UNITED STATES – September 16, 2026 – Award-winning children’s author, educator, and literacy advocate Lisa M. Pritchard is pleased to announce that Tiny Tot Tiger Says Happy Birthday America! has received the Literary Titan Book Award. Part of Pritchard’s popular Dirt Dog and Friends series, the picture book introduces children ages 4 to 8 to patriotism, military service, freedom, unity, and American symbols through an engaging Fourth of July adventure.
As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, Tiny Tot Tiger has plenty of questions. During an ice cream outing at Delicious Dairy Sweet Treats, Tiger and his friends begin talking about the upcoming Fourth of July parade. His curiosity soon leads to questions about the Navy, the stars on the American flag, and the meaning of patriotic spirit.
Through their conversation, Tiger discovers that the fathers of Dirt Dog, Furry Feline Frannie, Prissy Poodle, and Snicker Schnauzer served in different branches of the United States military, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. When parade day arrives, the friends cheer for floats honoring liberty, the Declaration of Independence, and the service members who protect the nation’s freedoms. As veterans march past and fireworks illuminate the sky, even the youngest characters begin to understand what it means to be an American.
The story was inspired in part by Pritchard’s father, who served as a Marine.
“My father was a Marine, and I was always incredibly proud of his service,” Pritchard said. “I wanted this book to introduce children to patriotism in a joyful and age-appropriate way. More than anything, I want children to understand that freedom is precious, to appreciate those who have sacrificed to protect it, and to know that it is okay to love their country, promote unity, and be grateful for the freedoms we share.”
Literary Titan praised the book as a cheerful, patriotic story that transforms a birthday celebration into an accessible introduction to the people, symbols, and values associated with American life. The review highlighted Tiny Tot Tiger’s relatable curiosity, the family-centered treatment of military service, and the colorful illustrations that bring the parade, historic flags, veterans, and fireworks to life.
Illustrator Lissette Blanco worked closely with Pritchard to create the book’s vibrant scenes and expressive animal characters. The bright patriotic colors, lively parade details, and warm nighttime fireworks help young readers experience both the excitement and reflective meaning of the celebration.
In keeping with Pritchard’s commitment to literacy, the book also features a discussion guide and the full text of the Pledge of Allegiance. These resources invite parents, grandparents, teachers, and caregivers to continue conversations about freedom, respect for the flag, gratitude for military service, and the importance of remaining united despite differences.
Tiny Tot Tiger Says Happy Birthday America! is available for purchase through Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Families, educators, churches, and libraries are invited to add this award-winning patriotic picture book to their Fourth of July and America 250 reading collections.
About the Author
Lisa M. Pritchard is an award-winning children’s author, educator, and literacy advocate dedicated to helping children grow in reading and character. Her Dirt Dog and Friends picture-book series for ages 4 to 8 encourages kindness, friendship, courage, patriotism, and a lifelong love of reading. Dirt Dog Invites Prissy Poodle to the Prom was named the 2026 AWSA Golden Scroll Children’s Book of the Year and has received additional national honors.
Pritchard also co-authors Pets to the Rescue: A Cousin Crew Series for readers ages 7 to 10. A former Teacher of the Year, she has served on county and state literacy teams, led professional workshops for educators, earned a master’s degree in education from North Carolina State University, and completed Speak Up speaker certification. Guided by her Christian faith, she creates engaging stories and literacy resources that encourage children to read, learn, develop strong character, and recognize their God-given value.
Pritchard has also created free phonics games to help children build foundational reading skills through play. The games are available at DirtDogAndFriends.com, with additional resources coming soon. The third book in the Dirt Dog and Friends series, Bernie Blooms Unites Friendship Falls at the Talent Show, is scheduled for release in spring 2027.
Media Contact
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