Welcome to the exciting world of Stick Dog, a beloved series that has captured the hearts of young readers with its humorous tales of a stray dog and his quirky friends. Written and illustrated by Tom Watson, these chapter books offer delightful adventures centered around food, friendship, and ingenious (or sometimes not-so-ingenious) plans. If you’re a parent, educator, or a young reader eager to dive into the escapades of Stick Dog, Mutt, Karen, Stripes, and Poo-Poo, knowing the Stick Dog Books In Order is key to experiencing their journey as intended. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each installment, ensuring you follow every hilarious quest chronologically.
The Stick Dog series is celebrated for its simple yet engaging black-and-white illustrations and a narrative style that appeals particularly to children in grades 2-5, including reluctant readers. Tom Watson masterfully blends slapstick comedy with heartwarming themes of teamwork, loyalty, and problem-solving. Each book presents a new, often food-driven, mission that requires the entire canine crew to work together, despite their individual eccentricities. From chasing hamburgers to craving candy, these dogs are always on the hunt for their next delicious meal, leading to unpredictable and laugh-out-loud scenarios. Understanding the proper reading order helps appreciate the subtle character developments and recurring jokes that make the series so special. Just as readers might follow the sequential order of Dog Man books for continuity, enjoying Stick Dog in its intended progression enhances the overall storytelling experience for young audiences.
Meet the Canine Crew: Characters and Themes of the Stick Dog Series
Before embarking on their culinary quests, it’s essential to get acquainted with Stick Dog and his band of merry misfits. Each character brings a unique personality to the group, contributing to the series’ charm and humor:
- Stick Dog: The natural leader and mastermind behind most of their food-snatching schemes. He’s smart, patient, and surprisingly resourceful, often drawing elaborate plans in the dirt.
- Stripes: A Dalmatian who is easily distracted and prone to wild, often paranoid, theories about humans. His quirky observations add a layer of unpredictable humor.
- Karen: A Dachshund known for her boundless energy and occasional caffeine-induced hyperactivity. She’s fiercely loyal but can sometimes get the group into (or out of) trouble with her impulsive actions.
- Mutt: A kind-hearted mutt who isn’t the brightest of the bunch but possesses an unwavering enthusiasm and a strong sense of loyalty.
- Poo-Poo: A Poodle who often finds himself in comical predicaments, from squaring off against squirrels to getting tangled in unexpected situations. He’s a bit of a worrier but always there for his friends.
Together, these five stray dogs form an unlikely but inseparable family, driven by their insatiable hunger and their strong bond. The core themes woven throughout the series include:
- Teamwork and Friendship: Despite their individual quirks and occasional disagreements, the dogs always come together to help each other and achieve their goals.
- Problem-Solving: Stick Dog’s elaborate plans, often depicted with simple diagrams, encourage young readers to think critically about challenges and solutions.
- Humor and Adventure: The books are filled with funny dialogue, unexpected twists, and relatable scenarios that keep children entertained from beginning to end.
- Empathy for Animals: While humorous, the series also subtly highlights the challenges and simple joys of stray dogs, fostering a sense of empathy in readers.
Stick Dog Books in Order: The Full Series List
Here is the complete chronological list of the Stick Dog books in order, detailing each adventure and why it’s a must-read for fans of canine capers.
1. Stick Dog (2013)
The official cover for the first Stick Dog book, showcasing the titular character on a quest for hamburgers at Picasso Park.
The adventure begins when Stick Dog, with his keen nose, catches the irresistible scent of hamburgers grilling in Picasso Park. This inaugural book introduces readers to the entire gang: Stripes, Karen, Mutt, and Poo-Poo, as they embark on their very first collaborative mission to snatch those fantastic-smelling burgers. It’s not an easy feat, as they face challenges like Poo-Poo’s encounter with a squirrel, Karen getting separated, and Stripes’s hilarious conviction that the humans are “super-warriors.” Stick Dog must utilize all his strategic thinking and patience to guide his not-so-clever friends through a series of comical obstacles to achieve their delicious goal. This book perfectly sets the tone for the entire series, establishing the characters’ personalities and their signature blend of humor and teamwork.
2. Stick Dog Wants a Hot Dog (2014)
Cover art for Stick Dog Wants a Hot Dog, the second book in the series, featuring Stick Dog and his friends eyeing a delicious hot dog cart.
In the highly anticipated sequel, Stick Dog and his companions are drawn to a strange ringing sound that leads them directly to a hot dog cart. The tantalizing aroma of frankfurters ignites a new quest for the hungry hounds. However, this time, they face formidable competition: a cunning team of raccoons led by the mischievous Phyllis. The race for hot dogs is on, testing Stick Dog’s leadership and ingenuity more than ever before. He’ll need all his skill, fortitude, and cunning to outsmart the raccoons and secure a fabulous frankfurter feast for his friends. Complicating matters further, Stick Dog must first rescue Karen from the clutches of a large, peculiar human, adding an extra layer of peril and humor to their already challenging mission.
Buy “Stick Dog Wants a Hot Dog”
3. Stick Dog Chases a Pizza (2014)
Book cover for Stick Dog Chases a Pizza, depicting the adventurous canine group pursuing a flying pizza slice.
Is it a UFO? A giant frisbee? Or something even more extraordinary? Stick Dog and his zany canine crew discover a new and utterly delicious flavor—pizza! Even more tantalizing than hamburgers and hot dogs, this cheesy delight becomes their next obsession. Their mission to acquire some slices of their own proves to be one of their most challenging yet. Along the way, they encounter a kitten in need of rescue, forcing them to juggle their food quest with an act of heroism. Making a plan becomes paramount, especially with the messiest and most dangerous game of catch they’ve ever played standing between them and their cheesy prize. This installment showcases the dogs’ evolving teamwork and Stick Dog’s unwavering determination to satisfy his friends’ cravings.
Buy “Stick Dog Chases a Pizza”
4. Stick Dog Dreams of Ice Cream (2015)
As temperatures rise, Stick Dog and his pals find themselves desperate for something cold and sweet: ice cream! Their quest for a scrumptious frozen treat on a sweltering day leads them into another series of comical adventures. This time, Stick Dog’s intelligence is put to the test as he navigates his friends through various bizarre obstacles. They must battle a mysterious water-attacking machine, discover vibrant rainbow puddles, and chase the loudest and strangest truck they’ve ever encountered. The stakes are raised when Stick Dog is spotted by a human, putting him at risk of capture with the police on his tail. His escape is critical, not just for his freedom but for the collective dream of an ice cream feast.
Buy “Stick Dog Dreams of Ice Cream”
5. Stick Dog Tries To Take The Donuts (2015)
It’s morning, and the hungry dogs are ready for breakfast. Their target? Delicious donuts! Stick Dog orchestrates another outrageous canine caper, this time focusing on snatching some sweet treats for his famished pals. The mission requires him to halt a moving truck, outsmart a man precariously perched on a telephone pole, and calm down a highly caffeinated Karen whose energy levels are off the charts. Adding to the chaos is the greatest confrontation in the series’ history: Poo-Poo comes face-to-face with his ultimate nemesis, a squirrel. Through Stick Dog’s combination of smarts, daring, unwavering loyalty, and a hefty dose of patience, he aims to lead his buddies to what might just be the best breakfast ever.
Buy “Stick Dog Tries To Take The Donuts”
6. Stick Dog Slurps Spaghetti (2016)
Slippery, slurpable, and utterly irresistible—it’s spaghetti! Stick Dog and his hungry gang initially set out in search of a rope for a game of tug-of-war. However, their quest leads them to something far more appealing: a pile of spaghetti. Once they get a taste, there’s no turning back; they simply must have more. This mission proves to be their most difficult yet, demanding all of Stick Dog’s exceptional problem-solving skills. They must bravely scale the tallest mountain in the suburbs and discreetly sneak into a bustling restaurant filled with humans. Dangerous figures like a strange-talking girl, a massive chef, and even a “penguin-man” lurk around every corner. But the air holds more than just danger; Stick Dog catches the scent of something even more scrumptious than spaghetti, prompting him to risk everything to uncover its identity.
Buy “Stick Dog Slurps Spaghetti”
7. Stick Dog Craves Candy (2016)
As darkness descends on Stick Dog’s neighborhood, strange little humans dressed as witches, astronauts, and ghosts emerge. While his friends—Stripes, Mutt, Karen, and Poo-Poo—are understandably spooked, Stick Dog uses his courage and smarts to uncover the source of the commotion: candy! Just a taste is never enough for this band of hungry hounds; they need more, and they need it now. To reach the ultimate sweet reward, Stick Dog must meticulously stalk two witches, outsmart an old woman, and escape from a locked enclosure. The night is filled with mysterious creatures and sugary delights, and Stick Dog is ready to tackle the spooky challenge head-on, proving his bravery and strategic thinking.
8. Stick Dog Crashes a Party (2017)
Picasso Park has always been a hotspot for tasty treats, but on one particular dark night, it transforms into an unimaginable wonderland. Strings of white lights, colorful fireworks, and an endless buffet of amazing food signal that a grand party is underway. Stick Dog, Mutt, Poo-Poo, Stripes, and Karen are more than ready to crash it. But how will they navigate the festivities and snatch some delicious barbecue ribs and cake? Their mission requires a top-notch strategy, a good dose of luck, and an unexpected alliance with two charming cats. This installment is another smart and hilarious romp, highlighting the dogs’ evolving planning skills and their ability to forge new friendships in their relentless pursuit of food.
Buy “Stick Dog Crashes a Party”
9. Stick Dog Gets the Tacos (2018)
When Karen dashes into Stick Dog’s pipe-home declaring an emergency, Stick Dog immediately springs into action. After a frantic race through the woods with his squad of strays, he discovers that there’s no crisis at all—but there is an incredible opportunity to feed his perpetually hungry friends! As a family of humans prepares to feast on tacos, tortilla chips, and guacamole, Stick Dog meticulously crafts his own plans. To ensure Mutt, Karen, Poo-Poo, and Stripes get their share, he’ll need every bit of his intelligence and problem-solving prowess. While his drooling, goofy friends eagerly anticipate their meal, something peculiar catches Stick Dog’s attention: a mysterious object swinging in a tree. His madcap, daring quest for tacos takes an unexpected turn as he tries to figure out how to get this intriguing item.
Buy “Stick Dog Gets the Tacos”
10. Stick Dog Meets His Match (2019)
Coffee is being served, meat is on the menu, and could love possibly be in the air? Stick Dog’s day spirals out of control when Karen drinks an excessive amount of coffee, leading to her falling into a really deep hole. As he and his friends scramble to rescue the hyperactive Dachshund, Poo-Poo catches a magnificent scent: meat! An abundance of marvelous meat, located in a big truck. But there’s more than just meat in that truck; there’s also a new dog. And when Stick Dog sees her, he feels a strange sensation in his heart. Balancing the urgent task of rescuing Karen and tracking down the meat truck, Stick Dog needs all his smarts, problem-solving abilities, and patience. This time, however, he just might need a little extra help – some female help – in this tail-wagging, food-craving adventure, making it unlike any Stick Dog story before with a touch of puppy love!
Buy “Stick Dog Meets His Match”
11. Stick Dog Takes Out Sushi (2020)
Sticks! But not just any sticks—tasty chopsticks! When Stick Dog and his crew unknowingly stumble upon a pair of chopsticks, their curiosity and heightened sense of smell lead them to a lakeside sushi restaurant. They can see the vibrant sushi, they can smell its fresh aroma, but the crucial question remains: how will they actually get their paws on it? Several peculiar obstacles stand in Stick Dog’s way, including a squirrel enjoying a barbecue potato chip, a runaway canoe drifting across the water, and a small human girl. Stick Dog must skillfully navigate around each of these challenges if he hopes to secure some delectable sushi for his eagerly drooling friends. It’s another wonderfully wacky food-snatching mission where failure means empty stomachs for Mutt, Karen, Stripes, and Poo-Poo, but success promises a sushi feast for everyone!
Buy “Stick Dog Takes Out Sushi”
12. Stick Dog Comes to Town (2021)
Magic pine cones, the mysterious Santa Claws, and baffling mistletoe! Weird and wonderful things are happening in Stick Dog’s snow-covered neighborhood. Peculiarly shaped pinecones dangle from trees, humans sing cheerful merry songs throughout town, and a strange man is diligently making a list and checking it twice. Mutt, Karen, Stripes, and Poo-Poo are brimming with questions, and for the first time, Stick Dog doesn’t have the answers. Fortunately, their good friend Lucy steps in to shed light on the holiday season. When the dogs learn all about Santa Claus, their most heartwarming and hilarious quest yet begins. They desperately need Santa to find Stick Dog’s pipe-home. This won’t be easy; they must create and hang stockings, cut down and decorate a tree, and much more, all before tomorrow, Christmas Eve. Will these holiday hounds complete their mission? Will Santa discover their humble home in the woods? If he doesn’t, it could be a long, cold winter, but if he does, Stick Dog and his pals can celebrate Christmas for the very first time!
Beyond the US: Stick Dog Books in the UK
Did you know that the incredible Stick Dog series is also available for readers in the United Kingdom? While the stories and characters remain the same, the book covers often feature slightly different artwork, offering a unique visual experience for British audiences. It’s fascinating to see how the same beloved tales are presented across different markets. If you’re in the UK and eager to get your paws on these delightful adventures, you can find the British versions through various online retailers. These alternative covers add a cool collector’s element for dedicated fans of the series.
British cover art for Stick Dog Wants a Hot Dog, highlighting the series' international appeal.
British cover for Stick Dog Tries To Take The Donuts, illustrating the distinct cover designs across different regions.
More Adventures by Tom Watson: Rhyming Picture Books
Beyond the popular Stick Dog chapter book series, author Tom Watson has also penned a delightful collection of rhyming picture books. Originally created for his own children, these stories reflect Watson’s characteristic love for language, quirky humor, and classic storytelling. These picture books, aimed at slightly younger readers than the Stick Dog series, have achieved immense popularity, with electronic versions downloaded over two million times across various platforms like Amazon, Apple’s iBooks, and Barnes & Noble. They are filled with colorful paper-cut illustrations, making them visually engaging for young minds. Tom Watson generously makes these stories available for free download directly from his website, offering them in PDF format that can be read on computers, tablets, phones, or even printed out.
These charming stories often come with a playful warning from the author, advising parents to check the content if certain themes might not be suitable for their child’s sensibilities. For instance, When Cows Fly involves some rather humorous (and slightly gross) cow-related antics! They’re perfect for preschoolers and early elementary readers who enjoy whimsical tales and vibrant artwork.
Garbage! Monster! Burp!
Cover of Tom Watson's rhyming picture book, Garbage! Monster! Burp!, depicting a large, burping monster.
At the base of a bustling town, a massive monster happily consumes all the garbage produced by the residents on the hill above. This arrangement provides two crucial benefits: the monster remains well-fed and content, and the town stays wonderfully clean. However, as the town expands, so does the volume of garbage the monster needs to devour. He grows larger and, predictably, starts to burp—a rather unsightly and pungent consequence. In the end, a group of clever children devises a solution to this burgeoning problem, despite the persistent doubts and objections of the town’s grumpy mayor. This story, a favorite of Tom Watson’s wife, combines humor with a touch of environmental problem-solving.
Download “Garbage! Monster! Burp!”
Kangarooster
Kangarooster picture book cover, featuring a quirky kangaroo and rooster hybrid character.
On a farm in Kalamazoo, a diligent father instills a strong work ethic in his daughter, Lizzy, and all the animals under their care. One day, Lizzy makes an astonishing discovery: a kangaroo! Her father agrees to let the unusual creature live on the farm, provided Lizzy can find it a suitable role. Lizzy succeeds, but then she encounters even more extraordinary animals—Kangaroosters! Now, the challenge is even greater: what job can she possibly find for these unique kangaroo-rooster hybrids? This imaginative tale explores themes of finding one’s place and the joy of embracing the extraordinary.
Vampire Bass
Cover art for Vampire Bass, a Tom Watson rhyming story about mutated fish in a polluted lake.
When a new power plant begins to pollute a nearby lake, the consequences are strange and unsettling. The once-friendly fish in the lake start to mutate, transforming into peculiar creatures that soon seek revenge against the power plant responsible for their plight. Despite having “vampire” in its title, this story is not intended to be scary. Instead, it offers a whimsical and slightly cautionary tale about environmental impact, told with Tom Watson’s characteristic lighthearted touch and engaging rhymes. It’s a fun read that introduces complex ideas in a digestible way for young readers.
When Cows Fly
When Cows Fly picture book cover, illustrating cows with wings in a humorous, limerick-style adventure.
Written in a lively, limerick-style rhyme, this story centers around a boy named Jacob, his beloved pet cows, and an ever-growing pile of garbage accumulating near his woods. Taking matters into his own hands, Jacob ingeniously attaches wings to his cows, and they embark on a truly unique mission. What unfolds next is both uproariously funny and, for some, a little bit gross (as the warning from the author suggests!). Tom Watson’s personal favorite among his rhyming books, this tale is a testament to his quirky humor and ability to craft memorable, imaginative narratives that push the boundaries of conventional children’s literature.
Conclusion: Join the Stick Dog Adventure!
The Stick Dog series offers a fantastic gateway into independent reading for elementary school children, blending engaging narratives with laugh-out-loud humor and relatable themes of friendship and perseverance. By following the stick dog books in order, readers can fully appreciate the character development, recurring jokes, and escalating adventures of this lovable pack of stray dogs. Tom Watson’s unique storytelling, coupled with his distinctive stick-figure illustrations, creates a world that is both imaginative and accessible. Whether your child is a seasoned reader or just beginning their chapter book journey, Stick Dog’s quests for delicious food and enduring camaraderie are sure to entertain. Dive into these books today and let Stick Dog and his friends lead your family on countless memorable culinary escapades. Explore more of our articles for tips on dog care, behavior, and how to foster a lifelong love of reading in your children!
