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Sparky & Spike:
Charles Schulz and the Wildest, Smartest Dog Ever
Junior Library Guild Gold Star Selection Award
SCBWI Crystal Kite Award Finalist
2019 Winner Northern Lights Book Award For Children’s Biography
Denver Public Library Best & Brightest Children’s Biographies of 2019
Illustrated by Dan Andreasen
4-8 years
Sparky & Spike is the true story of young Charles Schulz, the creator of Peanuts, and his dog Spike the inspiration for Snoopy.
Just like Charles “Sparky” Schulz, I grew up reading the comics with my dad. I have always loved Charles Schulz and Peanuts and thought he deserved a picture book biography.
*”Doggone Fun” — ALA Booklist, starred review
A fetching story, perfect for budding artists and lovers of the funnies — Kirkus Reviews
This winsome picture book pays tribute to both the creator of the comic strip Peanuts and the real-life canine inspiration for Snoopy — Shelf Awareness
Andreasen illustrates in a style distinct from, yet complementary to, Schulz’s—Sparky has a round face and a cowlick, while broad backspace and use of comic-style panels hint at the young Schulz’s future work — Publishers Weekly
The ending is a delightful reveal: Sparky is actually Charles Schulz, creator of the world-renowned “Peanuts” comic strip, and Spike inspired the beloved Snoopy. — Washington Parent
In addition to being an absorbing story, the book serves as a highly informative look at a beloved cartoonist. — Mr. Brian’s Picture Book Picks
ISBN: 978-1-944903-58-9
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One of my favorite pieces of backmatter can be found in the charming Sparky & Spike, which tells a fictionalized account of Peanuts cartoonist Charles Schulz’s childhood bond with his pet dog Spike (the inspiration for Snoopy). At the end of the book, illustrator Dan Andreasen shares an actual 1975 letter of encouragement he received, as a child, from Schulz himself (a response to the boy’s fan letter). So it’s no surprise that Andreasen illustrates this account with love and heart.
Writer Barbara Lowell does a beautiful job showing how Schulz, nicknamed Sparky, loves spending time with his most unusual pet. This pooch knows how to tell time, recognizes several words, and has a most unusual diet. Sparky also loves reading the comics and wishes to be a cartoonist (in a smart touch, Andreasen employs comic strip-style panels on many spreads).
A melancholy loneliness hangs over some of the telling, with Sparky feeling alone at school even though his peers love his cartoons. A neat twist involving Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! dominates the book’s final section, bringing things to a wonderful, satisfying close. In addition to being an absorbing story, the book serves as a highly informative look at a beloved cartoonist. — Mr. Brian’s Picture Book Picks