By John Spray & Scot Ritchie
The story of one man, and a few dogs, who have the power to bring joy back to a grieving community.
George has returned home from WWII, which has devastated the world. Though he swore he would never wear a uniform again, George becomes a mailman. Then, something unexpected and miraculous happens—dogs begin following him on his daily paper route. This parade of dogs brings joy and life back to a community still recovering from loss.
The author, John Spray, was inspired to write this story based on his own family’s experience during and after WWII.
Coming Fall 2025
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
“This gentle story could help children in developing empathy and recognizing kindness.”—Booklist
“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
“Lively drawings contribute to an engaging story of dogs, friendship, and community recovery.” —Midwest Book Review
“Scot Ritchie’s gleeful and appealing cartoon illustrations use bright colors to show the new postal carrier trailed by hoards of neighborhood dogs, each with its own personality and style, from the plodding hound to the frisky and beribboned poodle.”—Youth Services Book Review
“Healing is a process, and George’s story here is a glimpse at a few steps in the middle of that journey.”—YA Books Central
“A WWII veteran finds joy in his community as the new mailman, who, along with a few dogs, brings hope back to a grieving community.” —Diverse Classroom Books IG
“Being inspired by a real WW2 Veteran made this book all the more amazing. The acts of kindness, adorable doggie parade, and silliness are precious.” —Murray’s Miraculous Mission IG
“Gentle storytelling paired with engaging illustrations makes this one especially meaningful for conversations about kindness and perseverance.” —Paumen’s Pages IG
“It was heartwarming, it had great illustrations to look at, and I love that this mailman just had a way with all the dogs to where they’d gravitate toward him join him to join him on his route!!”—Mama Coffee Books Cardigans IG
