Louie Unleashed book cover by Marsha McKee Thom — watercolor illustration of a cream Shih Tzu puppy running down a cobblestone mountain forest path

A heartwarming picture book for ages 3–10

Louie Unleashed

by Marsha McKee Thom

One pampered city pup. One wide-open mountain forest. The adventure of a lifetime — and the long way home.

  • Based on a true story
  • Hardcover, 32 pages
  • Fully illustrated in watercolor

The Story

A knock on the door of the cabin Louie's family is visiting opens a new world to explore as Louie, a small, well-groomed Shih Tzu from the city, runs unleashed for the first time in his life. As the exhilaration of new sights and smells of the mountain forest turns to the realization that he is far from his pampered life, Louie encounters obstacles he overcomes with the help of his forest friends.

Louie Unleashed is a warm, playful story of the balance between independence and the security of home. Young readers will relate to Louie's yearning to explore "unleashed" — and his quest to get back to his family.

Title
Louie Unleashed
Author
Marsha McKee Thom (Marsha Thom)
Format
Hardcover · 32 pages
Ages
3–10 · watercolor illustrations throughout
True story
Based on a real Shih Tzu named Louie, lost for eight days
Genre
Children's picture book

Peek Inside the Book

Every page of Louie Unleashed is painted in soft, golden-hour watercolor.

Louie's pampered city life…
…and the moment every adventure points home.
Full wraparound cover of Louie Unleashed by Marsha McKee Thom, including the back-cover blurb and watercolor mountain forest artwork
The full wraparound cover, front to back.

The Real Louie

Louie, the real Shih Tzu who inspired Louie Unleashed by Marsha McKee Thom
Louie, home safe.

After eight days of exploring the mountain forest on his own, Louie found his way back to his family — tired, hungry, and a little wiser. He returned to his favorite sunny spot on the couch, and he still loves a good adventure… as long as it ends at home.

Louie Unleashed is based on the true story of a very real Shih Tzu named Louie — whose adventure lasted eight whole days. Louie is the only one who knows what really happened out there… and he isn't talking.

Marsha McKee Thom, author of Louie Unleashed
Marsha McKee Thom

About Marsha McKee Thom

Marsha McKee Thom writes stories for small people with big hearts. Louie Unleashed — inspired by a very real, very adventurous Shih Tzu — is her debut picture book.

What Readers Are Saying

5.0 out of 5

The sign of a good book!

Such a sweet story and pictures. My 7-year old grandson was delighted, especially when he learned it was about a real dog. “A real live dog?!” He said he would be just like Louie if he got lost in the woods, scared and ‘starving’, but he would only eat the raspberries. I asked him if he would sleep with a deer, and he said he would really like that because he could snuggle with her. “Like this,” he said and cuddled up against me. Then he barked and jumped down from the bed. “Are you Louie,” I asked? He nodded, barked again and licked my cheek. Now that’s the sign of a good book!!

Gail Springer

Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2026

  • Great story for kids and adults

    Brava👏👏👏💐💐💐!!!!! Such a great story and the graphics were perfect. A lovely story of helpers and independence. Just the right length. It was great fun to also get the back story of Louie's adventure.

    Shannon

Bring Louie Home

Louie Unleashed hardcover picture book by Marsha McKee Thom — front cover watercolor of a Shih Tzu on a forest path

Also available to order from your favorite local bookstore.

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Questions & Answers

Every adventure leads home.

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