The Smell of Wet Dog: And Other Dog Poems and Drawings

Equal parts heart-melting and stinky, The Smell of Wet Dog is a must-have illustrated poetry book for every young canine fan.

The smell of wet dog is not a good smell.
When a dog is wet it’s easy to tell.
Imagine moose and skunk perfume.
An odiferous stench, a paint-peeling plume.

Beloved author and illustrator Barney Saltzberg offers up twenty-seven poems on the evergreen topic of human’s best friend. Many have all the humor of a Shel Silverstein classic. Others are unexpectedly poignant, about separation anxiety or older dogs growing less spry. All are accompanied by Saltzberg’s lively and loveable artwork. 

Whether you are a dog lover, love a dog lover, or are simply dog-curious, The Smell of Wet Dog is for someone in your life. One thing’s for sure: You’ll leave this book inspired to write an ode to a furry friend of your own!

A Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Winner of the Bank Street Children's Book Committee Claudia Lewis Award for Younger Poetry