Overview

Lucky Dog is a beautifully illustrated, rhyming picture book that honors the special bond between a child and their beloved dog. Inspired by real-life moments, this touching story follows the adventures of a spirited pup named Lucky-an artist, athlete, protector, and best friend. With playful verses and emotional depth, Lucky Dog gently explores the journey of growing up alongside a cherished pet and learning to say goodbye when it's time to let go. Thoughtfully written with dyslexia-friendly design in mind, this book is both accessible and emotionally resonant-perfect for early readers, animal lovers, and families navigating the loss of a pet. Filled with warmth, whimsy, and wisdom, Lucky Dog is a celebration of unconditional love and the lasting lessons our pets teach us.

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Reviews

This book is pure heart. As a mom and educator, I'm always looking for books that speak to kids with compassion and clarity. Lucky Dog does exactly that. It's empowering, heartwarming, and beautifully written for ALL children who deserve to feel proud of who they are. -Nina Spears, Founder & CEO, The Baby Chick As a mom and neurodiversity expert, I absolutely love Mara's passion for celebrating differently wired brains, and Lucky Dog is a beautiful reflection of that mission. It's engaging, uplifting, and thoughtfully designed to support kids who may struggle with reading. The story builds confidence in young readers by making reading feel fun and boosting their confidence. And the artwork is stunning. Lucky Dog is more than just a book, it's an invitation for every child to feel seen, capable, and excited to read. -Nancy Disbrow, The Dyslexic Maverick The bond between kids and pets is an often overlooked relationship, from beginning to end. Saying goodbye to a pet may be the first loss that a child has to endure. For kids who are neuro atypical and neuro typical, a book can help with that processing. -Gigi Chawla MD MHA, Pediatrician At its core, Lucky Dog is not just about a pet. It's about friendship, belonging, and love. It reminds us that nothing in life is permanent, and yet that very impermanence makes our connections even more meaningful. We get to love and be loved in the moment. And that is enough. Lucky Dog is a gentle, powerful tool. It gives language to loss, reframes impermanence, and offers a path to healing for kids who might not know even how to begin. -Ethelind Kaba, Executive Director, Ann Bancroft Foundation Every child deserves the magic of a good book. Lucky Dog, with its heartwarming tale, charming illustrations, and inclusive formatting, hits all the marks. Mara's commitment to reaching all readers is truly commendable - Lucky Dog is surely just the beginning of another amazing story. -Lisa Peterson, Mom of two avid readers

Author Information

Mara Ryan is a mom, dreamer, doer, and children's health advocate who believes strong families are the foundation of a strong society. She's on a mission to show her three daughters that neurodiversity is a superpower - and that anything is possible with faith, gratitude, and grit. A resilient parent who's navigated pediatric food allergies, ADHD, a high-risk pregnancy, and a four-month NICU stay during a global pandemic, Mara is no stranger to overcoming obstacles with grace and determination. When she struggled to find books that were both readable and ""cool"" enough for her dyslexic second grader, she rolled up her sleeves and created one. Her debut children's book, Lucky Dog, combines rhyme, alliteration, and decodable words to boost confidence in emerging readers - while honoring her family's heartfelt goodbye to their beloved pup. Mara serves on the Foundation Board of Directors at Children's Minnesota, the largest independent pediatric health system in the Upper Midwest. She also contributes her marketing, strategy, and advocacy skills to multiple ventures that support families and children. She holds a Master's in Business and a degree in Entrepreneurship from the University of St. Thomas, where she was a winner of the Fowler Business Concept Challenge. She has also completed coursework through Stanford and the Aspen Institute. Whether Mara is building brands or bedtime stories, her goal is the same: empower families, elevate children's voices, and lead with compassion and creativity.

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