Meet Tank & Rio
Two real dogs. One big adventure. Tank and Rio aren't just characters in a book — they're the actual pups who inspired every story, every mystery, and every tail-wagging moment in the series.
The Dogs Behind the Books
Tank
Don't let the name fool you — Tank may be small, but he's got the heart of a lion and the curiosity of a detective. This little guy is always first to sniff out a mystery, lead the charge into the unknown, and make sure every adventure ends with a happy tail wag.
Tank's real-life personality — bold, loyal, and endlessly enthusiastic — is the beating heart of every story in the series.
Rio
Rio is the cool, calm, and clever counterpart to Tank's boundless energy. With those big alert ears and sharp eyes, Rio never misses a detail — the perfect partner for solving mysteries and keeping Tank (mostly) out of trouble.
In real life and on the page, Rio brings the thoughtful, steady presence that makes every adventure feel safe — no matter how wild things get.
Books That Bring Real Dogs to Life
The Tank & Rio Adventures series follows two lovable dogs as they explore, investigate, and solve mysteries together. Each book is packed with heart, humor, and hidden surprises — including hidden-object challenges that keep young readers searching every page.
The series is designed for early readers and read-aloud families, with stories that celebrate friendship, curiosity, and the joy of exploring the world around you — even if that world is your own backyard.
From a missing bone to a winter wonderland mystery, every book in the series is inspired by the real adventures of Tank and Rio — two dogs who prove that the biggest adventures come in the smallest packages.
Meet Jerry Ventura
Jerry Ventura
Jerry Ventura is the author and creator of the Tank & Rio Adventures series. Inspired by his own dogs — Tank and Rio — Jerry set out to create children's books that capture the real spirit of these two remarkable pups: their loyalty, their playfulness, and their uncanny ability to turn any ordinary day into an extraordinary adventure.
Jerry's goal with every book is simple: to create stories that kids love to read, parents love to share, and families return to again and again. With hidden-object challenges woven into each story, the books reward careful readers and spark conversations long after the last page is turned.
When he's not writing, Jerry is spending time with Tank and Rio — the two dogs who started it all and continue to inspire every new adventure.
Get in Touch
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