The Pretty Poodle

The Pretty Poodle

A heartwarming story about perseverance, literacy, and achieving your dreams.

What would you do to earn something you've always wanted?

Mary wants a poodle more than anything in the world. When her parents present her with a challenge she must complete before getting the pet she desires, Mary faces an important choice: give up on her dream or rise to the occasion. Along the way, she discovers that determination, hard work, and education can open doors to opportunities far greater than she imagined.

Inspired by the remarkable life of educator and pioneer Mary Lou Allison Gardner Little, The Pretty Poodle is an engaging work of juvenile historical fiction that introduces young readers to timeless values including perseverance, responsibility, goal-setting, family, and the importance of academic achievement.

The story also celebrates the legacy of the woman who inspired seven young Black women to found what would become an international public service organization dedicated to uplifting women, girls, and communities around the world.

Written for children ages 6–12, The Pretty Poodle encourages meaningful conversations at home, in classrooms, libraries, and youth programs while inspiring children to dream big and work toward their goals.

Original Artwork

Every illustration in The Pretty Poodle was created specifically for this story by illustrator Bill Young, bringing Mary's journey to life through expressive, full-color artwork that complements the book's themes of perseverance, family, and achievement.

Your purchase also includes a FREE downloadable PDF Student Workbook!

The companion workbook extends learning beyond the story with literacy-based activities designed to support reading comprehension, writing practice, vocabulary development, and critical thinking.

It is ideal for classroom instruction, homeschool learning, youth programs, and summer reading enrichment.

The workbook includes:

• Reading comprehension questions
• Vocabulary development
• Creative writing prompts
• Reflection activities
• Goal-setting exercises
• Literacy-building activities
• Discussion questions for parents, teachers, and group leaders