that it's got a cuddly little dog and a hidden, more positive message about acceptance in a world that still judges by sight, or in this case: smell. Stinker is a cute dirty smelly puppy kicked out of the pound due to his, ahem, unique cologne. Not Brut, which smells like a man. More like.
..MAN IT SMELLS LIKE A BRUTE! So he goes from one family to another, every one a straight laced, wholesome image family...until the odor destroys the image and the family sends Stinker packing. He finally finds acceptance with an old man who can barely see or hear, but he does smell.... himself....A LOT! Acceptance secured! Along the way, Zeltser reassures us ad nauseum that there's a very happy ending to the book, regardless of how negative and sad the dog's journey gets. (Don't you wish Disney did the same thing with Old Yeller?) It's definitely a happy tale that's well told with humor. The sappiness alone can raise a drink with some....but then love has no boundaries, so why should we? Be brave, therefore, and let Stinker's wind song (pffft!) stay on your mind! Hah!
Three stars
Stinker rocks the heart (and the nose!)
..MAN IT SMELLS LIKE A BRUTE! So he goes from one family to another, every one a straight laced, wholesome image family...until the odor destroys the image and the family sends Stinker packing. He finally finds acceptance with an old man who can barely see or hear, but he does smell.... himself....A LOT! Acceptance secured! Along the way, Zeltser reassures us ad nauseum that there's a very happy ending to the book, regardless of how negative and sad the dog's journey gets. (Don't you wish Disney did the same thing with Old Yeller?) It's definitely a happy tale that's well told with humor. The sappiness alone can raise a drink with some....but then love has no boundaries, so why should we? Be brave, therefore, and let Stinker's wind song (pffft!) stay on your mind! Hah!
Three stars
Stinker rocks the heart (and the nose!)
May 17, 2017
What a heartwarming book. I love a happily ever after ending and so does the snarky tomcat that is narrating the story, who by the way only does happy endings.
Stinker, true to his name, has flatulent problems big time. He passes stinky gas constantly and has spent most of his life in the pound because of it. His first snobby owner is mortified and sends him off to a caged-up life. Multiple other people adore the delightful little guy and take him home, but alas, his gas explosions get the best of them and back he goes to the pound.
A spirited tomcat seeing Stinky's plight takes it upon himself to team up with the poor rejected pup, help plan his escape and finds him a forever home. It's a home where he is accepted super smelly and loved unconditionally.
The illustrations are whimsical, colourful and can actually stand on their own to tell the story. They enrich the text and visually add lots of humour and fun to the tale. Kids love potty language and experiences so I know this theme will be a great hit making them giggle and laugh as the story is shared.
Stinker, true to his name, has flatulent problems big time. He passes stinky gas constantly and has spent most of his life in the pound because of it. His first snobby owner is mortified and sends him off to a caged-up life. Multiple other people adore the delightful little guy and take him home, but alas, his gas explosions get the best of them and back he goes to the pound.
A spirited tomcat seeing Stinky's plight takes it upon himself to team up with the poor rejected pup, help plan his escape and finds him a forever home. It's a home where he is accepted super smelly and loved unconditionally.
The illustrations are whimsical, colourful and can actually stand on their own to tell the story. They enrich the text and visually add lots of humour and fun to the tale. Kids love potty language and experiences so I know this theme will be a great hit making them giggle and laugh as the story is shared.
August 18, 2017
Stinker is a smelly dog waiting to be adopted. His story is narrated by an orange cat who thankfully explains on the first page that the book will have a happy ending, a much needed reassurance for kids (or adults) who might otherwise be worried about Stinker's life stuck in the pound. Though may families and people seem interested in him, Stinker's stink drives everyone away. With the help of his cat narrator, Stinker breaks out of the pound. Is there a human for every dog? Can Stinker find his?
Stinker is a great story paired with fun illustrations. It's sure to make kids and adults laugh as they read.
*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.
Stinker is a great story paired with fun illustrations. It's sure to make kids and adults laugh as they read.
*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.
May 8, 2017
How do you love a stinky dog? After being passed over multiple times because of noxious farts, our little furry guy finally finds a home. This story is actually told by a cat, who only does happy endings, and was determined to help this pup find his happily ever after. The illustrations are fun and colorful, but I think the cover is the best. Very much in the vain of walter the Farting Dog, but not as over the top.
July 11, 2017
Thanks Net Galley for the copy to review.
How come the cutest puppy in the pound can't find a home? Well, the poor guy has a bit of a stinky problem! With the aid of a cat and his handy book, "Lockpicking Without Thumbs", Stinker escapes and takes matters into his own hands. Proving that all dogs can find the perfect human, there is a happy ending. The clever illustrations will have the children laughing. Hilarious read-aloud!
How come the cutest puppy in the pound can't find a home? Well, the poor guy has a bit of a stinky problem! With the aid of a cat and his handy book, "Lockpicking Without Thumbs", Stinker escapes and takes matters into his own hands. Proving that all dogs can find the perfect human, there is a happy ending. The clever illustrations will have the children laughing. Hilarious read-aloud!
October 24, 2017
I just found this book okay. Illustrations are cute. I guess I'm just not into the Farting Dog scene, however I have a nephew who laughs his head off at any mention of bodily functions. Stinker is a dog that lives up to his name. He cannot find anyone that will put up with his flatulence. Finding a friend in a crazy tomcat, together they do meet just the right person. Old Mr Curtis is hard of hearing and apparently smelling. Kids who like farts will love Stinker.
July 17, 2017
Although told by a cat, the focus is on the rather stinky dog - the cat does not actually enter the colorful story. The reader may try to predict who will adopt Stinker, but they'll be "Wrondegy-wrong-wrong!"
Colorful mixed media illustrations will be best appreciated by a single readers, perhaps buddies, but the details would be difficult to discern in a group read aloud.
Colorful mixed media illustrations will be best appreciated by a single readers, perhaps buddies, but the details would be difficult to discern in a group read aloud.
July 17, 2017
This is so fun to read to kids-- the kind of book that's delightful for everyone, with fun silly surprises to laugh at together!
October 29, 2017
Cat helps a smelly pound pup find a home.
January 26, 2022
A subtle way to begin discussing long term care options and looking for the right place for a forever home. A great resource with clever illustrations!
April 13, 2021
Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
July 18, 2022
3 stars
April 20, 2017
This is the kind of humour young children enjoy, a dog that constantly passes stinky wind. I am just not sure about how the story is told. It is narrated by a cat who tells us at the beginning that the story has a happy ending. Stinker is living at the pound because his original owner could not stand the smell. Many people come and look at Stinker, some even take him home, but he always comes back because of the smell. When he runs away, he finally finds someone who does not mind the smell at all and gets a forever home. The illustrations are fun and humorous. I think this would be an enjoyable read for primary age children. My grandson enjoyed the pictures and the idea that Stinker smelled so bad. He thought it was pretty funny. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews