Why do some dogs seem to live as if every ordinary object—a leaf pile, a baseball game, even a bathtub—is an adventure? You’ll discover the answer inside this review.

This Is Dodger by Dawn R. Smith
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
Sub-Genres: Animal stories, Everyday family life, Humor
Themes: Adoption, joy in small moments, companionship, belonging
Content Warning: None

Review
Books that leave a mark on readers often do so not by grand revelations but by the way they shine a spotlight on everyday wonder. This Is Dodger does exactly that. It takes the lens of family life, adds a mischievous rescue dog at its center, and magnifies the beauty hidden in plain sight. Rather than building a sweeping narrative arc, Dawn R. Smith arranges Dodger’s story in moments—snapshots of playful chaos and unexpected tenderness—that feel like polaroids pulled from a memory box.

What makes this story compelling is its rhythm. Each page holds a small, self-contained adventure: Dodger pulling at his leash in a pet store, slipping into autumn leaves, joining children on sledding hills, or barging into a bubble bath. The repetition of “This is…” gives the book a cadence that mirrors the way children describe their world: direct, declarative, and full of wonder. The effect is both comforting and energizing. It also makes the book ideal for read-aloud sessions, where the musicality of language matters just as much as the images on the page.

Dogs have long been studied as emotional mirrors for humans, often responding to our energy and moods with remarkable sensitivity. Dodger flips that relationship around—he drives the energy, setting the tone for everyone else. The children squeal as leaves scatter, family members laugh at toppled shelves, and parents rush to rescue Karly from a bathtub full of bubbles. Dodger is not just part of the family; he orchestrates its soundtrack.

There is also something quietly profound about how the story normalizes rescue adoption. Dodger is introduced not as a dog with a past, but as a dog with a future. The book avoids sentimentality about where he came from and instead embraces what he becomes—beloved, playful, and integral. That framing helps children understand that adopting a pet isn’t an act of charity; it’s an invitation into a shared life of mutual joy.

The illustrations play an essential role. They don’t simply depict Dodger’s antics—they amplify them, giving the impression of motion, chaos, and warmth all at once. It’s impossible to separate the text from the imagery, as together they create the sense that readers are not just observing Dodger but participating in his adventures.

This book will land best with families who enjoy lighthearted storytelling and the humor of everyday mishaps. It may not suit readers seeking layered moral lessons or intricate narratives, but its simplicity is its strength. The experience of reading This Is Dodger feels less like following a story and more like sitting in a living room with friends, laughing at tales about their pet.

Ultimately, Dawn R. Smith offers a reminder that the richest stories are often rooted in laughter, play, and the bonds we form with the animals who share our lives. Dodger may be clumsy, feisty, and unstoppable, but in his exuberance lies a lesson for us all: joy, like love, multiplies when it runs free.

The Bookish Reader’s Pick

This book has been honoured with The Bookish Reader’s Pick title, a prestigious category of The Bookish Awards. This recognition celebrates books that have deeply resonated with readers, capturing their hearts and minds through compelling storytelling, memorable characters, and meaningful themes. Chosen by passionate book lovers, this award highlights the power of literature to inspire, entertain, and leave a lasting impact.