Dog Diaries Books in Order

Where to Start with Dog Diaries

The beauty of the Dog Diaries series by Kate Klimo is that there is no single "correct" starting point. Because each book is a standalone story narrated by a completely different dog from a unique historical era, readers can dive in wherever their interests lie. Whether you are fascinated by the snowy peaks of the Swiss Alps, the battlefields of World War I, or the royal chambers of Buckingham Palace, there is a canine narrator ready to guide you.

For readers who prefer to follow a series from its debut, starting with Book 1, Ginger, is a popular choice. It serves as a wonderful introduction to the series' animal-first narrative style, focusing on modern-day animal welfare and pet adoption. However, if your reader is a history buff, you might want to start with one of the historical standouts like Togo (Book 4), which recounts the heroic 1925 Alaskan serum run, or Stubby (Book 7), which brings the trench warfare of World War I to life in a gentle, age-appropriate manner.

Dog Diaries Books in Publication Order

Reading the series in publication order allows you to experience the books as they were released from 2013 to 2019. Illustrated by Tim Jessell, each book features realistic black-and-white artwork and a factual appendix containing historical context and breed information.

• Book 1: Ginger (2013) – The series opener focuses on Ginger, a Golden Retriever who survives a difficult start in a puppy mill, experiences life as a stray, and eventually finds a loving forever home. This modern-day story teaches empathy and animal welfare.
• Book 2: Buddy (2013) – Based on the inspiring true story of the first Seeing Eye guide dog in the United States. Buddy, a German Shepherd originally named Kiss, is trained in Switzerland before partnering with Morris Frank, a young blind man, to establish the landmark guide-dog school.
• Book 3: Barry (2013) – This book details the legendary life of Barry der Menschenretter, a Saint Bernard who lived at the Great St. Bernard Hospice in the early 1800s. Barry is credited with saving more than 40 travelers lost in the snowy Swiss Alps.
• Book 4: Togo (2013) – The true story of the 1925 diphtheria serum run to Nome, Alaska, told from the perspective of Togo, the Siberian Husky who led Leonhard Seppala’s sled team through the longest and most treacherous stretch of the journey.
• Book 5: Dash (2014) – Dash, an English Springer Spaniel, recounts the historic 1620 voyage of the Mayflower from England to the New World, sharing his view of the ocean crossing and the historic first Thanksgiving alongside his Mastiff friend, Mercy.
• Book 6: Sweetie (2015) – Sweetie is an American Foxhound belonging to George Washington at Mount Vernon. When Washington leaves to lead the Continental Army, Sweetie accompanies him, providing a dog's-eye view of the American Revolutionary War.
• Book 7: Stubby (2015) – The true story of Sergeant Stubby, a Boston Terrier mix who became the most decorated war dog of World War I. Found as a stray, he served in the trenches of France, detecting gas attacks and comforting wounded soldiers.
• Book 8: Fala (2016) – Fala, a Scottish Terrier, was the constant companion of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. This story covers their time together in the White House during World War II, offering a front-row seat to global history and presidential life.
• Book 9: Sparky (2016) – A special crossover edition with the companion Horse Diaries series. Sparky is a Dalmatian fire dog in 1871 Chicago who, along with a carriage horse named Cinders, must work to help people during the Great Chicago Fire.
• Book 10: Rolf (2017) – Rolf is a spirited Dachshund who becomes a "tripod" dog after losing a hind leg in an accident. Refusing to let his physical challenges stop him, Rolf trains to become a certified therapy dog, helping others heal.
• Book 11: Tiny Tim (2017) – Tiny Tim (originally named Timber) is a Havanese dog belonging to the famous Victorian author Charles Dickens. He watches Dickens write A Christmas Carol and shares stories of Victorian family life.
• Book 12: Susan (2018) – Given to Princess Elizabeth (the future Queen Elizabeth II) as an 18th-birthday present in 1944, Susan the Pembroke Welsh Corgi narrates her life inside Buckingham Palace and the start of the royal family’s famous love for Corgis.
• Book 13: Fido (2018) – Fido is Abraham Lincoln’s beloved family dog. He shares his memories of Lincoln’s pre-presidential life in Springfield, Illinois, and the escalating tensions leading up to the Civil War.
• Book 14: Sunny (2019) – Sunny is a pampered, first-class Pekingese passenger aboard the RMS Titanic. The story contrasts his luxurious life on the ship with the dramatic events of the sinking, which he miraculously survives.

Dog Diaries in Chronological Order

For readers who want to turn their reading journey into a chronological tour of world history, the books can be rearranged by the historical settings of their narratives. Here is how the books stack up on a historical timeline:

1. 1620: Dash (Book 5) – The Mayflower voyage and early colonial life in America.
2. 1770s: Sweetie (Book 6) – The American Revolutionary War and George Washington’s presidency.
3. Early 1800s: Barry (Book 3) – Saint Bernard rescue operations in the Swiss Alps.
4. 1840s: Tiny Tim (Book 11) – Victorian London and the writing of A Christmas Carol.
5. 1850s–1860s: Fido (Book 13) – Pre-Civil War Illinois and the life of Abraham Lincoln.
6. 1871: Sparky (Book 9) – The Great Chicago Fire.
7. 1912: Sunny (Book 14) – The tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic.
8. 1917–1918: Stubby (Book 7) – The European battlefields of World War I.
9. 1925: Togo (Book 4) – The historic Alaskan serum run to Nome.
10. 1928–1930s: Buddy (Book 2) – The founding of the first American guide-dog school.
11. 1940s: Fala (Book 8) – Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency during World War II.
12. 1944 onward: Susan (Book 12) – Princess Elizabeth’s youth in Buckingham Palace during the mid-20th century.
13. Modern Era: Ginger (Book 1) & Rolf (Book 10) – Contemporary settings dealing with modern animal shelters, pet adoption, and canine therapy work.

What to Know Before You Start

The series is written by Kate Klimo, a veteran children's publisher and author who draws from her deep love of animals to craft these highly researched historical novels. To keep young readers engaged, Klimo uses first-person canine narration, filling each book with sensory descriptions—focusing heavily on smells, sounds, and dog behaviors. Tim Jessell's realistic illustrations complement this tone perfectly, helping readers visualize historical clothing, settings, and the dogs themselves. Parents and educators should note that while the books handle difficult moments in history (such as wars, natural disasters, and the sinking of the Titanic), they do so with a gentle touch suitable for the 7 to 10 age group. Additionally, every book concludes with a factual appendix that distinguishes historical facts from fiction and provides educational details about the featured dog breed.