Yes. Netflix’s A Dog’s Perfect Christmas is based on W. Bruce Cameron’s 2020 novel of the same name. Cameron co-wrote the screenplay with Cathryn Michon, who also directed the movie. The film arrived on Netflix on November 4, 2026. If you’re looking for the book behind the movie, start with the 2020 novel. The illustrated picture book came later and was inspired by the film.
What is W. Bruce Cameron’s Christmas novel about?
The Goss family is already struggling to get along when a serious emergency threatens to pull them further apart. Then a lost puppy turns up. Taking care of one more creature sounds like the last thing the family has time for, which is what makes the setup work. A puppy needs someone to show up right now, even when the adults would rather retreat into their separate corners.
What did Netflix change from the book?
The easiest change to spot is Winstead. He’s a wolfhound in the novel and a basset hound on screen, voiced by Thomas Haden Church. The movie also makes the puppy Ello finds a corgi. Michon told What’s on Netflix that Cameron kept sending her corgi videos while they were making the film.
A smaller change says more about the adaptation. Michon describes giving Winstead a book to carry so he could take part in a scene about Sander’s grief. The filmmakers considered using A Dog’s Purpose as the prop, but it was too thick for the bassets to grip. They used Michon’s I’m Still Here: A Dog’s Purpose Forever instead. It’s a practical change that also gives Winstead a way to respond to Sander without either of them having to explain what he’s feeling.
Is it connected to A Dog’s Purpose?
The connection is in the credits. Cameron wrote both novels, and Michon and Cameron worked on the screenplays for A Dog’s Purpose and A Dog’s Journey. Dennis Quaid appeared in both movies and returns here as Sander Goss, Ello’s grandfather. You can start with A Dog’s Perfect Christmas. The Goss family’s story stands on its own.
Which edition should you read?
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| If you’re looking for… | Pick this book |
|---|---|
| The story Netflix adapted | A Dog’s Perfect Christmas, Cameron’s 2020 novel. Look for ISBN 9781250799616 for the Forge paperback. See the novel at Macmillan |
| A Christmas read-aloud | A Dog’s Perfect Christmas: A Picture Book, written by Cameron and illustrated by Jaclyn Sinquett. The 32-page story follows Ruby as she tries to figure out what “Merry Christmas” means. Odd Dot lists it for ages 4–8. See the picture book at Macmillan |
If you came for Sander, Ello and the family story, choose the novel. If you’re reading with a child, choose Ruby’s picture book and pause to let them guess what she’ll make of the snow and the wrapping paper.
Watch A Dog’s Perfect Christmas on Netflix · Explore more Netflix book adaptations · Find more Christmas books
Posts
Discover more from Books of Brilliance
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
