The Calico Girls Books

A heartwarming children's book

Three special girls.
One unbreakable bond.

Meet Jess, Wren, and Peach—three rescue dogs whose playful backyard adventure celebrates friendship, teamwork, and the wonderful things that make each of us different.

Available in print and eBook editions

The Calico Girls book cover, showing Jess, Peach, Wren, and their neighborhood dog friends in a festive garden
RescueDog Story

A playful story with a big heart

Different beginnings.
One forever family.

Jess, Wren, and Peach sitting together and watching the sunset

Jess, Wren, and Peach came from different places and different pasts, each with a rescue story of resilience, courage, and hope.

Together, they found love, family, and a forever home filled with adventure, laughter, and joy. When a backyard challenge brings the neighborhood dogs together, every pup discovers that their differences can become their greatest strengths.

FriendshipTeamworkResilienceBelongingSportsmanshipAcceptance

Meet the Calico Girls

Three rescues.
Three bright spirits.

Each girl brings something special to the pack—and to the adventure.

The brave heart

Jess

Bright, loving, and always ready to help. Jess shows that courage begins with caring for the friends beside you.

The clever spirit

Wren

Curious, quick, and full of personality. Wren reminds us that being yourself is something worth celebrating.

The joyful spark

Peach

Playful, determined, and wonderfully sweet. Peach proves that a little encouragement can help anyone shine.

A story to share

Made for dog lovers and growing hearts.

A warm, lively choice for family read-alouds, classrooms, libraries, rescue groups, and anyone who believes every dog deserves a forever home.

Starts meaningful conversations about kindness and belonging.

Shows how teamwork turns different strengths into success.

Celebrates the joy and resilience of rescue dogs.

Latest from the girls

Life beyond
the storybook.

Follow along as Jess, Wren, and Peach share new photos, everyday adventures, and behind-the-scenes moments that inspire future books.

Jess standing in a sunny backyard

Jess

Enjoying the backyard
Wren relaxing on a brown leather couch

Wren

Relaxing at home
Close-up portrait of Peach wearing her pink collar

Peach

Up close with Peach

Real-life moments with the rescue dogs who inspired the story.

Appearances & signed copies

Bring The Calico Girls to your community.

School, library, bookstore, rescue-group, and community event inquiries are welcome.

01

Upcoming events

New appearances and readings will be posted here as dates are confirmed. Check back for the latest schedule.

No dates announced yet

02

Book an event

Interested in an author reading, signing, school visit, or rescue organization event? Tell Flip about your group and preferred date.

Email an event request

03

Request a signed copy

Signatures are complimentary. You only pay shipping and handling both ways. Please email before mailing a book so the details can be arranged.

Request a signed copy →
Author Flip Russell smiling in a black Flip Foundation cap

Inspired by real dogs,
written from the heart.

Meet the author

Hi, I'm
Flip Russell.

I began writing in my fifties as a calling rather than a career. Watching Jess, Peach, and Wren play inspired me to build a fun story around the sweet dogs in our family.

A native Texan and University of Texas at Arlington graduate, I've raised two wonderful children, been married for more than 35 years, and have been blessed with three grandchildren. I'm also president of Flip Foundation, a local nonprofit that is “Flipping the Script” for students in need.

Visit Flip Foundation

Bring the girls home

Ready to meet
the whole pack?

Join Jess, Wren, Peach, and their neighborhood friends in a playful story filled with heart, hope, and plenty of wagging tails.

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Questions, events, and signed copies

Let's stay in touch.

flip@thecalicogirlsbooks.com

TheCalicoGirlsBooks.com