enzo books

The first of four picture books by Garth Stein, following the adventures of Enzo, the speedy canine hero of his NY Times best-selling novel, “The Art of Racing in the Rain”.

Enzo the puppy’s action-packed adventure begins when he makes the journey from the farm to the city (bark twice for faster!), discovers just how big the world is, and finds the family that was meant to be his.

For this picture book introduction to Enzo, I drew the pictures, as you might expect.  And, with Garth’s direction, the charming author Zoë B. Alley and I collaborated with him to bring his Enzo to the picture book crowd.

For Enzo, the Fourth of July means fireworks, family and car races! Denny is racing as usual, but, yipee, this year Zoë is old enough to compete in the Kids’ Kart Challenge. Enzo’s been barking along with Zoë’s practice runs. He knows how fast she can go.  Just like her dad. Enzo knows Zoë can win.

But, when one of the boys at the track says girls aren’t ever fast drivers, Zoë gets nervous and withdraws from the race! Denny is disappointed and starts losing time in his own practice runs. Some Fourth of July, right?

Enzo knows it’s up to him to help his family regain the confidence to compete on the big day. Did I mention there were fireworks?

Boo! Halloween is here — the spookiest night of the year! And Enzo’s been warned by Zoë about the mischief that’s to come.

Soon, every child in the neighborhood has been changed into some kind of creature — witches and werewolves and ghosts. Even Zoë’s been transformed into a fairy princess. Enzo’s worried they’ve been put under some kind of spell. As he prepares to lead the Halloween parade, Zoë needs to help him learn there’s really nothing to be afraid of at all.

Sparkly ornaments are brought out, the neighborhood glitters with lights, and snow is in the air. When Zoë tells Enzo that they are going on a hunt for the perfect Christmas tree, Enzo isn’t so sure. Why would they put a tree inside the house? Enzo knows he’s in for an adventure.

As Zoë and Enzo go on the ultimate hunt, Zoë loses her way. But discovers that her family is never far behind.