OAA Book of the Month: Maddie’s Tail Wag

If you’re looking for a fun, meaningful, and educational resource to introduce children to the world of animals, kindness, and responsible pet care, Maddie’s® Tail Wag is a wonderful place to start. Created by Maddie’s Fund and beautifully illustrated by Dr. Laurie Peek, this two-part activity and coloring series brings humane education to life for kids ages 6 and under as well as children ages 7–10.

A Kindness-Focused Activity Book for Ages 6 & Under

For younger children, Maddie’s® Tail Wag offers simple, engaging pages designed to build skills children need for kindergarten readiness—shapes, colors, numbers, and early motor development. But what makes this activity book truly special is how it gently weaves in lessons about empathy and the importance of caring for animals.

As kids color and complete activities featuring Maddie and her cartoon friends, they’re also learning that animals are companions who deserve love, safety, and respect. For parents, caregivers, teachers, and animal-welfare organizations, this book is an excellent addition to humane education programs. It’s available both in print (English and Spanish) and as a downloadable PDF, making it accessible for all types of classrooms and family activities.

A Journey of Rescue and Hope for Ages 7–10

For older children, Maddie’s® Tail Wag takes a storytelling approach, following Wiggle and Waggle—a homeless dog and cat—on their journey from the streets to a shelter, then into foster care, and finally into a forever home.

This version offers enriching activities like mazes, word scrambles, and even a dog treat recipe, reinforcing key messages about animal rescue, adoption, and compassion. It’s a gentle, age-appropriate introduction to how shelters save lives and how families can help animals in need. The 7–10 edition is available as a downloadable PDF.

Inspired by a Beloved Pup with a Big Legacy

Maddie’s® Tail Wag was inspired by Maddie, the spirited Miniature Schnauzer whose loyalty and love inspired Cheryl and Dave Duffield to establish Maddie’s Fund. Her legacy lives on in these pages, helping children learn to care, connect, and show kindness to animals everywhere.

A Resource Worth Sharing

Whether you’re an educator, parent, or part of an animal-well-being organization, Maddie’s® Tail Wag offers both fun and purpose. It’s a thoughtful way to introduce young readers to humane values while keeping them entertained with activities they’ll return to again and again.

If your organization uses this resource, Maddie’s Fund kindly asks that you acknowledge Maddie in your newsletters, communications, or social media channels—and consider sharing photos of completed artwork. It’s a great way to celebrate creativity while shining a light on the importance of humane education.