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A Dog's Purpose Puppy Tales
Molly's Story
From W. Bruce Cameron, the author of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling novel A Dog's Purpose, now a major motion picture!
Meet Molly--a very special dog with a very important purpose. An irresistible book for young middle grade readers adapted from A Dog's Journey, the sequel to the bestselling A Dog's Purpose--now a major motion picture!
Molly knows that her purpose is to take care of her girl, C.J., but it won't be easy. Neglected by her mother, Gloria, who won't allow her to have a dog, C.J. is going through some tough times. Molly's job is to stay hidden in C.J.'s room, cuddle up to her at night, and protect her from bad people. And no matter what Gloria does to separate them, nothing will keep Molly away from the girl that she loves.
Adorable black-and-white illustrations by Richard Cowdrey bring Molly and her world to life. Also includes a discussion and activity guide that will help promote family and classroom discussions about Molly's Story and the insights it provides about humankind's best friends.
Meet Molly--a very special dog with a very important purpose. An irresistible book for young middle grade readers adapted from A Dog's Journey, the sequel to the bestselling A Dog's Purpose--now a major motion picture!
Molly knows that her purpose is to take care of her girl, C.J., but it won't be easy. Neglected by her mother, Gloria, who won't allow her to have a dog, C.J. is going through some tough times. Molly's job is to stay hidden in C.J.'s room, cuddle up to her at night, and protect her from bad people. And no matter what Gloria does to separate them, nothing will keep Molly away from the girl that she loves.
Adorable black-and-white illustrations by Richard Cowdrey bring Molly and her world to life. Also includes a discussion and activity guide that will help promote family and classroom discussions about Molly's Story and the insights it provides about humankind's best friends.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published July 3, 2017
333 people are currently reading
2,730 people want to read
About the author
W. Bruce Cameron
90 books4,413 followersI’ve always loved dogs, which puts me in a unique category along with what, maybe two or three billion people?
What’s not to love about an animal who will sit in your living room all day long, waiting for you to get home, and even if you need to work late and then stop for a stress-relieving beverage on your way home, when you unlock that front door, is absolutely overjoyed to see you? How could you not adore an animal who senses when your day is not going well and tries to cheer you up by dumping a sodden tennis ball in your lap?
I was probably 8 years old, playing in the back yard of our house in Prairie Village, KS, when my dad opened the gate and in rushed a 9-week-old Labrador puppy. I fell to my knees and spread my arms and that dog leaped into them as if we had loved each other our whole lives. It’s a scene that shows up in A Dog’s Purpose—a puppy and a boy meeting each other the very first time, both of them full of unrestrained joy.
We named the dog Cammie. She arrived in my life when I was just beginning to connect some of the dots in my memory to make a picture of who I was, forming my identity as a child. I remember every skinned knee and bicycle ride in the context of Cammie, who was always there for me. And I lost her just as I was starting to leave childhood behind, passing on after I’d spent a year in college. That’s Cammie, the dog of my childhood.
Years later I was riding my bicycle in the mountains outside of Pine, CO. A chance decision to bounce down a dirt road led me past a few scattered ranches and one small house near a creek, set back from the road at least 50 yards. A single “woof” from a dog caught my attention, and I braked and stood in the dry, clear air, regarding the dog who had called out to me.
She was on a chain by the house, and a fence stood between us, so I remained on the road even though I could see that the dog, a black lab mix with a crazily active tail, was clearly friendly. I gazed at her and the dog sat, attentive, staring into my eyes exactly the way my first dog, Cammie, used to look at me, really seeing into me.
And that’s when the thought hit me. What if this wonderful dog was Cammie? What if dogs live over and over again, and always remember us?
I dismissed the thought, waved at the dog, and rode away, but days later the idea came back to me. What if?
I’ve been a writer my whole life, but never have I ever written anything as important as A Dog’s Purpose.
I can’t promise you that A Dog’s Purpose will make you love your dog more—how could it do that? But I’ll tell you what a lot of people have told me: after reading A Dog’s Purpose, you’ll never look at your dog the same way again.
What’s not to love about an animal who will sit in your living room all day long, waiting for you to get home, and even if you need to work late and then stop for a stress-relieving beverage on your way home, when you unlock that front door, is absolutely overjoyed to see you? How could you not adore an animal who senses when your day is not going well and tries to cheer you up by dumping a sodden tennis ball in your lap?
I was probably 8 years old, playing in the back yard of our house in Prairie Village, KS, when my dad opened the gate and in rushed a 9-week-old Labrador puppy. I fell to my knees and spread my arms and that dog leaped into them as if we had loved each other our whole lives. It’s a scene that shows up in A Dog’s Purpose—a puppy and a boy meeting each other the very first time, both of them full of unrestrained joy.
We named the dog Cammie. She arrived in my life when I was just beginning to connect some of the dots in my memory to make a picture of who I was, forming my identity as a child. I remember every skinned knee and bicycle ride in the context of Cammie, who was always there for me. And I lost her just as I was starting to leave childhood behind, passing on after I’d spent a year in college. That’s Cammie, the dog of my childhood.
Years later I was riding my bicycle in the mountains outside of Pine, CO. A chance decision to bounce down a dirt road led me past a few scattered ranches and one small house near a creek, set back from the road at least 50 yards. A single “woof” from a dog caught my attention, and I braked and stood in the dry, clear air, regarding the dog who had called out to me.
She was on a chain by the house, and a fence stood between us, so I remained on the road even though I could see that the dog, a black lab mix with a crazily active tail, was clearly friendly. I gazed at her and the dog sat, attentive, staring into my eyes exactly the way my first dog, Cammie, used to look at me, really seeing into me.
And that’s when the thought hit me. What if this wonderful dog was Cammie? What if dogs live over and over again, and always remember us?
I dismissed the thought, waved at the dog, and rode away, but days later the idea came back to me. What if?
I’ve been a writer my whole life, but never have I ever written anything as important as A Dog’s Purpose.
I can’t promise you that A Dog’s Purpose will make you love your dog more—how could it do that? But I’ll tell you what a lot of people have told me: after reading A Dog’s Purpose, you’ll never look at your dog the same way again.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews
December 1, 2017
My daughter chose this book as a read-along for both of us to do together. It took a while for us to get through it because she misplaced the book at school. Luckily, it was found and we were able to finish reading it together.
I was surprised that this wasn't the fuzzy, warm, feel-good story about a girl and her dog that I assumed it would be from the cover. There were several topics that could be triggers for readers or of a serious nature for young readers: emotional child abuse, cancer, running away, abandonment.
Needless to say, this wasn't the book that either my daughter or I thought we were g0ing to read. By the end, she was lukewarm about it and I was just glad to get through it. We wanted a light read about a cute dog finding a good home. This had instances of all that, but with other dark events as well.
I won't give it a bad review just because it wasn't what I expected, but I can't give it higher than 3 stars because I feel that a child reading alone might feel distressed at certain points.
I was surprised that this wasn't the fuzzy, warm, feel-good story about a girl and her dog that I assumed it would be from the cover. There were several topics that could be triggers for readers or of a serious nature for young readers: emotional child abuse, cancer, running away, abandonment.
Needless to say, this wasn't the book that either my daughter or I thought we were g0ing to read. By the end, she was lukewarm about it and I was just glad to get through it. We wanted a light read about a cute dog finding a good home. This had instances of all that, but with other dark events as well.
I won't give it a bad review just because it wasn't what I expected, but I can't give it higher than 3 stars because I feel that a child reading alone might feel distressed at certain points.
July 26, 2017
brb crying over a children's book
December 31, 2017
I enjoyed the previous two books from this author's A Dog's Purpose Puppy Tales series, but this one didn't do it for me. The dog part was fine, but writing dialogue, especially from a female perspective is not the author's strong suit. I found the C.J's mother to be so over the top behavior and dialogue wise that she was not the least bit believable. A lot of the situations didn't make sense either, like when the mom's boyfriend, who had never even been heard of before, grabs C. J.'s arm right after meeting her because he didn't like something she said, then yells that Molly is vicious because she defended C.J. and wants them to gret rid of her. He then storms off from the event that he took them to leaving them without a way home, but in the next paragraph the mom is driving them home! Huh? Also, and I know the author had nothing to do with this........but it bugs me that Molly is described as having straight black hair, but the dog on the cover has brown curly hair.
July 8, 2023
I really enjoyed this one
Read
May 23, 2019Nothing will separate Molly from her girl.
From the time she met CJ when she was a puppy, Molly knew it was her duty to take care of her. Neglected by her mother Gloria, CJ is going through some rough times. Molly does her best to show CJ love by curling up beside her in bed, protecting her from bad people, and staying quiet when she needs to. No one will keep these two apart.
Vv
Trigger warning for emotional child abuse, abandonment, running away, cancer and other distressing situations.
Molly's story is a sweet one to be sure, but it definitely has its darker moments. I wasn't expecting those.
Sweet, attentive, loving, wanting attention all the time, and a bit niave, Molly was such a sweetheart! Her want to protect CJ was so pure!
CJ's compulsion to have a dog was so relatable. Sometimes you just can't resist the pull of a puppies eyes.
Definitely written for a young audience, W. Bruce Cameron still manages to make readers of all ages tear up. He also tackles some really emotionally tough topics. Reading from Molly's point of view feels so innocent. One objection I had to the narrative was the over use a certain term.
Adorable black and white drawings just add a very special layer.
Although written in the Dogs Purpose universe, Molly's Story can definitely be read as a stand alone.
A tale of unconditional love and determination, Molly's Story will warm your heart.
From the time she met CJ when she was a puppy, Molly knew it was her duty to take care of her. Neglected by her mother Gloria, CJ is going through some rough times. Molly does her best to show CJ love by curling up beside her in bed, protecting her from bad people, and staying quiet when she needs to. No one will keep these two apart.
Vv
Trigger warning for emotional child abuse, abandonment, running away, cancer and other distressing situations.
Molly's story is a sweet one to be sure, but it definitely has its darker moments. I wasn't expecting those.
Sweet, attentive, loving, wanting attention all the time, and a bit niave, Molly was such a sweetheart! Her want to protect CJ was so pure!
CJ's compulsion to have a dog was so relatable. Sometimes you just can't resist the pull of a puppies eyes.
Definitely written for a young audience, W. Bruce Cameron still manages to make readers of all ages tear up. He also tackles some really emotionally tough topics. Reading from Molly's point of view feels so innocent. One objection I had to the narrative was the over use a certain term.
Adorable black and white drawings just add a very special layer.
Although written in the Dogs Purpose universe, Molly's Story can definitely be read as a stand alone.
A tale of unconditional love and determination, Molly's Story will warm your heart.
January 8, 2019
I loved reading this book. It was one of the best books I have ever read. Another great thing about this book is that there is more than one book about different dogs. In the story, a girl named CJ wants to adopt a dog and she knows she is not allowed to get a dog, because CJ's mom doesn't allow dogs in the house. CJ does end up getting the dog and her name is Molly. CJ has to try to hide Molly in the house so her mom does not see her. It doesn't turn out well when CJ has to go to school and leave Molly at home with her mom. CJ's mom does end up finding out that there is a dog in their house, and she threatens to kick Molly out of the house. Towards the end of the story, CJ does end up being able to keep Molly and CJ's mom gets used to having a dog and enjoys having one. That was my favorite part of the story. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about dogs, and there are also other books about dogs and their journeys through different challenges.
April 29, 2018
I loved the two other W. Bruce Cameron books I've read, A Dog's Life and A Dog's Purpose so I was excited to sit down and get to know the life of another one of his dogs. I guess I was expecting something more along the lines of the other two, and while this one would be a book I'd recommend for my nine-year-old granddaughter, it was a disappointment to me. I didn't realize it was written for smaller children. I read it in an afternoon. It was just way too predictable for my taste. It was sweet, but maybe too sweet. I think my grandkids will love it though.
August 29, 2023
Amazing. The story of a girl and her dog. Always the best.
August 9, 2022
Molly's Story is told by Molly, a fun feisty little dog that knew the moment she saw and smelled CJ she was her girl. This is a children's book but does have a couple of mature topics but does not go overboard with the subject matter. It is predictable but overall, a sweet story with a feel-good ending.
January 27, 2022
I thought this book shows the true reality in life and that at times it was so sad. In the end I didn’t feel very satisfied and I wish Molly’s story could have continued into another book. Overall though this is one of the most heart felt books I have read. I ❤️ this book!
June 21, 2019
I JUST LOVE THIS BOOK!! YOU GUYS HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK BECAUSE ITS AMAZING.
February 28, 2018
The book I read was Molly’s Story by Bruce Cameron. This book is about a dog, Molly, who’s girl is CJ, Clarity June. CJ and her friend Trent go to pick up two little puppys. But when CJ goes home she has to hide Molly since CJ’s mom does not approve of dogs.
The setting of the story is in CJ’s house and a couple other places. The point of view is from Molly, who is the main character as well as CJ. There is really no mood in this story, just Molly observing CJ’s moods. The central conflict in this story is getting CJ’s mom Gloria to let Molly stay in the house. CJ and Molly try to go stay at CJ’s friends houses at night, but when CJ and Molly start to run out of food they have to go back home. But what will CJ’s mom say when they go home?
I did not really think the author had a primary purpose, but just entertainment. This book was entertaining because it tells a story from a dog's point of view, which I thought was cool. I think one of the books strong point was how the author wrote from the point of view of a dog. I have never read a book from a dog's point of view, and I could see some of the things Molly did that my dog does.
I think this book was really good. The impression I got from this book is that my dog probably gets really bored at home, when we are not home. I would recommend this book to 3rd graders and up because, this was a super easy read. This book was also supper entertaining and easy to read.
The setting of the story is in CJ’s house and a couple other places. The point of view is from Molly, who is the main character as well as CJ. There is really no mood in this story, just Molly observing CJ’s moods. The central conflict in this story is getting CJ’s mom Gloria to let Molly stay in the house. CJ and Molly try to go stay at CJ’s friends houses at night, but when CJ and Molly start to run out of food they have to go back home. But what will CJ’s mom say when they go home?
I did not really think the author had a primary purpose, but just entertainment. This book was entertaining because it tells a story from a dog's point of view, which I thought was cool. I think one of the books strong point was how the author wrote from the point of view of a dog. I have never read a book from a dog's point of view, and I could see some of the things Molly did that my dog does.
I think this book was really good. The impression I got from this book is that my dog probably gets really bored at home, when we are not home. I would recommend this book to 3rd graders and up because, this was a super easy read. This book was also supper entertaining and easy to read.
October 30, 2017
I'm probably the only person on the planet but I just don't like animals. So it's really hard for me to read books about animals. But I read this one out loud to my 8 and 11 year old girls per their request. They really enjoyed it. I'm left wondering how many times I read the words "my girl", probably at least 100.
March 7, 2021
5/5 stars it was AMAZING!!!! Very highly recommend this book for a quick easy read!! :)
January 10, 2020
I loved the book I loved reading about this very adorable dog named Molly and her story I thought it was really col all the things she did for her owner I feel like it stepped into the girls life in the dogs perspective and I thought that was kinda cool and how the dog could sense if people had cancer idk just a overall of the book I really liked it and would reccomend this book to plenty others.
December 26, 2023
I really liked this book. It was actually quite different from the other two in the series. I liked how it talked about serious topics. I would recommend this book, but it’s not my favorite in the series.
September 3, 2017
A very sweet and short story.
January 15, 2023
Całkiem przyjemnie spędzony czas przy lekturze.
Polecam szczególnie dzieciom! :)
Polecam szczególnie dzieciom! :)
April 9, 2025
Read per my 9 year old’s request 😊
October 14, 2019
If you like dogs, you will LOVE this book.
October 22, 2024
My nighttime book for my boys.
I found myself crying during this one. Well actually this is the 3 books by this author (this series) that I have cried a little while reading.
I found myself crying during this one. Well actually this is the 3 books by this author (this series) that I have cried a little while reading.
March 7, 2019
this book is about dog name molly. when she saw a girl name CJ, she figure out that she is her person like a max. and there is same person that is CJ that they are picked on.I really like this book because CJ's mom is single and she don't like dog. but CJ hide the dog.and somehow the molly get out of where she was hiding. and because of that there is many problem that they made. and somehow CJ's mom. Gloria says okay and they live in the house together now.and I really enjoy this book, because there was a many kinds of trouble. ( and I really like dogs too!)
May 15, 2019
I think the theme is help people. Molly the dog helped her owner C.J, But it was a lot of obstetrical in C.Js life that interfered with molly. But molly still was a helpful pup
November 27, 2017
I think this book was good and had a lot of heartwarming details about it. I love dogs so when I saw the cover to this book I know I wanted to read it. I am really glad I did.
This book took place mostly at Molly's house and is in the view of Molly. Molly lives with CJ her best friend and her owner and CJ's mom Gloria who is not so great. Throughout the book you begin to notice how mean Gloria is to Molly. CJ on the other hand loves Molly so much.
I thought this book could have used more of a plot and could have been more interesting. At the beginning it started out very slow until about half way through the book. I also thought it was kind of easy to predict the end.
At the same time I loved this book because I really like dogs and I love how loyal CJ was to her dog. I really did not like Gloria because of how mean she was.
Overall I recommend this book to people who love dogs. If you don't like dogs I don't think you would find this book interesting. This book taught me even when you do little mean things to your dog they still I have feelings. I think this book was really good.
This book took place mostly at Molly's house and is in the view of Molly. Molly lives with CJ her best friend and her owner and CJ's mom Gloria who is not so great. Throughout the book you begin to notice how mean Gloria is to Molly. CJ on the other hand loves Molly so much.
I thought this book could have used more of a plot and could have been more interesting. At the beginning it started out very slow until about half way through the book. I also thought it was kind of easy to predict the end.
At the same time I loved this book because I really like dogs and I love how loyal CJ was to her dog. I really did not like Gloria because of how mean she was.
Overall I recommend this book to people who love dogs. If you don't like dogs I don't think you would find this book interesting. This book taught me even when you do little mean things to your dog they still I have feelings. I think this book was really good.
December 15, 2017
I did not like this book as much as I liked the other ones. In this book there was not enough action and in the other books something happen to the puppies they were fine. It was a really good book overall though.
September 20, 2021
I really like this book and I recommend it to people who like dogs. In the story, C.J.'s mom hates dogs, but Molly and C.J. really want each other. So C.J. and Molly go through a lot to stay with each other. They go from house to house sleeping over because they ran away from home. C.J.'s mom eventually lets her keep Molly at the end though. Also, C. J.'s art teacher had cancer, but Molly did training, so the art teacher found out earlier.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2017
I thought this was great book. In this book Cj's mothers tries to separate her from Molly, but Molly and Cj always find a comeback. This book was so good I could not stop reading it, I strongly suggest this book.
-Maci
-Maci
April 29, 2018
It’s a sweet book written from the perspective of a dog determined to protect her girl. Molly’s story is a wonderful story about loyalty, fear, courage, and forgiveness.
March 21, 2022
I read the book Molly’s Story written by W.Bruce.Cameron.The book is very touching and it is a really good book to read if you are a dog lover. It’s a heartwarming story about a girl and her dog. CJ is the main character. She goes to the animal shelter with her friend Trent, Trent was looking for a dog and while he was looking Molly ran up to CJ and they both immediately fell in love. CJ’s mom Gloria hates dogs so when CJ ends up taking Molly home she has to hide her. Because CJ is taking care of Molly, she is skipping school. She ends up going to an art class to prove she can be placed on time and if she is late she could get in big trouble. CJ is worried that Gloria will do something to Molly so she brings her to art class. All the kids loved molly and every time CJ had to go to the art class she would bring molly. CJ got scammed by another kid in her art class. He stole the teacher's phone and some extra cash. CJ had to talk to the principal and the kid who stole the extra cash and phone got expelled and he blames it on CJ and calls her a snitch.
The author of the story, W. Bruce. Cameron loves to write about dogs. He likes to put an extra adventure in every story. Like in this story the author plays the role of Molly and tries to play third person as well. He talks about Molly's thoughts for example “ why do people stare at that box in front of the couch so often”. (Page 47) the author made it really easy to understand what he was talking about/trying to act out.
Personally I am a dog lover. This book is a wonderful story and I would definitely recommend this book and any other books written by W.Bruce.Cameron. Kids or adults could read this book if they like dogs or are interested in fake but realistic books. There was a happy ending when Gloria lets CJ keep Molly and that is definitely my favorite part. I myself have a dog and this book really made me think about what my dog could be thinking about at any given moment.
The author of the story, W. Bruce. Cameron loves to write about dogs. He likes to put an extra adventure in every story. Like in this story the author plays the role of Molly and tries to play third person as well. He talks about Molly's thoughts for example “ why do people stare at that box in front of the couch so often”. (Page 47) the author made it really easy to understand what he was talking about/trying to act out.
Personally I am a dog lover. This book is a wonderful story and I would definitely recommend this book and any other books written by W.Bruce.Cameron. Kids or adults could read this book if they like dogs or are interested in fake but realistic books. There was a happy ending when Gloria lets CJ keep Molly and that is definitely my favorite part. I myself have a dog and this book really made me think about what my dog could be thinking about at any given moment.
July 12, 2018
When I first read the book I was surprised that the story wasn't a feel-good story about the girl and her dog, it was actually the opposite. CJ (the girl) got Molly from a woman called Jennifer. Jennifer kept dogs until the right person came to adopt. CJ really wanted to adopt Molly but she knew how hard it would be since her mom hated dogs. She decided to take her home but to hide Molly. Molly’s job to stay hidden becomes harder and harder the longer she stays hidden. She tries barking the loudest she can for CJ to come get her, but CJ is at school and Gloria (CJ's mom) is at work. At the end Gloria finds out that she had been hiding a dog and she freaks out. She obviously wants CJ to take the dog back but CJ wouldn’t budge. CJ lived with her friends for a few weeks because Gloria couldnt accept Molly. Gloria kept saying that Molly was dangerous. They had a chat with Sheryl and Gloria, and decided that Molly could stay. But that didn't change the way Gloria felt, she still didn't like Molly. It finishes with Molly’s brother (Rocky) coming over with his owner Trent (CJ’s friend) to play.
This book is now in motion pictures with the title "A Dog's Purpose" that bring Molly's story to life.
In this special movie we follow, a red retriever named Bailey in the 1960s and '70s, Ellie, a German shepherd K-9 police dog, Tino, a chubby '80s corgi; and finally Buddy, a neglected St. Bernard.
This book is now in motion pictures with the title "A Dog's Purpose" that bring Molly's story to life.
In this special movie we follow, a red retriever named Bailey in the 1960s and '70s, Ellie, a German shepherd K-9 police dog, Tino, a chubby '80s corgi; and finally Buddy, a neglected St. Bernard.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews