Pinky Adventures
A picture book series for ages 3 to 6
Six gentle stories about Pinky, April’s real-life service dog, and the family he looks after. Written by April and David Smith as companion books to April’s memoir, Against All Odds: The Fight Within.
The real Pinky
How Pinky got his name
When a little black puppy with white paws came home, April and her daughter Alexis spotted something special: a pink spot right on his nose. So they named him Pinky. David did most of his service dog training, and Pinky grew into a hard-working helper. When April needs help, Pinky is always there!
The Pinky Adventures books follow Pinky from puppy school to life on the road, with simple words, warm pictures, and a lesson about kindness and service dogs in every story.
Read them in order
The six books
Book 1 — Pinky Comes Home
A little puppy arrives at a white house under tall oaks, gets his name from the pink spot on his nose, and starts puppy school. Sit? (Almost.)
Book 2 — Pinky Learns the Job
David buckles on Pinky’s first vest. Watch April. Stay near April. And if April needs help, get David. Paw, paw, paw!
Book 3 — Pinky on the Road
Pack the bags, pack the bowl, pack the vest! Pinky rides in the silver Airstream to visit friends on a farm full of pines, hens, and busy bees.
Book 4 — Pinky at the Rally
So many silver campers in Sedalia, Missouri, and so many hands that want to pet. Pinky stays at work, near April, all day long.
Book 5 — Pinky Meets Skye
In the Florida Keys, Pinky meets Skye, a fluffy golden retriever with a red disc. First comes work. Then comes play!
Book 6 — Pinky’s Big Job
When April is very, very tired, Pinky knows just what to do. He gets David, and he stays by her side all through the night.
Little paws. Big heart. ❤
The line that closes every Pinky book.
For grown-ups:
Every book gently teaches children how to act around a working service dog.
• Vest on: the dog is working. Do not pet. Do not play.
• Just smile and say hi! Let the dog do his job.
• Vest off: home time, rest time, and playtime.
Each book ends with new words and “Talk about it” questions to share with your reader.
About the books
Written by April and David Smith.
Illustrations created by David Smith with AI image tools.
Independently published.
Dedicated “To the Lord Jesus Christ, Creator of all.”
Isaiah 53 (KJB)