The Doggonest Christmas

by Richard Lynn Stack, Charles W. Stack (Illustrator)

Josh, a young dog, rescues Santa Claus, and convinces his friends, a group of Mongrels, to replace Santa's ailing reindeer and pull Santa's sleigh on Chistmas Eve

Genres: Fiction, Childrens, Holiday, Dogs, Christmas

48 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1988

Reviews

[Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve owned this book for 30 years and finally got to read it to my kiddos. The illustrations are great and the story of a little pup that teaches his friends the value of believing in yourself and never giving up is still touching to this day.

[Jenna Justice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this to my dogs every year on Christmas Eve, and it just never gets old! Wow, o bow wow!

[Raile Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll confess, this was basically THE Christmas book for me as a kid--we were not religious, but this was my one big Christmas story book and even now I remember loving this book. It is gorgeously illustrated, and the writing was neither insulting (as many children's books are) nor tedious and simplistic. It was actually rather wordy, the story was surprisingly complex and detailed. As a dedicated animal lover (I've grown up to be a dog trainer, believe it or not), I loved every word of it.

I would actually recommend this book to adults, too; if you like a nice, cleanly written story accompanied by beautiful art, this is actually pretty worthwhile.

One word of warning: I don't know about anyone else, but I have a problem not converting 'oh wow' to 'wow, oh bow wow!' in my head, even now. Oops.

[J.M. Brister · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book with my daughter, and it is very special to me. The copy that I have was a gift from my parents when I was very young. It's signed by the author and by Josh, the doggy inspiration for the book. Even though I was probably about four years old when I got this book, I can STILL remember receiving it for Christmas and my mom talking to me about how it was signed by the author. I love being able to share this with my daughter. It's very special. :-)

-Jess

[Tiffany]

This story is about a dog who wants to rescue people. All his friends tell him he is still because he is a mutt, he can't be anything else. Then on day he rescues Santa Claus! Its an interesting story, but very wordy and may be too long to read for children 5 and up.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my all time favorite books as a child.
I met Richard Stack at a book signing when I was in 1st grade! The story is a perfect Christmas story for kids.

[Jour.Joyeux · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sentimental favorite. Beloved as a kid and still loved as an adult.

[Barbara Brien · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish I had read this as a kid, I would have liked it a lot more. It is cute, and the message - believe in yourself, and in your dreams - is delivered nicely.

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best dog Christmas book ever read

[Steve Horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite Christmas stories. I got it for my daughters in 1989 - they were 7 and 5. I read them a new Christmas book every year. And I'm happy to say that My son-in-law is continuing the tradition with Our two grandchildren. But Josh is a sentimental favorite. I read it every year.