Meet the author
The imagination behind Smokey D Baby Dogga.
Lil Arnold is the pen name of David Allen Sussman, an Ohio author whose stories celebrate friendship, curiosity and the special bond between children and animals.
From a nickname to a story world
Why “Lil Arnold”?
The nickname came from his mother when he was young, inspired by the television show Diff'rent Strokes. Years later, it became the warm, memorable author name behind a growing children’s book universe.
The real Smokey—David’s beloved dog and creative inspiration—helped spark the character Smokey D Baby Dogga. What began with one special companion grew into a bright world of adventures, loyal friends and lessons children can carry with them.
At the heart of every story
Kindness, courage, creativity, family and helping others.