The Poky Little Puppy's First Christmas

by Justine Korman Fontes, Jean Chandler (Illustrator)

It’s the poky little puppy’s first Christmas, and he’s not sure what to expect. When he meets an animal friend who’s lost his home, Poky’s quick to help–and learns all about the spirit of Christmas.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Childrens, Holiday, Dogs, Classics, Fiction

24 pages, Board book

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

Justine Korman is the author of over 600 children's books, including mega-selling adaptations of Disney hits like THE LION KING, plus her original popular GRUMPY BUNNY series for Scholastic.

Justine has been writing all her life. She worked part-time in publishing while earning her B.A. in English Literature, Phi Beta Kappa from New York University. While an editorial assistant at Golden Books, she met her future husband and partner, Ron Fontes, an artist in the Whitman Comics department, who moved on to mighty Marvel Comics.

When Justine started getting freelance writing assignments, Ron pitched in and a children's book writing team was born! Ron brought visual storytelling, theatre, and history; Justine enthusiasm, humor, and a straight-A attitude.

In 1988, the couple moved to Maine, where they have written everything from beginning readers and novelty books to historical fiction and graphic novels.
Justine's hobbies include fitness, juggling, gardening, cooking, and playing the ukulele. She also enjoys making movies with Ron.

The prolific couple's goal is to write 1001 children's books.

Reviews

[Verona · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a precious little book! And with the best Christmas message right on the last page. The Poky Little Puppy learned that the best gifts are the ones you GIVE! We're all children at Christmas and can learn and feel the spirit of Christmas through wonderful children's books!

[Dee-Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read it to my six year old son. We liked it,especially the part where Poky finally gets up early when he is sleeping with the skunk ... it gave us ideas on how to get older brother up in the mornings.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely charming Christmas story for the young and young-at-heart! Loved Herman the skunk! :)

[Jess-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't let a December go by without reading this Little Golden Book. I've had it since I was 2-years-old, and it was a childhood favorite. But I'm finally adding it because I did re-read it today and want to start rating some of my childhood books.

I still adore it because of how sweet and precious the story is with Poky's first Christmas and learning about giving and helping those in need.

Definitely recommend for kiddos. As someone who's still re-reading it yearly 27 years after she got it, I can say it may become a beloved keepsake for them, too!

[Midniteillusion · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was cute and fun. The Poky Little Puppy was a favorite of mine when I was little and I loved reading his Christmas story.

A lot more story to this one than some of the other Goldenbooks I’ve read.

[Kayla Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always loved the Poky Little Puppy as a kid. Today while I was working with a student, they picked this book out and I got so excited because I didn’t know there were spin offs of the book. I absolutely loved it.

[Margaret Welwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a treasure! I'm particularly struck with my two-year-old granddaughter's compassion for Herman the skunk when Mr. McCrae accidentally crushes his home. The Poky Little Puppy gives his greatest treasure--an old boot that he longed for and received for Christmas--to Herman for a new home. He learns that "the best gifts of all are the ones you give," and I am reminded of the power of words and pictures to inspire compassion and kindness in little children.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute little book. I don't remember reading this one when I was young.

[Kelly Wickham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an adorable story of a puppy going out to gather a Christmas tree with its' family and finding a new friend, a skunk. They become best buds. While on the outing, they find an old boot which Poky puppy takes back to the house, but his Dog momma says he cannot take that dirty thing into the house. The little skunk has no home so Poky and the skunk sleep together in the doghouse together and then Poky discovers that the old boot is a good home for his skunk friend and in the spirit of Christmas gives the old book to the skunk. The pictures in this book are vibrant and detailed and kids seem to really enjoy this story.

[Mortisha Cassavetes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course, this is not the first time I have read this book but I wanted to read this book for the kids on this cold night so close to Christmas. I grew up with Poky Puppy and love him. This book follows the little puppy as he and his family are preparing for Christmas. Poky meets a skunk friend along the way. No spoilers! I highly recommend this book for kids of all ages!

[Sidney McQuade · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story teaches the reader the lesson of helping others when in need. At the end, it gives the most precious lesson of all. That the best gifts in life are those that we GIVE. It is such a fun and beautiful story with fun illustrations. What a classic!

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book, though I don't think a boot would make a very suitable home for a skunk.

[Shana Czzowitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute!

[Bill Cooper · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute story suitable for kinder age or younger

[Monica]

Classic Christmas story of giving

[Leon Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our daughter loves this book, and it comes with a playful story, cute illustrations and a positive message in the end!

[Kylie Abecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a gorgeous little tale. Such a lovely story with an important lesson and the bonus of cute pictures.

[Chinook · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is sweet but a bit long-winded for my girls.

[Ketutar Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cute little story. Except that my first thought about the hollow log was "that's probably someone's home and they break it. Merry Christmas, someone..."

[Rebekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book with a heart-warming message.

[Michelle Carenza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always loved The Poky Little Puppy and honestly never knew about this book until as weeks ago. I picked it up to add to my collection and really enjoyed the short and poignant tale.

[Cara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pokey finds a boot that he falls in love with only to give it away to someone else on Christmas.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

🐶

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Awwww.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute children's book that delivers the meaning of Christmas giving.

[Concetta Kellough · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice story about giving from the heart.

[Dashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again nostalgia made me buy this. The illustrations are crisps and feels like home but the story is very clipped.

[KaitandMaddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a classic.

[Della Tingle · Rating 3 out of 5]

“The best gifts of all are the ones you give.” 🥰

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cutesy but not particularly memorable. ;)