Bill Wallace Books in Order

Where to Start with Bill Wallace

For decades, Bill Wallace spun stories that captured the hearts of children, blending animal adventures with genuine emotion, humor, and life lessons. As a former fourth-grade teacher from Chickasha, Oklahoma, Wallace knew exactly what kept kids turning pages. Because most of his books are standalone novels, you do not need to follow a strict timeline to enjoy his work. However, choosing the right starting point depends on what kind of story you are looking to read.

If you want to start with his most famous and emotionally resonant work, A Dog Called Kitty (1980) is the undisputed choice. This book follows a young boy who is terrified of dogs but gradually overcomes his fear after caring for a homeless, injured pup. It is a beautiful story about courage and healing, though readers should be prepared for a bittersweet ending that tackles themes of loss head-on.

For those who prefer mystery and suspense, Trapped in Death Cave (1984) is a thrilling choice. It follows two young boys investigating a grandfather's suspicious death, leading them to a cave filled with a legendary gold fortune, a curse, and hibernating rattlesnakes. If you want pure humor and sibling rivalry from a pet's point of view, Snot Stew (1989) is a hilarious entry point starring two young cats named Toby and Kiki who are trying to navigate life with human "owners" and a very loud dog.

Upchuck and the Rotten Willy Series

This beloved three-book series follows the unlikely, heartwarming friendship between an adventurous cat named Chuck (nicknamed Upchuck) and a massive, gentle Rottweiler named Rotten Willy. When navigating this series, there is a minor chronological discrepancy you should know about:

• Upchuck and the Rotten Willy (1998) – This is the true narrative starting point. It introduces Chuck, his fear of dogs, and how he eventually strikes up a secret friendship with the friendly Rottweiler next door.
• The Great Escape (1998) – Although some library catalogs list this first due to release details, the plot takes place after the characters meet. In this installment, Chuck accidentally gets trapped in the back of a pickup truck and gets transported far away from home, forcing him to embark on a journey back to his yard and his best friend.
• Running Wild (2000) – The final book in the trilogy, which follows the duo as they face new challenges together in the great outdoors.

We recommend reading Upchuck and the Rotten Willy first to understand how their bond forms, followed by The Great Escape and Running Wild.

The Gray Cat Trilogy (Co-Authored with Carol Wallace)

Co-authored with his wife, Carol Wallace, this trilogy focuses on the hilarious, action-packed lives of a gray cat named Callie, a tiny flea, and the family puppy. The books should be read in publication order:

1. The Flying Flea, Callie and Me (1999) – Callie the cat makes an unlikely friend in a flea who helps her protect her family's house from invading mice.
2. That Furball Puppy and Me (1999) – Callie has to deal with the arrival of a new, hyperactive puppy who seems to get into trouble at every turn.
3. Chomps, Flea, and Gray Cat (2001) – The final adventure brings the cat, the flea, and the dog together to face a common neighborhood threat.

The Bub Moose Duology (Co-Authored with Carol Wallace)

Another collaboration with Carol Wallace, this short duology is perfect for younger readers who love wilderness animals. It follows a young moose named Bub as he grows up in the forest and learns about the dangers of the wild:

1. Bub Moose (2001) – Introduces Bub as he makes friends with other forest creatures and learns to avoid humans and predators.
2. Bub, Snow, and the Burly Bear Scare (2002) – Bub experiences his first winter and must protect his friends from a hungry, hibernating bear that has woken up early.

The Standalone Adventure & Frontier Novels

Aside from his short series, the majority of Bill Wallace's books are standalone stories. These can be read in any order you choose. They generally fall into two distinct styles:

Action and Survival Adventures

• Shadow on the Snow (1985) / Danger on Panther Peak (1987) – Note that these are the exact same story! Originally published as Shadow on the Snow, it was later reissued under the name Danger on Panther Peak. The plot follows Tom Burke on his grandfather's ranch, who must ride through a blizzard in panther territory to get help for his injured grandfather.
• Red Dog (1987) – Set in the historic Wyoming territory, this survival story follows a young boy who must protect his family and his puppies from a group of ruthless gold miners.
• Danger in Quicksand Swamp (1991) – Two brothers get lost in a swamp and find themselves running from a dangerous alligator and a mysterious kidnapper.

Humorous and Domestic Animal Tales

• Ferret in the Bedroom, Lizards in the Fridge (1986) – A hilarious story about a girl who wants to run for class president but is embarrassed by her zoologist father's collection of exotic household pets.
• Totally Disgusting! (1991) – Follows a young kitten named Mewkiss who has to overcome his fear of rats and prove he is not a "totally disgusting" scaredy-cat.
• No Dogs Allowed! (2004) – A heartwarming tale about a family dealing with the rules of their home and the animals that worm their way into their hearts anyway.

What to Know Before You Start

Wallace’s books are famous for their realism. Unlike many modern children’s books where animals speak and nothing bad ever happens, Wallace does not shy away from the harsh realities of nature. Main characters face danger, pets get injured, and beloved animals sometimes pass away. This emotional weight is what makes his books so memorable for readers. If you are sharing these books with very young children, it is worth discussing themes of grief and responsibility beforehand. His simple, engaging prose is highly accessible, making them ideal for reluctant readers in the third to fifth grades.

Complete Chronological Publication Order

If you want to read all of Bill Wallace's books in the order they were written, here is the complete publication checklist:

• A Dog Called Kitty (1980)
• Trapped in Death Cave (1984)
• Shadow on the Snow (1985)
• Ferret in the Bedroom, Lizards in the Fridge (1986)
• Red Dog (1987)
• Danger on Panther Peak (1987)
• Beauty (1988)
• Snot Stew (1989)
• Christmas Spurs (1990)
• Totally Disgusting! (1991)
• Danger in Quicksand Swamp (1991)
• Buffalo Gal (1992)
• The Biggest Klutz in Fifth Grade (1992)
• Never Say Quit (1993)
• Blackwater Swamp (1994)
• True Friends (1994)
• Watchdog and the Coyotes (1995)
• Journey into Terror (1996)
• The Final Freedom (1997)
• Aloha Summer (1997)
• The Backward Bird Dog (1997)
• Upchuck and the Rotten Willy (1998)
• The Great Escape (1998)
• The Flying Flea, Callie and Me (1999)
• That Furball Puppy and Me (1999)
• Eye of the Great Bear (1999)
• Running Wild (2000)
• Coyote Autumn (2000)
• Bub Moose (2001)
• Chomps, Flea, and Gray Cat (2001)
• Goosed! (2002)
• Bub, Snow, and the Burly Bear Scare (2002)
• The Meanest Hound Around (2003)
• Skinny-Dipping at Monster Lake (2003)
• No Dogs Allowed! (2004)
• Pick of the Litter (2005)
• The Legend of Thunderfoot (2006)
• The Dog Who Thought He Was Santa (2007)
• That Doggone Calf (2009)