Making Waves with Dogfish: Inspiring Stories of Kindness, Courage, and Self-Belief
The ocean is full of wonder—and in Rita Reed and Craig Cartwright’s Dogfish series, it’s also full of wisdom. Through bright illustrations and heartwarming storytelling, these books follow a lovable ocean pup who teaches young readers about empathy, self-confidence, and the importance of doing what’s right. Each story brings a new adventure and a gentle life lesson, all wrapped in the playful charm of underwater friendship. Whether Dogfish is cleaning up the ocean, guiding others toward kindness, or reminding everyone to be themselves, his messages ripple far beyond the sea.
In this post, I dive into three of my favorite Dogfish stories—Dogfish Saves the Ocean, Dogfish Stands Up to Bullying, and Dogfish, Just Be YOU!—and explore what makes each one a valuable treasure for families and classrooms alike.
Dogfish Saves the Ocean by Rita ReedMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Tale of Courage, Kindness, and Clean Seas
Dogfish Saves the Ocean by Rita Reed, illustrated by Craig Cartwright, is a joyful, inspiring picture book that brings ocean conservation to life through an adorable undersea hero. Dogfish, a lovable pup-fish hybrid with a big heart and even bigger determination, notices the ocean isn’t as blue and beautiful as it used to be. When he discovers the sea creatures struggling because of pollution, he decides it’s time to take action—and his bravery ripples far beyond the waves.
Reed’s storytelling is simple yet powerful, introducing children to important environmental themes in a way that feels empowering rather than alarming. The story celebrates teamwork and personal responsibility, showing that even small creatures can make a big difference. There’s a hopeful rhythm to the text that encourages young readers to join Dogfish in protecting the world they love.
Craig Cartwright’s illustrations burst with color and motion. His expressive characters and lush underwater scenes make every page shimmer. From playful dolphins to grumpy crabs, each creature feels alive and part of Dogfish’s vibrant ocean community. The art perfectly complements the story’s message: that our oceans are worth saving—and full of life worth protecting.
This book is a wonderful conversation starter for classrooms and families alike. Dogfish Saves the Ocean reminds readers that caring for our planet starts with simple acts of kindness and awareness. It’s a heartwarming adventure that leaves kids eager to learn more about the sea and inspired to make waves of change.
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Dogfish Stands Up to Bullying by Rita ReedMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Teaching Kindness with Confidence
In Dogfish Stands Up to Bullying by Rita Reed, illustrated by Craig Cartwright, our brave ocean friend takes on an important challenge: helping others understand what kindness really means. When a young sea creature starts being unkind, Dogfish doesn’t hide or feel afraid—he steps forward to show the power of understanding, empathy, and doing what’s right.
Rita Reed crafts a thoughtful, empowering story that focuses on teaching rather than confrontation. Dogfish becomes a gentle leader, guiding others toward respect and compassion. Instead of scolding or judging, he models how to listen, communicate, and make positive choices—a wonderful example for young readers learning to navigate friendships and emotions.
Craig Cartwright’s bright, expressive illustrations make the underwater world come alive. Every page sparkles with movement and color, drawing readers into Dogfish’s ocean classroom. The characters’ emotions are beautifully portrayed, making the lessons of kindness and cooperation easy for children to grasp.
Dogfish Stands Up to Bullying is a wonderful addition to any child’s bookshelf or classroom. It’s not just about stopping hurtful behavior—it’s about helping others grow and understand. With its uplifting message and lovable hero, this story turns a difficult topic into an inspiring lesson in empathy and leadership.
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Dogfish, Just Be YOU! by Rita ReedMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Joyful Dive into Self-Acceptance
In Dogfish, Just Be YOU! by Rita Reed, illustrated by Craig Cartwright, everyone’s favorite ocean pup returns with a message that shines as brightly as the sea itself: being yourself is the most wonderful thing you can be. When Dogfish starts to notice how different he is from his friends—some swim faster, some have shiny scales, some sing beautifully—he wonders if he should try to be more like them. But through reflection and friendship, he learns that every creature’s uniqueness makes the ocean (and the world) a more beautiful place.
Rita Reed captures the essence of self-acceptance with warmth and clarity. Her storytelling gently guides children to understand that comparison steals joy, while authenticity builds confidence. Dogfish’s cheerful personality and thoughtful moments make this story both fun and meaningful—a great reminder for young readers that “being YOU” is enough.
Craig Cartwright’s illustrations once again bring magic to the underwater world. His playful art bursts with vibrant corals, shimmering blues, and expressive sea creatures who each show off their individuality. The visuals perfectly complement the story’s theme, turning every page into a celebration of diversity and belonging.
Dogfish, Just Be YOU! is an uplifting and empowering read for children learning to embrace who they are. It encourages confidence, kindness, and joy in one’s own skin (or scales!). With Dogfish leading the way, kids will come away smiling—and maybe even a little prouder of who they are.
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Dogfish and the Gift of Inclusion by Rita ReedMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
A gentle lesson wrapped in wagging tails and undersea adventures
In Dogfish and the Gift of Inclusion, author Rita Reed and illustrator Craig Cartwright dive into the colorful world beneath the waves to share an important, heartfelt message about belonging, kindness, and seeing the value in others—even when they seem different.
Dogfish isn’t your typical sea creature: part dog, part fish, he finds that what makes everybody unique can also be what makes them valuable—and that true friends celebrate those differences rather than hiding them.
Reed’s storytelling strikes a warm, reassuring tone that gently encourages young readers to look beyond appearances and think about how they include others. The undersea setting adds a splash of whimsy, while Cartwright’s illustrations bring Dogfish and his watery world to life with playful charm and soft humor.
What makes this story shine is its accessibility: the message of inclusion is delivered in a way that feels natural and inviting, not preachy. Children will empathize with Dogfish’s worries and cheer for his moments of courage, all while absorbing a lesson they can carry to playgrounds and classrooms.
Perfect for read-aloud moments, social-emotional learning, or as a conversation starter about friendship and kindness, Dogfish and the Gift of Inclusion is a sweet reminder that our differences can bring us together rather than keep us apart.
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The Dogfish books are more than beautifully illustrated stories—they’re heart-centered tools for nurturing empathy, confidence, and environmental awareness in children. Rita Reed’s gentle storytelling and Craig Cartwright’s vivid art combine to create a series that both entertains and uplifts.
Each Dogfish adventure reminds readers that even small acts of kindness and courage can make a big difference. From saving the ocean to standing up for others and embracing who you are, Dogfish shows that being a hero doesn’t require superpowers—just a big heart and a willingness to care.
If you’re looking for picture books that teach timeless values with warmth and joy, the Dogfish series is a perfect addition to your bookshelf.
