Sparky & Spike Charles Schulz and the Wildest, Smartest Dog Ever

Picture book biographer Barbara Lowell and New York Times bestselling illustrator Dan Andreasen’s Sparky & Spike “pays tribute to both the creator of the comic strip Peanuts and the real-life canine inspiration for Snoopy” (Shelf Awareness).

This charming book is a story about a boy nicknamed Sparky and his beloved dog, Spike. Spike is the most amazing dog ever. He inspires Sparky to draw. Someday, Sparky will be an artist.

Based on the childhood of Charles Schulz, creator of the world-renowned Peanuts comic, and the dog who inspired the most beloved dog of all—Snoopy—this book will resonate with children everywhere. Sparky & Spike includes a biographical note, as well as archival photographs of Sparky and Spike and a letter Charles Schulz wrote to the book’s illustrator, Dan Andreasen, when Andreasen was a boy.

“A fetching story, perfect for budding artists and lovers of the funnies.” —Kirkus Reviews

Barbara Lowell is an author of picture book biographies and creative nonfiction. She lives in Oklahoma.

Dan Andreasen is a New York Times bestselling illustrator who has created artwork for more than 50 picture books. He lives in Medina, Ohio.