Parents' Guide to

Stick Dog, Book 1

By Darienne Stewart, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 7+

Warm-hearted dogs in silly Big Nate-style adventure.

Book Tom Watson Humor 2013
Stick Dog, Book 1 Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 6+

Based on 1 parent review

leah1510-proman
leah1510-proman Adult
November 14, 2018
age 6+

IDK

I think this is a good book and other people should get it because it is a really funny and cool book. Whenever I started the book I did not wanna quit reading it so I kept on reading it until it ended. So I think other people should get it and read it to no matter what age.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
See all 1 parent review

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?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (1 ):
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

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