FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Author Catherine Martell Celebrates the Power of Friendship in Second Installment of the Beloved “Runty Ralph” Children’s Book Series
New picture book “Runty Ralph Visits the Big Dogs” follows a small dog with a big heart as he learns that friendship has nothing to do with size
Oct 07, 2026 – Author Catherine Martell is proud to announce the release of Runty Ralph Visits the Big Dogs, the second book in her heartwarming and wildly popular Runty Ralph children’s book series. Following the introduction of Runty Ralph to young readers everywhere, this new installment centers on a timeless and universal theme: friendship, and the courage it takes to make new friends, even when those friends look nothing like you.
In this charming story, Runty Ralph, the small Maltipoo with an oversized personality, finds himself bored at home while his family sister, Grace the golden retriever, gets invited on a pet sit without him. Determined not to be left out, Runty Ralph hatches a plan. He sneaks along on the trip, using his cream colored fur to blend in with Grace and hide unnoticed until they arrive.
When Runty Ralph is discovered at the door of the pet sit’s house, he is met not by one, but by four very large dogs. What begins as a nerve wracking moment for the smallest dog in the room quickly turns into a lesson about acceptance, courage, and the true meaning of friendship. With a little help from Grace and a willingness to be himself, Runty Ralph proves that size has nothing to do with fitting in.
“This book grew out of a real memory,” said Martell. “My own dogs met a backyard full of much bigger dogs for the first time, and watching that mix of nervousness and joy inspired the whole story. I wanted young readers to see that being the smallest one in the room doesn’t mean you can’t belong. Sometimes it just takes a little bravery and one good friend by your side.”
Runty Ralph Visits the Big Dogs follows Runty Ralph’s determination to be included after learning that Grace was invited on an outing without him. Rather than accept being left behind, he sneaks into the car and along for the ride, only to find himself face to face with a group of large, unfamiliar dogs who tower over him. Thanks to Grace’s support and his own willingness to stand his ground, Runty Ralph earns their trust, passes the sniff test, and is welcomed into their playgroup. By the end of the visit, the big dogs and the littlest guest are the best of friends.
Written in Martell’s signature warm and playful voice, the book captures a relatable childhood experience: the fear of being excluded and the joy of being accepted. Its humor, from Runty Ralph’s clever disguise to his mother’s exasperated response when she discovers him, keeps young readers laughing while the story’s underlying message about courage and friendship resonates long after the last page.
The Runty Ralph series has quickly become known for combining laugh out loud storytelling with genuine emotional depth, exploring real childhood experiences through the eyes of an endearing, undersized canine hero. Runty Ralph Visits the Big Dogs set the stage for that tradition, and its themes of belonging and self belief continue to resonate with families and educators who use the series to open conversations with young readers.
The book closes with an encouraging reminder for readers of every size: being small does not mean being weak, and real strength comes from courage, kindness, and never giving up. Even when others doubt you, believing in yourself and leaning on good friends can help you do amazing things.
Runty Ralph Visits the Big Dogs is the second book in the ongoing Runty Ralph series and is suitable for young readers, classrooms, and family read aloud time. It joins the growing collection of titles in the series that have 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
