101 Dalmatians
By Dodie Smith
Fifteen puppies vanish, sending two brave Dalmatians racing across the countryside—who took them?
Pageticker community rating
Average score: 4.57
From 7 readers
What do our readers think of 101 Dalmatians? (Generated from the text of reviews of the book)
Children enjoy the exciting rescue, funny dogs and wonderfully wicked Cruella, and many find the story more surprising than the films. Some children find the old-fashioned words tricky, but the fast-moving adventure keeps them keen to carry on.
What does the Pageticker team say about 101 Dalmatians?
Dodie Smith’s classic is a lively, funny adventure with wonderfully clever dogs, a memorably wicked villain and a strong, warm-hearted sense of family. This version suits confident readers aged around 9 and up.
Genres
What is 101 Dalmatians about?
Pongo and Missis, two devoted Dalmatians, are overjoyed when they welcome a litter of fifteen puppies. Their happiness is shattered when the puppies are kidnapped by the wicked Cruella de Vil, who desires their fur for a new coat. Determined to rescue their pups, Pongo and Missis embark on a daring adventure across the English countryside, encountering various challenges and allies along the way. Their journey highlights themes of bravery, loyalty, and the enduring bond of family.
About the author
Dodie Smith was a British author who loved animals and stories. She is best known for writing 'The Hundred and One Dalmatians', a famous book about a group of brave puppies and their exciting adventure. Dodie enjoyed writing stories that spark the imagination and make readers smile. Her books have delighted children for many years.
Discussion ideas around 101 Dalmatians
Courage and loyalty: What makes Pongo and Missis brave, and how do they show loyalty to their puppies and to one another?
Dogs and humans: How does the story change when events are seen from the dogs’ point of view rather than the humans’?
Cruella’s character: Why is Cruella such an effective villain, and what do her choices reveal about what she values?
Helping others: Which allies make the biggest difference during the rescue, and what does the story suggest about working together?
Old and new ideas: Which parts of the book feel old-fashioned today, and how might the story be different if it were written now?
Pages
90 pages
Reading age
Junior (8-13)
This edition
1993
First published
1956
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