Harry the Dirty Dog
First edition cover, designed by Margaret Graham
AuthorGene Zion
IllustratorMargaret Bloy Graham
Cover artistGraham
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish, Spanish
GenreChildren's literature
PublisherHarper & Brothers
Publication date
1956
Pages32

Harry the Dirty Dog is an American children's picture book written by Gene Zion and illustrated by Margaret Bloy Graham. Originally published in black and white in 1956 by Harper and Row, it was reprinted in 2002 with splashes of color added by the original artist. Based on a 2007 online poll, the National Education Association listed the book as one of its "Teachers' Top 100 Books for Children."[1] The story also spawned an animated short, which was released in 1997.

Plot

Harry is a family dog with white fur and black spots who, disenchanted with taking baths, buries the bathtub scrubber and runs away from home. Harry becomes very dirty after playing in the streets, at the railroad, and in the dog park to the extent that, covered in dirt, he becomes a black dog with white spots. When he returns home, Harry's family does not recognize him. His attempts to get his family to realize that it is him succeed only when he digs up the brush that he had earlier buried. The family collectively gives the strange dog a bath, ultimately recognizing it to be Harry. Soon after, however, Harry hides the scrubbing brush under his bed.

Film

In 1987, a live action short film based on the book was produced and released. It was directed by Peter Matulavich and written by Gene Zion and Matulavich.

Ten years later, in 1997, Weston Woods Studios released another film featuring this character, narrated by Bruce Bayley Johnson

Reception

Harry the Dirty Dog received positive reviews.[2] Kirkus Reviews called it "Another funnybone tickling charmer".[3] Kids' Book Review said, "Its timeless storyline, humour and sheer affection between the characters make the series an absolute delight for all ages."[4] Common Sense Media commented, "Expressive illustrations with old-fashioned charm."[5] The book continues to be held in thousands of libraries worldwide.[6]

References

  1. ↑ National Education Association (2007). "Teachers' Top 100 Books for Children". Archived from the original on July 30, 2013. Retrieved August 19, 2012.
  2. ↑ "Margaret Bloy Graham, 'Harry the Dirty Dog' Illustrator, Dies at 94". New York Times. 28 January 2015. Retrieved 19 June 2015.
  3. ↑ "Harry the Dirty Dog". www.kirkusreviews.com. Kirkus Media LLC. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  4. ↑ "Review: Harry the Dirty Dog". www.kids-bookreview.com. Kids' Book Review. 17 May 2009. Retrieved 19 June 2015.
  5. ↑ "Harry the Dirty Dog". www.commonsensemedia.org. Common Sense Media Inc. Retrieved 19 June 2015.
  6. ↑ "Harry, the dirty dog". WorldCat, accessed 21 September 2015.


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