Who wrote the children's book 'The Poky Little Puppy'?

Janette Sebring Lowrey wrote the children’s book “The Poky Little Puppy.”

The book was first published on June 28, 1942, as one of the original twelve Little Golden Books. Its illustrations were created by Gustaf Tenggren, whose artwork helped establish the bright, accessible visual style associated with the series.

The story follows five puppies, including the one who wanders off and discovers a rice pudding dessert before returning home. Its simple lesson about curiosity, disobedience, and consequences helped make it a classic of American preschool reading.

Lowrey was born in Orange, Texas, in 1892 and wrote dozens of books for children and young adults. Her name is less famous than the title she created, which can lead readers to misattribute the book to Dr. Seuss or Beatrix Potter. Those authors wrote other influential children’s works, but neither wrote “The Poky Little Puppy.”