Harry the Dirty Dog {Free Video & Activities}

When I was little, Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion was a favorite book that rarely left my hands. I loved Harry. In fact, it was one of the first books that I owned and learned to read. Children love reading about a dog they can totally relate to. Ready to introduce your children to Harry? Enjoy a free video reading of Harry the Dirty Dog by Betty White.

Harry is a white dog with black spots who likes everything — everything, that is, except getting a bath! One day when he hears the water running he steals the scrub brush and buries it in the backyard.

Then he runs away. Harry plays in the city and gets dirtier and dirtier until … he becomes a black dog with white spots!

By the time Harry gets tired and runs back home to see his family, they no longer recognize him as their white dog with black spots.

Harry the Dirty Dog is a predictable but fun read to be enjoyed by all ages. Once you’ve enjoyed the video reading you’ll want to check out the other books in the series, because children love Harry the Dirty Dog!

Free Video

Online viewing only.

Suggestions

Before you read and while you read have your child predict what will happen next.
Have your child narrate the story to you.
List the various ways that Harry tried to get his family to realize Harry was Harry.
Draw a picture of Harry before he leaves home, after he comes home, and after his bath.
Have your child use Drawing and Writing Paper to illustrate something he doesn’t like to do that is good for him.
Fill out an author notebooking page for Gene Zion.
Choose an illustration from Harry the Dirty Dog to copy into your notebook.
The illustrator of Harry the Dirty Dog was Margaret Bloy Graham. If you have a chance read The Storm Book, a Caldecott Honor winner.

Additional Resources

Gene Zion
Biography at Exodus Books.

Activities

Harry the Dirty Dog Activity Guide
From Storyline Online.

Harry the Dirty Dog Teaching Ideas
Ideas for interacting with the literature including sequencing. Great help!

Harry the Dirty Dog
Make your own Harry the Dirty Dog picture book. (This link does work. If you are having trouble viewing the post, try using reader mode.)

Nutter Butter Puppy Dog
Cute edibles for wrapping up!