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Harry the Dog
No Roses for Harry!
A classic picture book featuring the beloved Harry the Dirty Dog! Harry is the not-too-happy recipient of a handmade sweater, and what makes matters worse is that it’s a sweater with a pattern of roses. Harry does everything he can think of to get rid of that sweater. But when it seems like he’ll never lose the sweater, an unexpected visitor helps him solve his problem… This is an irresistible story featuring a classic picture book character, especially perfect for young dog lovers and fans of Harry the Dirty Dog . Harry the Dirty Dog has been recognized by the National Education Association as an all-time top-100 children's book. It has also been welcomed by a new generation at home, as Betty White's 2020 reading of the story on StorylineOnline has been viewed more than 8 million times. For more fun with Harry the Dirty Dog, don't miss Harry by the Sea and Harry and the Lady Next Door. As Children's Books and Their Creators said about all three "There is a droll, seemingly effortless union of art and text in the Harry stories, a delicious mastery of everyday foolishness."
32 pages, Paperback
First published September 17, 1958
14 people are currently reading
1208 people want to read
About the author
Gene Zion
75 books69 followersBorn on October 5, in 1913, Gene Zion attended the New School of Social Research and the Pratt Institute. In 1948, he married artist Margaret Bloy Graham, who then collaborated with him on all his picture books. When their marriage ended in 1968, Zion also ended his career as an author. Zion is best known for his creation of the rascally dog, Harry, who appears in such books as HARRY THE DIRTY DOG and HARRY BY THE SEA. He died in 1975.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
April 29, 2020
Another wonderful Harry story. In this episode Harry is given a hand made jumper that isn't quite his style. Despite several attempts to lose his gift it just keeps coming back. When Harry finds an ingenious way to rehomed his jumper the relative who has gave him the gift comes to visit so he needs to get it back.
Like all the Harry stories, this has wonderful illustrations and great humour. A really fun dog story, highly recommended.
Read on open library.
Like all the Harry stories, this has wonderful illustrations and great humour. A really fun dog story, highly recommended.
Read on open library.
July 3, 2016
I like this one just as much as Harry the Dirty Dog. Both are favorites from childhood that today's children enjoy also. They're funny and enjoyable for adults as well as kids.
July 25, 2018
Grandma has come to visit and she has brought a gift for Harry. She has knitted him a doggie sweater. Harry feels warm and snug in it, but he just hates the flowers. His dog friends all laugh at him when he goes for a walk. He decides to get rid of the sweater.
How he does that and what happens after is the subject of this story.
How he does that and what happens after is the subject of this story.
September 6, 2022
I mean, honestly, we've all had that gift we didn't like.....I love the ending.
April 3, 2008
This is my favorite book about Harry, and is also beloved by the next generation.
August 5, 2021
These books stand the test of time. The repetition across books is fun for my toddler. " Harry is a white dog with black spots".
July 14, 2021
Adorable picture book.
November 15, 2010
One dog's trash is another bird's treasure
July 28, 2023
7/26/2023 - Felt like Harry wasn’t being completely honest to me. Not the message I want to teach my daughter.
August 29, 2007
I read this book soooooo many times as a kid. Partly I was just obsessed with dogs (okay, I still kind of am). But also, this story is just really, really cute! I reread it for the first time since childhood yesterday and yep, I still think it's great. I think maybe I could identify with Harry having to wear something he didn't like (although for the most part my parents let me dress myself, which, let me tell you, was brave of them), and it's nice that in the end Harry gets his way without hurting anyone's feelings.
P.S. I didn't just randomly pick this up to see if it was still good; I got it for a friend who is having a baby soon and is collecting friends' childhood favorites for their home library (hi, Emily!), and this was my choice. And so, you know, I wanted to make sure it hadn't somehow become inappropriate over the years, like maybe Al Perkins' The Digging-est Dog sorta has (I haven't reread that one myself though, so I'm reserving judgment). Anyway, I still think it's great and have no reservations whatsoever about giving this to a baby. Baby approved (by me)!
P.S. I didn't just randomly pick this up to see if it was still good; I got it for a friend who is having a baby soon and is collecting friends' childhood favorites for their home library (hi, Emily!), and this was my choice. And so, you know, I wanted to make sure it hadn't somehow become inappropriate over the years, like maybe Al Perkins' The Digging-est Dog sorta has (I haven't reread that one myself though, so I'm reserving judgment). Anyway, I still think it's great and have no reservations whatsoever about giving this to a baby. Baby approved (by me)!
June 11, 2019
Lu knows this story from the Scholastic dvd, but was pleased to read it with me. His favorite part was the unraveling of the sweater by the bird. He also enjoyed Harry's failed attempts to ditch the sweater. The illustrations bothered him a lot though. They all have a very green tinge, at least in the copy we borrowed. The book is mostly green and brown. The effect was that the moment the book ended, Lu got out crayons and paper to "color the book better." That's an reaction I've had, but it was still funny to see it in a 3 year old.
Lu: "Christmas tree at the end! As big as you and me! And nother sweater! UH OH!"
(March 2019, library book)
Lu: "Christmas tree at the end! As big as you and me! And nother sweater! UH OH!"
(March 2019, library book)
June 20, 2018
Read for Storytime, June 20th
Theme: Dogs
Read at Storytime April 4th.
Theme: Classics that every kid should read
I love the Harry books. This classic involves the inventive way Harry tries to rid himself of his new sweater covered in roses.
Theme: Dogs
Read at Storytime April 4th.
Theme: Classics that every kid should read
I love the Harry books. This classic involves the inventive way Harry tries to rid himself of his new sweater covered in roses.
February 5, 2015
"No Roses for Harry" is a great book. I really enjoyed it. I love dogs and this.book is perfect for kids who love dogs.
December 18, 2017
3.5/5 - cute story about a dog named Harry and his mischievous adventures trying to avoid having to wear a girly sweater.
March 27, 2018
My family is particularly fond of this book because we also have a grandmother who buys sweaters for our little dog, who isn't fond of all of them.
August 7, 2021
This is a fun book about problem-solving! Harry gets a sweater he dislikes. He works and works to get rid of it, and is helped by a bird. I like how Harry manages to "thank" Grandma by showing her the bird's nest!
May 7, 2021
For 1950s storytime
March 5, 2017
Mom rating & child rating both 5. Per the child, "I liked it because he (Harry) doesn't like the roses, but a bird got to use it (the sweater) for a nest and grandma got him a new sweatshirt that was polka-dots. It makes him feel good."
I enjoyed the details in the artwork and the storyline. My son grabbed this one up at the Library, completely excited because he recognized Harry from previous books. We discovered the Harry books from the 1,001 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (book that lists them by age with details about the publications such as nationality and year along with a blurb). Definitely check this title out, we've discovered a lot of our favorites because of this collection of lists.
I enjoyed the details in the artwork and the storyline. My son grabbed this one up at the Library, completely excited because he recognized Harry from previous books. We discovered the Harry books from the 1,001 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (book that lists them by age with details about the publications such as nationality and year along with a blurb). Definitely check this title out, we've discovered a lot of our favorites because of this collection of lists.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2019
back cover--Harry is the not-too-happy recipient of a handmade sweater, and what makes matters worse is that it’s a sweater with a pattern of roses. Harry does everything he can think of to get rid of that sweater. But when it seems like he’ll never lose the sweater, an unexpected visitor helps him solve his problem…
This is an irresistible story featuring a classic picture book character, especially perfect for young dog lovers and fans of Harry the Dirty Dog.
For more fun with Harry the Dirty Dog, don't miss Harry by the Sea and Harry and the Lady Next Door. As Children's Books and Their Creators said about all three books: "There is a droll, seemingly effortless union of art and text in the Harry stories, a delicious mastery of everyday foolishness.
This is an irresistible story featuring a classic picture book character, especially perfect for young dog lovers and fans of Harry the Dirty Dog.
For more fun with Harry the Dirty Dog, don't miss Harry by the Sea and Harry and the Lady Next Door. As Children's Books and Their Creators said about all three books: "There is a droll, seemingly effortless union of art and text in the Harry stories, a delicious mastery of everyday foolishness.
November 8, 2017
No Roses for Harry is about a dog who receives a sweater from his grandma for his birthday and its green with orange roses and he does not like it. He does everything he can to try and get the sweater off but nothing works, until a little friend takes Harry's sweater and turns it into something useful.
i really enjoyed this book and teaches a good lesson that even if we don't like something other people may like it or find it useful. I would use this book in my classroom as a read aloud and possibly for teaching inference to get the students to figure out what will happen with the sweater.
i really enjoyed this book and teaches a good lesson that even if we don't like something other people may like it or find it useful. I would use this book in my classroom as a read aloud and possibly for teaching inference to get the students to figure out what will happen with the sweater.
December 7, 2017
Harry, the beloved white dog with black spots, gets a gift from grandma, a sweater with roses. The sweater is comfy, and cozy, but, he doesn't like roses.
He goes on an outing with the children--everyone that passes, human, or dog, starts to laugh--he decides it is time to lose the sweater.
After several attempts to lose it, it kept getting returned to him. He had to wear it on the way home. Then, he finds a loose end--he starts to pull. A bird swoops down and takes the end, and flies away with all of it.
Later, when on a walk, the sweater was found with a bird nesting inside.
Next year, grandma gave him a new sweater--white, with black spots.
He goes on an outing with the children--everyone that passes, human, or dog, starts to laugh--he decides it is time to lose the sweater.
After several attempts to lose it, it kept getting returned to him. He had to wear it on the way home. Then, he finds a loose end--he starts to pull. A bird swoops down and takes the end, and flies away with all of it.
Later, when on a walk, the sweater was found with a bird nesting inside.
Next year, grandma gave him a new sweater--white, with black spots.
February 10, 2019
Genre: Historically Significant
Awards: none
Audience: 5-8 years old
A. I would choose this book over a newer text because of its artistic style that is different to those commonly used today. This book uses only a few muted colors, which is a contrast to the usual saturated colors in recent books. Reading this book would allow children to see how art has evolved over time and appreciate that change.
B. The clothing illustrated in this book may be unfamiliar to children nowadays. I would allow the children to question the clothing styles and then continue to explain that back in the 50s and 60s, the culture and clothing was very different than it is now.
Awards: none
Audience: 5-8 years old
A. I would choose this book over a newer text because of its artistic style that is different to those commonly used today. This book uses only a few muted colors, which is a contrast to the usual saturated colors in recent books. Reading this book would allow children to see how art has evolved over time and appreciate that change.
B. The clothing illustrated in this book may be unfamiliar to children nowadays. I would allow the children to question the clothing styles and then continue to explain that back in the 50s and 60s, the culture and clothing was very different than it is now.
February 7, 2019
Genre: Historically Significant- Picture Book
Awards: None
Audience: 5-8 years old
A. This story is complemented by simple, watercolor illustrations that use a color palette and style that might be considered outdated today; using an older text allows students to become familiar with and appreciate a wider range of styles and become comfortable with experiencing new things- such as an different style of illustration- when reading.
B. Today's children might not be familiar with the concept of a department store that contains a grocery, pet, clothing, and flower department.
Awards: None
Audience: 5-8 years old
A. This story is complemented by simple, watercolor illustrations that use a color palette and style that might be considered outdated today; using an older text allows students to become familiar with and appreciate a wider range of styles and become comfortable with experiencing new things- such as an different style of illustration- when reading.
B. Today's children might not be familiar with the concept of a department store that contains a grocery, pet, clothing, and flower department.
June 14, 2020
Copyright 1958. Another good story about Harry. This time grandma knits him a dog sweater with pink roses on it. Harry loves the way it makes him feel, but hates the design. Devious Harry then tries to lose the sweater - in vain. The final solution is pure Harry!
I love the humor in this story & so did my kids. Don't try to overthink this.
I love the humor in this story & so did my kids. Don't try to overthink this.
November 18, 2020
Copyright 1976. Genre fiction. I love the Harry books that follow the actions of a fun loving dog with a personality. In my classroom, I could use this book for students to retell because it is easy to follow (beginning, middle, and end). A student literature circle might be fun with this book as well.
October 30, 2017
Another cute tale about Harry!
Ages: 3 - 7
Ages: 3 - 7
November 1, 2017
My mom would read it to me. Loved it. Still do. Ingenius little twist on problem solving, lol.
November 16, 2017
If you want to destroy my sweater hold this thread as I walk away.
November 24, 2017
I read this book in the 60s and 70s. I liked it then. I love it now. I think it's a great story for children.
May 6, 2018
Nice story for children about thinking of others especially when they give you gifts you might not like
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews