FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Author Catherine Martell Tackles Bullying with Heart and Humor in Third Installment of the Beloved “Runty Ralph” Children’s Book Series
New picture book “Runty Ralph Meets the Bully at the Dog Park” uses a lovable, undersized pup to teach kids courage, kindness, and the power of standing up for themselves
Tucson, AZ – Oct 09, 2026 – Author Catherine Martell is proud to announce the release of Runty Ralph Meets the Bully at the Dog Park, the third book in her heartwarming and wildly popular Runty Ralph children’s book series. Following the success of the first two adventures, this new installment takes on one of the most important and timely topics facing young readers today: bullying.
In this charming yet meaningful story, Runty Ralph, the small-in-size, big-in-heart dog who has captured the affection of children and parents alike, finds himself in unfamiliar territory when a routine trip to the dog park with his family takes an unexpected turn. When Runty Ralph sneaks past a fence dividing the “big dogs” side of the park from the “little dogs” side, he comes face to face with a trio of intimidating dogs who try to make him feel small, scared, and unwelcome.
Rather than run and hide, Runty Ralph draws on quick thinking, inner confidence, and the support of his family and a new unexpected friend to stand tall in the face of bullying. Through humor, relatable characters, and gentle storytelling, Martell delivers a powerful message: bullying is never okay, and every child has the strength to speak up, seek help, and refuse to be defined by how others treat them.
“I wanted to write a story that meets kids where they are,” said Martell. “Bullying can happen anywhere, at school, on a playground, or even at a dog park. I wanted young readers to see themselves in Runty Ralph, to laugh along with him, and to walk away understanding that they’re never alone, and that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.”
Runty Ralph Meets the Bully at the Dog Park follows Runty Ralph and his family, mom Angel Rose, dad Toby, and sister Rosie, on what begins as a fun-filled outing and turns into a lesson in courage. When Runty Ralph finds himself surrounded by three much larger, intimidating dogs after sneaking to the “big dog” side of the park, he must find the courage to stand his ground without becoming aggressive himself. With support from his family cheering him on from a distance and an unlikely ally in a kind-hearted golden retriever named Buddy, Runty Ralph learns that true bravery isn’t about being the biggest or the loudest. It’s about staying calm, holding your ground, and knowing you don’t have to face bullies alone.
The book closes with a direct, heartfelt message to readers: if you are being bullied, or know someone who is, reach out to a trusted teacher, school administrator, or parent. Bullying is completely unacceptable, and help is always available.
Written in Martell’s signature warm and playful voice, the book is designed to open the door for conversations between children and the adults in their lives about bullying, self-confidence, and empathy. Its light, funny moments, including Runty Ralph’s oversized personality and a cast of memorable dog-park characters, make heavy subject matter approachable for young readers, while its underlying message gives parents, teachers, and counselors a valuable tool for discussing a subject that affects millions of children every year.
The Runty Ralph series has quickly become known for combining laugh-out-loud storytelling with genuine emotional depth, tackling real childhood experiences through the eyes of an endearing, undersized canine hero. Runty Ralph Meets the Bully at the Dog Park continues that tradition, cementing the series as a go-to resource for families and educators looking for engaging books that also teach valuable life lessons.
Runty Ralph Meets the Bully at the Dog Park is the third book in the ongoing Runty Ralph series and is suitable for young readers, classrooms, and family read-aloud time. It joins previous titles in the series that have already found a devoted following among children and parents seeking stories that are as meaningful as they are entertaining.
For more information about Catherine Martell, the Runty Ralph series, or to schedule an interview, please contact the author’s representative using the information below:
Author’s Official Information
