Local readers have voted for “The Hundred and One Dalmatians,” by Dodie Smith, to be the Clinton County Reads book for 2025. Smith’s classic 1956 novel is about the kidnapping of a family of Dalmatian puppies by the ruthless, wealthy Cruella de Vil, and the adventures of Dalmatians Pogo and Missis, as they search for their beloved puppies. Though originally marketed as a children’s novel, Smith’s book contains serious themes, including animal rights, classism, parental devotion, and perseverance in combatting evil, putting it among the many works of fiction from earlier times that shed light on life today.
This year’s CCReads ballot included five books that have been adapted for film, and upcoming programming will include the screening of one or more of the adaptations of “The Hundred and One Dalmatians.” When Disney first adapted the novel into an animated film, in 1961, it became the tenth highest grossing movie of that year and one of the studio’s most popular movies of the decade. It was remade into a live action film, in 1996, as well as a number of stage plays, musicals, and a BBC full-cast musical audio dramatization. The 2021 dark comedy feature film “Cruella” is an alternative origin story for antagonist Cruella de Vil, starring Emma Stone and Emma Thompson. Its sequel, “Cruella 2,” has been filmed and is awaiting release.
Book discussions and programming for this 20th year of the local, county-wide reading program will run from March 24 through April 24. The schedule of events will be announced on March 1.
Copies of “The Hundred and One Dalmatians” will be available at the Blanchester Public Library, the Sabina Public Library and its New Vienna Branch, the Wilmington Public Library and its Clinton-Massie Branch, and from local online bookseller, Books ’n’ More, at booksnmore.org, all of which are sponsors of Clinton County Reads.