Common Sense Media Review
By Darienne Stewart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Warm-hearted dogs in silly Big Nate-style adventure.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
Stick Dog lives happily on his own in an empty pipe under a highway. One day the summer wind brings with it the intoxicating smell of hamburgers being grilled at a nearby park. Stick Dog leads his friends on a quest to get their paws on those burgers. Their adventure is interrupted by one thing after another: a pesky squirrel, a missing dog, a tasty appetizer, and the challenge of agreeing on a sound plan to swipe the burgers from an unsuspecting family.
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Is It Any Good?
The visual and narrative style of STICK DOG is similar to those of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Big Nate series, but without their occasional bite. The canine companions -- Stick Dog, Karen, Mutt, a poodle named Poo-Poo, and a spotted dog named Stripes -- are sweet and loyal friends. The story is a silly romp that leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy.
Ethan Long's stick-figure illustrations are charming adaptations of original artwork by author Tom Watson. The publisher recommends this for ages 8 and up, but this is definitely skewed to a younger set just beginning chapter books. The goofy style and simple writing are ideally suited to young readers -- older children may find it a little too simplistic and rambling.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Stick Dog is similar in style to Big Nate and Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Why do you think this storytelling style is so popular with kids?
The dogs do a lot of brainstorming and work together in pursuit of burgers. Stick Dog is clearly in charge, but without being bossy. What makes him a good leader?
Learn how to draw Stick Dog at the series website, which also offers pictures to download, a quiz, and free downloadable picture books by the author.
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Ethan Long
- Genre : Humor
- Topics : Animals , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : HarperCollins Publishers
- Publication date : January 8, 2013
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 189
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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