Picture a storyteller who turned a bedtime tale for his kids into a heartwarming holiday classic—meet Greg Kincaid! Born in Providence, Rhode Island, but rooted in rural Kansas, Kincaid is the New York Times bestselling author of the A Dog Named Christmas series, blending his love for dogs, family, and storytelling into novels that have charmed millions. A former corporate lawyer turned child literacy advocate, his stories capture the magic of human-animal bonds with a cozy, feel-good vibe.
The Making of Greg Kincaid
Born on March 30, 1957, Greg Kincaid grew up on a small farm in Johnson County, Kansas, where his mother’s nightly bedtime stories sparked a lifelong love for literature. From floating down the Mississippi with Tom Sawyer to wandering Middle Earth with Bilbo Baggins, young Greg’s imagination thrived. After earning degrees in law and philosophy, he dove into corporate law in 1982, but the tedious work pushed him back to his creative roots. Inspired by his children and his Kansas farm life, Kincaid began writing, channeling his experiences into stories that resonate with warmth and authenticity.
Greg Kincaid’s Unforgettable Stories
Kincaid’s breakout novel, A Dog Named Christmas (2008), follows Todd McCray, a developmentally challenged young man who convinces his family to foster a shelter dog named Christmas. The New York Times bestseller, later adapted into a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie seen by over 14 million viewers, blends heart, humor, and holiday spirit. Its prequel, Christmas with Tucker (2010), dives into 1960s Kansas farm life, exploring grief and hope through a boy and his Irish setter. A Christmas Home (2012) continues Todd’s journey, weaving romance and resilience as he trains a service dog. Kincaid’s latest, Noelle (2017), introduces a mischievous mutt uniting families. His style—simple yet profound—celebrates rural life, empathy, and the transformative power of animals.
Kincaid’s non-Christmas novel, Tantric Coconuts (2014), takes a quirky turn, following a spiritual road trip across America with a lawyer, a Native American artist, and their dogs. Infused with philosophy and whimsy, it reflects Kincaid’s curiosity about life’s big questions. His stories, often inspired by his own pets and Kansas upbringing, feel like a warm hug, perfect for dog lovers and holiday enthusiasts alike.
Why Greg Kincaid Matters
Greg Kincaid’s impact goes beyond his books. His A Dog Named Christmas inspired the Foster a Lonely Pet for the Holidays program, helping tens of thousands of shelter dogs find homes. As a literacy advocate, he’s championed reading programs like Changing Lives Through Literature, fostering imagination in kids. His stories, rooted in Kansas values like resilience and community, remind readers of the power of kindness and connection, making him a beloved voice in contemporary fiction.
- Born: March 30, 1957, in Providence, Rhode Island
- Key Works: A Dog Named Christmas, Christmas with Tucker, A Christmas Home, Noelle
- Awards: Genesis Award from the Humane Society for raising shelter dog awareness
- Fun Fact: Kincaid is a marathon runner and lives on a Kansas farm with his wife, dogs, cats, and horses.
About Greg Kincaid
Snag A Dog Named Christmas and curl up with Greg Kincaid’s heartwarming tales—perfect for a cozy night with your furry friend!