Dogs Don't Tell Jokes (ISBN 0679833722) is a novel by children's book author Louis Sachar.

Entering a talent contest as a stand-up comedian forces him to look more closely at the effect his humor has on others and on himself.

Luckily, two kids who have picked on Gary (referred to as his "fan club"), come and spray water and throw pies at him.

His comic routine runs smoothly and he manages to surprise the audience by showing them his newly shaved head.

Going back to the stage to get his props, he sits alone on a bench behind the curtain and cries for fifteen minutes.