Lucky Dog Comes Home - by John Spray (Hardcover)

About the Book

When George returns home from WWII, he would have never imagined he could be the one to restore joy in his grieving town. A story about hope, community, and overcoming loss.

Book Synopsis

The story of one mailman, a few dogs, and the power to bring joy back to a grieving community--inspired by a celebrated WWII veteran.

George lives a peaceful life on his family farm in Indiana until he is recruited for the US army for WWII. While George longed to go back home throughout the war, home is a very different place when he returns. His family farm has been sold and George must find a new job. Though he swore he would never wear a uniform again, George becomes a letter carrier. Then, something unexpected and miraculous happens--friendly neighborhood dogs begin following him on his daily route. As the parade of dogs quickly grows each day, so too does the joy spread in a community still healing from loss.

John Spray's stepfather is the inspiration behind the character George, who was a celebrated WWII veteran and post-war letter carrier--loved by both the people and dogs in his small town, Lafayette, Indiana. Scot Ritchie illustrates with powerful depth and humor. .

Review Quotes

Praise for Lucky Dog Comes Home

CBC November Hot Off The Press Feature

"The art is delightful, and George is a cheery protagonist"--Kirkus Reviews

"Spray's voice has a conversational quality that makes the story feel like firsthand family lore, while Ritchie's loosely sketched cartoons capture home as a place of comfort."--Publisher's Weekly

"this gentle story could help children in developing empathy and recognizing kindness."--Booklist