The Invisible Dog

by Dick King-Smith, Roger Roth (Illustrator)

Illustrated in black-and-white. When her parents can't afford a new pet, seven-year-old Janie invents one. Her new pretend dog is Henry, an invisible Great Dane who eats invisible food bought with invisible money. Then some mysterious events--and perhaps a touch of magic--bring the invisible Henry to life.

Genres: Childrens, Fiction, Animals, Middle Grade, Faith, Realistic Fiction, Read For School

80 pages, Paperback

First published April 13, 1993

About the author

Dick King-Smith was born and raised in Gloucestershire, England, surrounded by pet animals. After twenty years as a farmer, he turned to teaching and then to writing children's books.

Dick writes mostly about animals: farmyard fantasy, as he likes to call it, often about pigs, his special favorites. He enjoys writing for children, meeting the children who read his books, and knowing that they get enjoyment from what he does.

Among his well-loved books is Babe, The Gallant Pig, which was recently made into a major motion picture, and was nominated for an Academy Award.

Dick lived with his wife in a small 17th-century cottage, about three miles from the house where he was born.

Reviews

[Mir · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are numerous juvenile fictions about children with thwarted desire for a pet. It makes sense: this is a problem many children can relate to, and even children or adults who do not want a pet can usually sympathize more generally with the longing for something one is told one can't have.

This short novel about a girl who pretends to have a dog was nicely written, but totally lost me with the author's choice of crux: the reason the parents won't get a dog is that they ONLY want a pedigreed Great Dane, and a pedigreed Great Dane is too expensive.

Sorry, that is the stupidest reason I have ever heard to not get a dog. Unless you are set on dog breeding or competitions, there is no reason to get a pedigreed dog. Myriad lovely, loving dogs are waiting in shelters. Also, a Great Dane is not a great choice for a small child. They can't really romp around together since the dog is huge, and they have short lifespans. I think the girl was eight, so it is almost guaranteed that Henry won't make until she's out of her teens.

[Tom Mooney · Rating 3 out of 5]

This dog is clearly not invisible, but imaginary.

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was having a little clear out in my room when I saw this book, King-Smith is (if Not) A Brilliant Author.

[Eoin Cody · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Invisible Dog by Dick King-Smith

This book written by Dick King –Smith and illustrated by Paul Howard tells the tale of a Great Dane named Henry who assists and builds a marvellous relationship with a young girl called Janie. From reading this book it speaks of how one girl’s imagination which creates an unusual and loving companion. This specific character she creates has a massive influence which fills her heart full of warmth. The unusual thing about Henry however is that only Janie can see him. After the loss of Janie’s first dog named Rupert when she was very young she comes across Rupert’s old lead collar and through her imagination she builds a fascinating character named Henry. Throughout the story it depicts the adventures and the wonderful time she spends with Henry. Along with the excellent adventures bestowed in almost every chapter of this book they are also accompanied by wonderful illustrations that capture the emotions and descriptions of every scene mentioned. Undoubtedly this would certainly capture the reader’s attention. Other interesting character that the reader would come across is Mrs Garrow who lives in the old cottage and seems to develop a fascinating friendship with Janie and from time to time can also see the Henry too. Evidently from reading this book it is an amusing story that conveys magic and comfort and is suitable for all age groups in Key Stage two.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was very interesting beacase the girl called Jane wanted a dog but she found a lead for their old dog Rupert and they managed to get one of the shops owners dog and she loved it the book was very good I would recommend people to read it

[Manuel Alfonseca · Rating 3 out of 5]

ENGLISH: I have read this book three times. A little girl would like to have a dog, but it must be a Harlequin Great Dane. Her father tells her she can have it, if she can pay the 500 pounds it would cost. But who is her elderly neighbor, with a black cat, a broomstick and tea leaves, who tells her she'll be lucky? A witch, perhaps?

ESPAÑOL: He leído tres veces este libro. A una niña le gustaría tener un perro, pero tiene que ser un gran danés arlequinado. Su padre le dice que se lo permite, si puede pagar las 500 libras que costaría. Pero ¿quién es su vecina anciana, que tiene un gato negro, una escoba y hojas de té, y que le dice que tendrá suerte? ¿Quizá una bruja?

[Niharika · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was interesting it was about a girl named Janie and her family used to have a dog named Rupert but he died when Janie was just 2 years old. Her parents thought of getting her a new one but Rupert was a Great Dane and Great Danes cost a lot to buy again . Janie started to pretend she had a dog by holding Ruperts leash and thinking the dog was there but this dog was different he was a harlequin Great Dane called Henry . Janie begged her parents to get a new one for her but Great Danes cost about five hundred pounds so her father said if she gets five hundred pound in her palm they might get one. Will she ever get a harlequin Great Dane? Will she get the money ? Read this book to find out if she will ever get one or not...

[Jazzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It really fun to read even though it is very easy to read. I still remember the whole book.

[Vonnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by a third grader. She insisted that I read it because she absolutely loved it. Her passion towards the book and the book's cover won me over. I knew this was an easy read since it was tailored for children of 7 to 10 years, but I kept an open mind. I have to say, this was not too shabby.

This was a cute story of a girl who wanted a Great Dane. It was interesting to read how this little girl was very polite and respectful even though her parents told her that it was too expensive to get a dog. Instead, Janie, the girl, imagines up a dog named Henry after she found the collar of a previous dog her parents used to own. What was most curious was how her neighbor played along with Janie. It made me wonder if the old neighbor was pretending to "see" a dog in order to appease Janie or if she really did see a dog. The story was sweet and simple, and I can see why young children may like it.

However, there is a DISCLAIMER for teachers and parents. This book uses a lot British dialect, which may be confusing. It uses the B word two times in the book. Even though the word is used in the appropriate way to describe a female dog, with today's mindset, this may not bode well with many parents. Luckily my student did not pay too much attention to this word.

As a whole, this was a decent children's book. I Sharpied the B word from the book because I felt that my students should still be able to read this cute story.

[Amber Coombe]

The Invisible Dog by Dick King-Smith is a charming children's book that tells the story of a young girl who discovers a magical dog that only he can see.
The story is set in the English countryside, and King-Smith's vivid descriptions bring the setting to life, making readers feel as though they are right there with the characters.
The magical dog, who is named Henry, is a lovable character, and his antics provide plenty of laughs throughout the book. However, the heart of the story lies in the bond that develops between the girl and Henry. Despite the fact that no one else can see Henry, she never doubts the dog's existence or the strength of their friendship.
King-Smith's writing style is simple and straightforward, making the book accessible to young readers. The story is filled with gentle humour and the author's love of animals shines through in every page.

[Victoria Sigsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is for children but many adults would enjoy this story. I personally have read it for research and at only 83 pages read it in a couple of hours but for children this amount of pages could be a challenge. I remember the first time I read a book which had over 100 pages in and felt really pleased with myself. This is a lovely story with many illustrations along the way which add to the warmth of the story. It really helps to bring out a child's imagination including the possibility that Mrs. Garrow may have other worldly powers. I can certainly recommend this cosy story especially for completing a Summer Reading Challenge . Good readers among children would probably fly through it but it is also one for a child or children to enjoy with an adult reading it to them.

[Jacklyn (ReadingBliss) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I preread this, like most books that I give to my children and I was really disappointed. It would’ve been a cute 5 star read for kids if it hadn’t intermingled a fortune teller. That’s just not the type of thing I want to promote in my family. It was very light hearted and fun, but that’s really not the heart of the point. Tone was fine, subject matter is the issue. I checked and it was written in 1993, set in London. In this story, they also use the word “bitch” for a female dog, which is technically correct- I understand. However, my children are old enough to read, but young enough to have that potentially floating around the house obtrusively. I have not decided if it is a donation book or if I will share it with my kids and use some things as talking points.

[Shula Williams-Knights · Rating 4 out of 5]

All of my children have loved Dick King-Smith's books. The Invisible Dog is an old favourite in my house and tells the story of Janie, who creates an 'imaginary' dog in place of a real one. Currently my dog-eared copy (sorry - I couldn't help it) is in the possession of my four year-old daughter. As a bedtime book this is brilliant, long enough to be drawn out over a few nights with short chapters that maintain her interest.
I use this book to reinforce the fact that nice dogs deserve responsible owners. Be prepared if you don't have a canine pal, after reading this your kids will either be dragging around empty leads or begging for a dog.

[Andenelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of us wish we could have a dog, but a invisible dog is a hard animal to take care of. With so many problems he could be getting into at any moment you have to keep a sharp eye out for your invisible dog! Though her parents could'nt aford a dog she was aloud to keep her invisible dog. she feed him invisible food, played with him, and took him on many walks. she was a great invisible dog owner.

[John Naylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although the theme of a child wanting a pet that is currently unobtainable for the family is a common one I have seen better examples of it in literature.

"We want an animal that has to be this breed and this colour" is not how you should look for pets. Go to a shelter and choose the closest one rather than going to a breeder.

This avoided a 1* star review as it is not always the case that parents in books actively listen to their children and that was the best part of the story.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable story about a kiddy who desperately wants a dog, a harlequin Great Dane as she had found a collar and lead of a previous dog her family had but as she was too young, she couldn't remember much about him.

Now she found these items she would have a Harlequin Great Dane that was invisible, called Henry. Will she ever have her on real life dog?

[Sarah Oldre · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this when I was little, it must have been right after it came out in 1995. Now, over 25 years later, I still want a harlequin Great Dane! Rereading this as an adult, it’s not nearly as earth-shattering as I remember. But I did enjoy it. There was a little bit of witchcraft, which I don’t even remember from reading it as a child.

[Miriam · Rating 2 out of 5]

One of my least favourites of Dick King-Smith. I didn't like all the subtle references to witchcraft (the kids didn't really seem to understand them, and I thought they felt rather out of place). Also a bit dated with reference to children's savings bonds maturing which the children didn't understand either. They did enjoy the actual story though.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favourite books as a child. I have always loved dogs more than anything else in life and this book was just perfect for me. Especially as it's about a harlequin great dane and I grew up with a dalmatian so I connected with it so much.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a short and sweet read aloud with surprising twists that will really get you to marvel at how a quality story is put together. Young and old will enjoy this tale. But dog-lovers will LOVE it! Especially people who love Great Danes.

[Hayley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a childhood favourite of mine, and I felt so nostalgic reading this again. I cannot say I loved it this time around but I also understand that this is a children's book. A lovely story.

[Marlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely story. The imagination in it was awesome. I especially loved the old lady neighbour. My daughter is a dog lover and she enjoyed this story.

[Anna Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imaginations are very important things to waste. So don't lose your imagination and sense of fun.

[MummyCanYouRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and imaginative.

A tiny bit of reward/punishment.

Sadness as it opens with reminiscing about the previous dog who died.

[Max · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot wasn't very good. It was about getting a great dane, but she had to get the money.

[Peter Straw · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son enjoyed this!

[Kamilla]

to read

[Lai Er Naa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Seems a little rushed

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 5 year old granddaughter loved this book. Now she wants a leash and dog collar so she can walk her invisible dog. 🦮

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun and easy chapter book that showcases the imagination of children and adults, as well as the magic of having a dog.