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Mutt Dog!
Mutt Dog is brave and fast and gentle and loyal and smart, but he's also hungry, and he doesn't have a home. Then one day his luck changes, and he at last finds a family--and a cozy, loving place to belong.
With its humorous text and irresistible watercolor illustrations, this endearing story by Australian picture-book creator Stephen Michael King is certain to strike a chord with animal enthusiasts everywhere.
With its humorous text and irresistible watercolor illustrations, this endearing story by Australian picture-book creator Stephen Michael King is certain to strike a chord with animal enthusiasts everywhere.
Paperback
First published December 31, 2004
6 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Michael King
130 books31 followersStephen Michael King has illustrated, written, and designed many books for children, including The Duck and the Darklings by Glenda Millard. He lives in Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
September 24, 2010
Five stars! Totally tugged on my heartstrings. Remarkable, given that it's such a "simple" story with few words but, gosh, they are so well-chosen and the illustrations are great. The opening page almost brought tears to my eyes. A poor little mutt wandering the streets of the big city with nowhere to go and no one to love him. Whaaahaaaa! It really brings out the loneliness of the dog, though he tries to make the best of it--and the indifference of the people. Of course, there is a wonderfully happy ending in store, and King does a really nice job of making the text come full circle showing the contrast between Mutt Dog's old life and his new one. I just loved this! Thanks, Lisa, for the recommendation :-)
November 19, 2019
"In the city lived a dog...who belonged to no one. He had to be brave, and fast, and smart...just to survive." And so begins Mutt Dog!, a poignant tale that, when combined with Stephen Michael King's endearing illustrations, will have the reader sniffling, and then smiling in turn. Hungry, lonely and frightened, the stray dog searches every day for something to eat, and every night for a safe place to rest. One evening he finds his way to a shelter for homeless people, and although there is no permanent place for him there, he eventually does find a home, as a result.
A book that, if you have any love for animals at all, is guaranteed to tug at your heart-strings, Mutt Dug! plunges its readers into a very disturbing reality, depicting a cityscape in which both canine and human occupants are in need of help. I liked that Mutt Dog's story, although it ends happily, highlights the plight of homeless people, as well as stray dogs, as I think the conjunction of the two will work to build compassion in young readers, who naturally sympathize with animals, and will be led to sympathize with people too. (I was reminded, in this respect, of the fact that the first laws to protect child welfare, here in the United States, came out of animal protection laws). The artwork is immensely expressive, capturing the ups and downs of Mutt Dog's journey perfectly, and accentuating the emotional impact of his story.
All in all, a wonderful book, one I would recommend to any young reader who loves dogs, and enjoys stories in which stray animals find homes (I'm a sucker for this kind of narrative, myself). I will definitely be checking out more of this talented Australian's work!
A book that, if you have any love for animals at all, is guaranteed to tug at your heart-strings, Mutt Dug! plunges its readers into a very disturbing reality, depicting a cityscape in which both canine and human occupants are in need of help. I liked that Mutt Dog's story, although it ends happily, highlights the plight of homeless people, as well as stray dogs, as I think the conjunction of the two will work to build compassion in young readers, who naturally sympathize with animals, and will be led to sympathize with people too. (I was reminded, in this respect, of the fact that the first laws to protect child welfare, here in the United States, came out of animal protection laws). The artwork is immensely expressive, capturing the ups and downs of Mutt Dog's journey perfectly, and accentuating the emotional impact of his story.
All in all, a wonderful book, one I would recommend to any young reader who loves dogs, and enjoys stories in which stray animals find homes (I'm a sucker for this kind of narrative, myself). I will definitely be checking out more of this talented Australian's work!
July 3, 2016
Wonderful, whimsical illustrations! There is a happy ending, of course. But, it’s sort of a sad dog story. While only the first 60% of the story has a melancholy feel, and the last 40% is aglow with cheer, sensitive children may find this book a painful experience. The long happy ending helps a lot though. I’m impressed by this author/illustrator and will be on the lookout for other work by him.
February 17, 2013
This is a heartwarming tale of a stray dog who finds a home. The story is a simple one, and the watercolor illustrations do a wonderful job of telling the story in pictures. I loved the compassion of the woman who worked at the shelter and I hope our girls learned a little more about the plight of homeless animals and the importance of giving a home to pets from animal shelters.
Overall, we thought this book was a delightful story and we really enjoyed reading it aloud. We had fun discussing what kind of name we would have given to Mutt Dog.
Overall, we thought this book was a delightful story and we really enjoyed reading it aloud. We had fun discussing what kind of name we would have given to Mutt Dog.
January 3, 2022
A Isabel deu 4⭐️
“A história é triste no início, mas no fim fica tudo bem.” ☺️
“A história é triste no início, mas no fim fica tudo bem.” ☺️
February 10, 2011
I asked my niece to review this story after we read it. She gave it two thumbs up. She said that she really liked the story, and she liked the illustrations a lot. She said that she would suggest to other kids that they read this book.
From an adult's point of view, this story provides many opportunities to talk to kids about a few social issues in a way that they can understand. My niece and nephew both independently made the connection that not only does Mutt Dog not have a home, but many of the people in the story didn't either. Through the dog the kids could see some of the struggles that homeless people might face, too. My niece was also concerned about why some people would treat animals as throw-away creatures and asked me about this without prompting. Even my three-year old nephew furrowed his brow and really *felt* sympathy/empathy for Mutt Dog and the homeless people in the book. He asked questions about what he was seeing in the pictures, and gave me his interpretations of what was being presented.
This is a simple, but deep story, and one my niece and nephew both enjoyed, and I appreciated that it engaged their minds and their emotions.
From an adult's point of view, this story provides many opportunities to talk to kids about a few social issues in a way that they can understand. My niece and nephew both independently made the connection that not only does Mutt Dog not have a home, but many of the people in the story didn't either. Through the dog the kids could see some of the struggles that homeless people might face, too. My niece was also concerned about why some people would treat animals as throw-away creatures and asked me about this without prompting. Even my three-year old nephew furrowed his brow and really *felt* sympathy/empathy for Mutt Dog and the homeless people in the book. He asked questions about what he was seeing in the pictures, and gave me his interpretations of what was being presented.
This is a simple, but deep story, and one my niece and nephew both enjoyed, and I appreciated that it engaged their minds and their emotions.
March 8, 2018
Brief Summary:
Mutt Dog is a brave, fast, and smart dog whom lived in the city with no home. Searching for food and a place to sleep among the city's homeless population, Mutt Dog was constantly pushed away. One evening, he came across a shelter for homeless people and tried to go inside. However, there wasn't enough room or food for him. One of the ladies working at the shelter made him a bed out of a box and gave him a small treat for the night. The next morning, he was on his way to continue on his search for food and shelter. Suddenly, he came across the same lady from the shelter who called him over and picked him up to take him back to the shelter with her.
Major Themes:
Major themes of this book include homelessness, poverty, bravery, togetherness, hope, belonging, and compassion.
Star Review:
5 Stars
Personal Response:
Mutt Dog is such an adorable story. I believe that the author did a wonderful job at incorporating both the human and animal homelessness population on a way that children would be able to easily comprehend. Though the main character was an animal, the reader is able to identify themselves with Mutt Dog and become inspired by his acts of bravery and resiliency.
Why I Recommend This Book:
I recommend this book, because I believe that it introduces the idea of poverty and homelessness on a developmentally appropriate level for young readers to understand without overwhelming them. It's a fun and cute story that idealistically shows the struggle of our homeless population without following stereotypical views.
Mutt Dog is a brave, fast, and smart dog whom lived in the city with no home. Searching for food and a place to sleep among the city's homeless population, Mutt Dog was constantly pushed away. One evening, he came across a shelter for homeless people and tried to go inside. However, there wasn't enough room or food for him. One of the ladies working at the shelter made him a bed out of a box and gave him a small treat for the night. The next morning, he was on his way to continue on his search for food and shelter. Suddenly, he came across the same lady from the shelter who called him over and picked him up to take him back to the shelter with her.
Major Themes:
Major themes of this book include homelessness, poverty, bravery, togetherness, hope, belonging, and compassion.
Star Review:
5 Stars
Personal Response:
Mutt Dog is such an adorable story. I believe that the author did a wonderful job at incorporating both the human and animal homelessness population on a way that children would be able to easily comprehend. Though the main character was an animal, the reader is able to identify themselves with Mutt Dog and become inspired by his acts of bravery and resiliency.
Why I Recommend This Book:
I recommend this book, because I believe that it introduces the idea of poverty and homelessness on a developmentally appropriate level for young readers to understand without overwhelming them. It's a fun and cute story that idealistically shows the struggle of our homeless population without following stereotypical views.
July 9, 2019
I just read this with my five year old son and my five year old nephew.
All questions answered by my son (Nicholas) and my nephew (Chase).
Do you like this book?
Both said "Yes I do"
What do you think of the cover?
Both said "Cool"
Do you want me to read it again?
Chase "Yes Yes"
Nicholas "Yes"
All questions answered by my son (Nicholas) and my nephew (Chase).
Do you like this book?
Both said "Yes I do"
What do you think of the cover?
Both said "Cool"
Do you want me to read it again?
Chase "Yes Yes"
Nicholas "Yes"
November 17, 2017
Nothing too special here, just a cute little story about a dog finding a home. The art is cute, especially the shaggy dog. But the style also feels naggingly familiar somehow, though I don't recognize any of the other works by this author. Probably just similar to some other artist.
June 6, 2018
2 1/2 Very sad at beginning then sweet cosy ending but I don’t like him being called “mutt dog” that’s a terrible name!
September 18, 2025
Reading all the dog picture books I have to see which one to give to the baby across the lane. This one looks good.
2005
How I love Mutt. I'll give you a home!
2005
How I love Mutt. I'll give you a home!
March 8, 2018
Summary:
Mutt Dog is a brave and smart dog who lived in the city with no home. Searching for food and a place to sleep among the city’s homeless population, Mutt Dog was constantly pushed away. One evening, he came across a shelter for homeless people and tried to go inside. However, there wasn’t enough room or food for him. One of the ladies working at the shelter made him a bed out of a box and gave him a small treat for the night. The next morning, he was on his way to continue on his search for food and shelter. Suddenly, he came across the same lady from the shelter and you have to read the rest to find out what happens to Mutt Dog.
Major Themes:
Some major themes in this book were hope, belonging, and compassion. At the beginning Mutt Dog is hanging on to his hope of finding a home and having a better life. He is also looking for a sense of belonging to someone or somewhere and he is brave throughout the whole process. This book portrays compassion in a lot of ways because people decide to take care of one another.
Personal Response:
I really loved this book. I thought it was perfect for introducing the topics of poverty and homelessness to children and most importantly in a way that they understand. This book is written very nicely and I think children will really enjoy it. The main character is a dog and I think that it makes it easier for children to understand certain topics through the use of animals.
Recommended:
This book could be used in lower grade school classrooms as well as at home. I thought that this book could be very helpful in introducing the concept of poverty and homelessness in a way that children can understand. It could potentially spark a lot of good discussions about homelessness, shelters, and helping both people and animals. And while the subject may start of as sad, the message is reassuring- there is a place for everyone.
Mutt Dog is a brave and smart dog who lived in the city with no home. Searching for food and a place to sleep among the city’s homeless population, Mutt Dog was constantly pushed away. One evening, he came across a shelter for homeless people and tried to go inside. However, there wasn’t enough room or food for him. One of the ladies working at the shelter made him a bed out of a box and gave him a small treat for the night. The next morning, he was on his way to continue on his search for food and shelter. Suddenly, he came across the same lady from the shelter and you have to read the rest to find out what happens to Mutt Dog.
Major Themes:
Some major themes in this book were hope, belonging, and compassion. At the beginning Mutt Dog is hanging on to his hope of finding a home and having a better life. He is also looking for a sense of belonging to someone or somewhere and he is brave throughout the whole process. This book portrays compassion in a lot of ways because people decide to take care of one another.
Personal Response:
I really loved this book. I thought it was perfect for introducing the topics of poverty and homelessness to children and most importantly in a way that they understand. This book is written very nicely and I think children will really enjoy it. The main character is a dog and I think that it makes it easier for children to understand certain topics through the use of animals.
Recommended:
This book could be used in lower grade school classrooms as well as at home. I thought that this book could be very helpful in introducing the concept of poverty and homelessness in a way that children can understand. It could potentially spark a lot of good discussions about homelessness, shelters, and helping both people and animals. And while the subject may start of as sad, the message is reassuring- there is a place for everyone.
October 3, 2019
Poor Mutt Dog is smart and fast and brave, but he’s living on the streets and it’s hard every day to find food and shelter. As luck would have it, he wanders into a soup kitchen and the heart of a woman there. Her family takes in Mutt Dog and he gets to continue being smart and fast and brave but in their family!
March 4, 2025
Nah we didn’t rate this one. Was so similar to the book ‘Three’ by the same author that we were lowkey confused it was the same book.
It’s was sort of miserable, serious, dreary and bleh
We like happy, fun, uplifting, colourful.
It’s was sort of miserable, serious, dreary and bleh
We like happy, fun, uplifting, colourful.
October 20, 2025
This would be a good intro to shelter pets for a little one. The story starts bleak then has a happy conclusion, so it's an uplifting read with detailed, wispy illustrations that match the mood of the book. The dog-naming page is my favorite.
September 22, 2017
Makes a good read aloud with great illustrations for an elementary age crowd.
July 25, 2018
Animal stories always get me.
September 19, 2018
So cute and great for kids to begin learning about homelessness.
November 4, 2019
This is a tender and sweet story for every animal lover.
https://buildinglifelongreaders.blogs...
https://buildinglifelongreaders.blogs...
December 25, 2019
Truly love this heartfelt story and sweet illustrations. Who can resist a mutt dog?
February 7, 2020
Lovely illustrations. A heart warming story about a stray dog that finds a home.
October 22, 2020
A truly heart-warming tale of love that immediately made me want to go and adopt another pet.
August 8, 2022
I’m sure there is a nice message here but it’s a little sad and ends weirdly. Mr 6 gave it a 2
At the beginning but gave them ending a 8.
At the beginning but gave them ending a 8.
January 10, 2024
(Read the Dutch translation)
The first time I read this I fell in love <3 it is so wholesome and sweet
Read first in 2020
Bought physical copy in 2023
The first time I read this I fell in love <3 it is so wholesome and sweet
Read first in 2020
Bought physical copy in 2023
March 15, 2015
Mutt Dog is a story about a homeless dog. He’s brave, fast, gentle and loyal. He’s also hungry and lonely. He ate whatever he could find and every night, he looked for a new place to sleep. One night, he found a shelter, filled with people who were cold and tired just like him. The dog became friends with a woman who worked for the shelter. She gave him a biscuit and a bed but the next day, she sent him away. In the midst of looking for a place to sleep with an empty stomach, the scruffy dog hears his new friend calling out to him. Once home, the kids brushed out his matted knots, gave him food, lots of love and the name “Mutt Dog.” He now knows where he belongs.
Mutt Dog addresses the topics of poverty, homelessness and loneliness in a kid-friendly way. It teaches children to be kind and to help others. The story shows you instances of people being helpful and some people who aren’t as compassionate. Although I like the illustrations, the illustrator used water colors and a quirky drawing technique that may be a too abstract for small children to see clearly. Overall, I enjoyed the book. I will say that it starts off very sad and doesn’t pick up until the end. It’s a heartwarming tale, which will provoke emotions many students can relate to.
Mutt Dog addresses the topics of poverty, homelessness and loneliness in a kid-friendly way. It teaches children to be kind and to help others. The story shows you instances of people being helpful and some people who aren’t as compassionate. Although I like the illustrations, the illustrator used water colors and a quirky drawing technique that may be a too abstract for small children to see clearly. Overall, I enjoyed the book. I will say that it starts off very sad and doesn’t pick up until the end. It’s a heartwarming tale, which will provoke emotions many students can relate to.
February 22, 2014
King, S.M. (2004). Mutt dog. Florida: Harcourt Inc.
"Mutt Dog" by Stephen Michael King is such a wonderful children's book about a homeless stray dog. Everyday the stray dog scrounges for food, and looks for shelter. That is until one day he ends up at a real Homeless Shelter where a woman takes pity on the dog. She gives him a bed for the night and food. But, she explains there is no room for the poor dog because this shelter is for humans. The woman eventually decides to take the dog home with her and her family falls in love with the dog. Mutt dog now has a place to call home and a family of his own. I loved this book it I such a heart warming story. I am such a sucker for animals in need. I think children would enjoy this book very much. I would recommend it for ages pre-k through third grade. It really shows children the understanding of what people and animals who don't have homes go through to survive. I think this book has a positive lesson and message for children.
"Mutt Dog" by Stephen Michael King is such a wonderful children's book about a homeless stray dog. Everyday the stray dog scrounges for food, and looks for shelter. That is until one day he ends up at a real Homeless Shelter where a woman takes pity on the dog. She gives him a bed for the night and food. But, she explains there is no room for the poor dog because this shelter is for humans. The woman eventually decides to take the dog home with her and her family falls in love with the dog. Mutt dog now has a place to call home and a family of his own. I loved this book it I such a heart warming story. I am such a sucker for animals in need. I think children would enjoy this book very much. I would recommend it for ages pre-k through third grade. It really shows children the understanding of what people and animals who don't have homes go through to survive. I think this book has a positive lesson and message for children.
June 18, 2017
Unlike most children's picture books that have children or animals with easily resolvable problems, Mutt Dog introduces children to the concept of homelessness. Told in very simple terms it shows Mutt Dog, who is alone and uncared for, as he finds a new family to love. I have mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, I applaud the book for it's social conscience and for introducing a difficult topic to young children. On the other hand, is it wrong to want to protect your children from the ugliness of the real world just for that little bit longer?
My rating: 3 stars due to the conflict I feel between thinking this is a gentle introduction to the topic for children but wanting my kids to experience rainbows, dinosaurs and fantastical creatures for awhile yet.
Master 5's rating: why don't the people have houses? Can we save up our money and buy them all houses?
Master 3's rating: didn't like it.
My rating: 3 stars due to the conflict I feel between thinking this is a gentle introduction to the topic for children but wanting my kids to experience rainbows, dinosaurs and fantastical creatures for awhile yet.
Master 5's rating: why don't the people have houses? Can we save up our money and buy them all houses?
Master 3's rating: didn't like it.
April 10, 2012
Lesley: www.bigbooklittlebook.blogspot.com
What a lovely story. Can I even admit that it almost made me tear up… almost! This is a story about a stray dog, who had to be brave and fast and smart just to survive. We see him scrounging for food and trying to find places to sleep until he eventually finds a halfway house where someone takes pity on him and finds him somewhere warm and dry to sleep and gives him some food.
This story has a very happy ending and just generally has a ‘feel good’ factor to it. It provided a nice chatty conversation with my pre-schooler about animals and caring for animals and how animals might feel if they were all alone. I am very glad there was a happy ending for this little dog!
Verdict: A delightful read for your pre-schooler. Might even be a tear jerker for some!!
What a lovely story. Can I even admit that it almost made me tear up… almost! This is a story about a stray dog, who had to be brave and fast and smart just to survive. We see him scrounging for food and trying to find places to sleep until he eventually finds a halfway house where someone takes pity on him and finds him somewhere warm and dry to sleep and gives him some food.
This story has a very happy ending and just generally has a ‘feel good’ factor to it. It provided a nice chatty conversation with my pre-schooler about animals and caring for animals and how animals might feel if they were all alone. I am very glad there was a happy ending for this little dog!
Verdict: A delightful read for your pre-schooler. Might even be a tear jerker for some!!
April 15, 2015
A definite book for animal lovers. It's nice when a story can turn out this well. But coming from a non-animal background, I would still worry about the background of an animal who can't tell us what that background is. (I'm thinking disease, etc.) I'm all for animals being treated kindly, and domestic ones being treated kindly. But I'm still hesitant about bringing ANY animal in my home. Not something I'm familiar with.
Anyway. The book is good. And will be a nice filler in a storytime.
4/15/15 Used as an opener for my Dogs theme. Not bad. My tiny crowd (we had a ton of snow) liked it.
Anyway. The book is good. And will be a nice filler in a storytime.
4/15/15 Used as an opener for my Dogs theme. Not bad. My tiny crowd (we had a ton of snow) liked it.
January 15, 2010
A lovely story about a dog living on the streets, scrounging for food and shelter each day. Along comes a woman who works at a shelter that helps people who are the same as Mutt Dog. Each day, they need food, warmth, shelter, and comfort, just like Mutt. She gives him a bed for the night, but sends him out the next day when she says there is no room for him. Eventually, her heart softens and she brings Mutt home to meet her family. They've fallen in love and now Mutt has a place to call his own.
Used for "Caring for Pets-Dogs" storytime-01/10.
Used for "Caring for Pets-Dogs" storytime-01/10.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews