JoJo the Tornado Dog
Written by Michael Sampson | Illustrated by Lauren Phelps
Not All Dogs Can Be Tornado Dogs
Joey was a happy Australian cattle dog, adored by the Bañuelos family—especially young Olivia. But when a tornado tore through their Georgia home, he was swept into an unexpected journey.
Rescued by Camila, a shelter worker, and aided by the Underhound Railroad, Joey travels across the U.S., braving dangers, helping others, and finding new friends. Along the way, he becomes JoJo the Tornado Dog—discovering not only what it means to be loved, but to love the world in return.
JoJo the Tornado Dog inaugurates Rado’s Press (Rescue Animals Deserve Our Support), a nonprofit imprint established in the memory of Rado, a Husky Malamute rescue who was “the best dog in the world,” according to his mom, publisher Milli Brown. In honor of Rado and the mission of his press, all profits from the sale of this book will be donated to Operation Kindness, a Texas-based nonprofit animal shelter that not only provides lifesaving medical care and loving homes for homeless dogs and cats but transports them by land and air to safe shelters and rescues across the United States.
Early Praise for JoJo the Tornado Dog
“One of the most important tasks animal rescuers have is to educate young people on how to be loving and responsible pet parents, in hopes they, one day, can help to effect change. JoJo the Tornado Dog is here to teach young readers that animals in our shelters are not throwaways, but have their own stories and lives to share. . . . In rescue, [while] we focus on saving the animal, a lot of the time we are also impacting the lives of the adopters as well.”
— LuAnn Farrell, Co-Founder of Angels Among Us Pet Rescue (Angels Rescue)
“JoJo the Tornado Dog is a swift page-turner that draws readers onward with the simple, compelling need to know how JoJo’s story will end.”
— Jenni L. Walsh, USA Today Best-Selling Author of Operation: Happy
“A heartfelt story of resilience, rescue, and the unbreakable bond between dogs and their people. JoJo the Tornado Dog is a powerful reminder of the impact of kindness and second chances.”
— April Butler, @winniethecattledog, Owner of APAWLO Pets
“JoJo the Tornado Dog is an enjoyable read . . . a perfect educational tool for middle school children who want to learn more about animals and what goes on in the shelters.”
— Bill Crowe, Executive Director of Pet Care Foundation
“JoJo the Tornado Dog is a powerful reminder of the resilience of animals and the life-changing impact of rescue. Stories like JoJo’s help young readers understand compassion, courage, and the importance of giving animals a second chance and I’m thrilled to see a book that celebrates both adventure and animal welfare.”
— Risa Weinstock, President and CEO, Animal Care Centers of NYC
“Michael Sampson has crafted a heartwarming tale of love, adventure, and devotion. Jojo is a pup you won’t soon forget!”
— Bobbie Pyron, Award-winning author of A Dog’s Way Home
“Animal-loving readers will enjoy following JoJo's adventures as he confronts dangers, finds refuge in shelters, and learns that it's not the place that makes a home, it's the people.”
— Lindsey Stoddard, acclaimed author of Just Like Jackie and Brave Like That
“I see so much of our rescue heeler in JoJo . . . the cattle dog personality and quirks! JoJo’s journey is incredibly heartwarming, and it made me so much more grateful to have found Bruno. I rooted for JoJo every step of the way!”
— Angie Marks, Mom of Bruno the Blue Heeler, @bruno.blueheeler
“Sure to steal the hearts of dog lovers everywhere, this heroic story of courage and loyalty will have readers rooting for JoJo every step of the way.”
— Kristin Varner, Award-Winning Author and Illustrator of Dog Trouble
“If every home in America had this book, there would be no dogs left in shelters, because everyone would make sure they have their very own JoJo . . . The perfect book for kids who love animals and adults who are thinking about getting a dog.”
— James Bird, Author of No Place Like Home
"This book turns compassion into action by directly supporting lifesaving rescue work and shining a spotlight on the impact shelters can have when communities partner with and support them. We are proud to support a story that helps animals find homes and helps young readers understand the power of caring for others."
— Ed Jamison, CEO, Operation Kindness Humane Society
About the Author
Michael Sampson, PhD, is an author and Professor of Literacy at St. John’s University in New York City. He is known for his collaborations with Bill Martin Jr on picture books like Rainbow Bear and Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3, as well as his college textbook, Pathways to Literacy: Process Transactions.
A Fulbright Scholar, Dr. Sampson is published widely in academic journals and newspaper editorials and was Olena Kharchenko’s co-author for The Story of Ukraine: An Anthem of Glory and Freedom.
This is Sampson’s third dog story and follows his books Caddie the Golf Dog and Puppy Dog, Puppy Dog, Do You Want to Play?
An animal lover, Sampson is happy that all profits from this book go to animal shelters and will help save the lives of homeless cats and dogs.
About the Illustrator
Phelps is a fine artist and illustrator whose work celebrates the magic of childhood and the bonds that shape us. Deeply influenced by her Southern roots, two sons, and the creative legacy of her late mother, she creates artwork that blends nostalgia with a sense of wonder. Working primarily in oils, charcoals, and pastels, Phelps has become one of the most in-demand portrait artists today, known for her tender and timeless depictions of children.
JoJo the Tornado Dog marks the beginning of her journey into the world of children’s literature. She lives and works in Gramercy Park, Manhattan, where her studio is located at the historic National Arts Club.
An Inside Look at the Illustrations
Lauren Phelps is the creative force behind the enchanting illustrations of JoJo the Tornado Dog, the very first book from RADO’s Press. A celebrated fine artist and illustrator, Lauren’s work radiates the warmth, nostalgia, and timeless charm of childhood.
Raised in the South and now based in New York City, she draws inspiration from her two sons, her Southern roots, and the artistic legacy of her late mother. Whether working in oils, charcoals, or pastels, Lauren is best known for her soulful portraits of children—art that feels both classic and alive.
When author Michael Sampson first encountered her work, he was immediately captivated by her ability to weave emotion and story into every brushstroke. Seeing a perfect creative fit, he invited her to bring JoJo the Tornado Dog to life—marking Lauren’s vibrant debut in the world of children’s literature.
Today, she paints and dreams from her studio in Gramercy Park at the historic National Arts Club, where imagination is always within reach. We couldn’t be more delighted to share Lauren Phelps’ artistry—and the magical world she’s created for JoJo—with readers everywhere.
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