A Dog Called Kitty

A young boy named Ricky lives on a farm in Oklahoma and has an intense fear of dogs after a traumatic incident in his past. When a starving stray puppy shows up at his family's farm, Ricky must confront his phobia while the persistent puppy tries to win him over. The puppy, which Ricky reluctantly names Kitty, proves difficult to ignore as it continues appearing around the farm despite Ricky's attempts to avoid it. Their evolving relationship becomes intertwined with daily life on the farm, where Ricky helps his parents with chores and navigates rural challenges. The story explores themes of overcoming fear, the healing power of unexpected friendships, and the bonds that can form between humans and animals. Through Ricky's journey, the narrative demonstrates how facing one's fears can lead to personal growth and transformation.

Readers connect emotionally with this story about overcoming fear and building trust between a boy and a stray puppy. Parents and teachers report it resonates with children ages 8-12. Likes: - Authentic portrayal of childhood fear - Clear, straightforward writing style - Educational value about responsibility and perseverance - Memorable character development - Safe content for young readers Dislikes: - Some scenes described as too intense for sensitive children - Pacing feels slow in middle chapters - Several readers note predictable plot elements Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (2,700+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (280+ ratings) Scholastic: 4.5/5 (150+ ratings) Reader comments highlight the book's impact: "My students were completely invested in the story" (4th grade teacher). "This book helped my son work through his fear of dogs" (Parent reviewer). Multiple reviewers mention crying at emotional scenes, though note these moments feel earned rather than manipulative.

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🐾 Bill Wallace was inspired to write "A Dog Called Kitty" based on his own childhood fear of dogs after being attacked by a neighborhood dog when he was young. 🏆 The book won the Texas Bluebonnet Award in 1983, an honor voted on by young readers across the state of Texas. 🎓 Before becoming an author, Bill Wallace worked as a school principal and physical education teacher in Oklahoma, where many of his stories are set. 🐕 The story's authentic portrayal of overcoming fear has made it a frequent choice for elementary school counselors helping children deal with their own phobias. 📝 Wallace wrote the first draft of "A Dog Called Kitty" during his lunch breaks while working as a teacher, taking about six months to complete the manuscript.