Every great story has a hero—and so does this one.

Sometimes it’s the boldest character in the room. Sometimes it’s the smartest. But every once in a while, the hero is the one you least expect—the one who was quietly there all along, just waiting for the right moment.

In Goldifox and the Three Hares by Judy Berk, that hero is a big, lovable, slightly drooly, cheese-loving dog named Droolius Cheester.

The Dog Who Stole Every Scene

Droolius doesn’t say a word the entire story. He doesn’t need to. The fact that he’s there makes all the difference. His presence alone keeps readers smiling.

He snores beside the hares’ beds at night. He wags from head to tail when his three best friends are excited. He happily nibbles on cheddar in the afternoons while Hoppington, Hopkins, and Little Hopster go about their day.

He’s just… there.

Warm. Loyal. Completely devoted.

And that’s exactly what makes the moment he saves the day so powerful.

The Moment Everything Changes

When Goldifox creeps up to the windowsill, sniffing at the freshly baked goodies, it’s Droolius who wakes up first.

It’s Droolius who leaps to the window.

It’s Droolius whose bark—loud as a lion’s roar—sends that curious (and very hungry!) fox running all the way out of Carrot Top.

One giant leap. One enormous bark. That’s all it takes.

Sound Familiar?

If you have a dog at home, you already know this feeling.

Dogs have a way of showing up exactly when you need them. They notice things before we do. They stay close when something feels off. They protect the people they love without ever being asked.

Droolius Cheester isn’t just a fun character in a picture book—he’s a reminder of every dog who has ever made a family feel safe and loved.

A Story That Stays With You

That’s why this story feels a little different.

It’s not just a fairy tale reimagined for kids—it’s also a quiet, heartfelt celebration of the bond between animals and the families who love them.

A Hero Worth Honoring

At the end of the story, the town of Carrot Top does something wonderful.

They make Droolius their official town mascot. They put his picture on the welcome sign. And they give him something even better—a whole year of movie nights with his three best friends.

It’s the kind of ending that makes you want to hug your dog just a little tighter.

Read It Together

Goldifox and the Three Hares is one of those best read-aloud books for young children that sparks real conversation.

After storytime, ask your child: Who was the hero?

Watch them think. Watch them smile when they say, “Droolius.”

Because some heroes don’t wear capes.

Some heroes have four paws, a wagging tail… and just a little bit of drool.

Here’s to Droolius Cheester—and to every good dog who has ever saved the day.