The Hundred and One Dalmatians

The Hundred and One Dalmatians is a 1956 children's novel by Dodie Smith about the kidnapping of a family of Dalmatian puppies. It was originally serialized in Woman's Day as The Great Dog Robbery. A 1967 sequel, The Starlight Barking, continues from the end of the novel.


At a dinner party attended by the Dearly couple, Cruella de Vil expresses her dislike for animals; subsequently, the couple's new Dalmatian puppies disappear. The Dearly dogs are now among 97 puppies who were kidnapped or legally purchased from various owners, with the intention of skinning them for their fur. Through the cooperation of animals and the "Twilight barking," the dogs are found in Suffolk, England, and a rescue ensues.