Yellow frame with red background and bubble letters with illustrations of characters in the letters

In 1984, Pizza Hut began the BOOK IT! program. The program was created by then-president of Pizza Hut, Arthur Gunther. Gunther designed the program with the goal of encouraging kids to read more as well as helping them further develop their reading skills. Gunther was inspired by his son, Michael, who had issues reading due to eye-related problems. Students who engage in the program are rewarded with certificates, buttons, and pizzas as incentives for completing their reading goals. The program continues to be in effect.

Illustration of the character, Little Joe

Little Joe was a Western comic strip that appeared in the Chicago Tribune Sunday strip from 1933 to 1972. Originally created and written by Ed Leffingwell and later by his brother, Robert, the story focused on Little Joe, a thirteen-year-old boy who lived in a world of danger. Upon his father's death, Little Joe is tasked with running the Oak Ranch alongside his mother and their helper, Utah, a former gunslinger. The comic focused on Little Joe navigating life while coming into conflict with outlaws, politicians, and corrupt businessmen.

Illustration of a yellow plane over a light blue sky over a yellow ground with blue text

In 1903 brothers Wilbur and Orville Wright constructed and flew the first powered airplane near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. The plane used a twelve-horsepower gasoline engine. The brothers flipped a coin to determine Wilbur would make the first try to fly it on December 14, 1903. His attempt was unsuccessful. They made repairs to the plane, and Orville took the pilot’s position on December 17. He flew the plane for 12 seconds and traveled 120 feet. The brothers took turns flying the machine three more times, with the final flight of the day lasting 59 seconds and traveling 852 feet.

Green, blue and yellow illustration of a plane with text above and below

After more than 36 hours and 3,288 miles, German pilot Hermann Kohl, flight sponsor Baron Ehrenfried Gunther von Hunefeld and Irish copilot James Fitzmaurice completed the first east-to-west transatlantic flight by airplane in April 1928. They flew in a Junkers W33 D1167 named Bremen. The trio left the Baldonnel Aerodrome in Ireland and landed in eastern Quebec, Canada, more than 1,000 miles from their destination of New York City.

This button is part of a larger set of 20 buttons, each with an illustration of a different airplane. They were originally given away by Yank Junior clothing with purchases.

Illustration of a Old English Sheep Dog with a green background

Thought to have originated in England sometime in the early 19th century, the Old English Sheepdog was, as its name mentions, principally used to drive cattle and sheep in fields and markets. Large in demeanor, the breed is considered to be playful in nature and gentle giants. In addition to being known as herders, the breed has in recent decades been a popular presence at dog shows on account of their unique and shaggy coat.

This button is part of a larger set of 35 buttons, each with an illustration of a different dog breed. They were originally sold on a 6” x 9” cardboard sheet.​

Illustration of a Setter dog walking

Setters can be traced back roughly four hundred years ago to England where they mostly used as hunting dogs. Trained as bird dogs, setters were by the 17th century widespread on British estates throughout the country. Their name comes from the dog's practice of "setting" or crouching low when it found birds in order for the hunting party to throw their net over them. Though they are still used today as hunting dogs, the breed has also become popular household dogs.

This button is part of a larger set of 35 buttons, each with an illustration of a different dog breed. They were originally sold on a 6” x 9” cardboard sheet.​

Color illustration of a black dog standing on green grass with a yellow sky

Newfoundlands are strong, large breed dogs weighing from 100 to 150 pounds and are able to do draft work and have lifesaving instincts in the water. The breed originated in Newfoundland after fishermen bought the breed’s ancestors — possibly the Great Pyrenees or a French hound — to the Canadian region from Europe.

This button is part of a larger set of 35 buttons, each with an illustration of a different dog breed. They were originally sold on a 6” x 9” cardboard sheet.

Color illustration of a large brown dog standing on a sidewalk with green grass and blue sky

The Airedale is the largest of all terrier breeds. The breed is believed to have originated in the mid-1800s in the Aire River Valley in England by crossing a likely now-extinct terrier breed with an Otter Hound. Airedales were used to hunt rats that lived in the banks of the Aire River. Dogs of this breed have also been wartime guards, messengers, and helped hunt birds and game.

This button is part of a larger set of 35 buttons, each with an illustration of a different dog breed. They were originally sold on a 6” x 9” cardboard sheet.

Illustration of a white dog with black spots on a blue pillow with a yellow background and black text on the bottom

Originating in England in the mid-18th Century, Wire Fox Terriers were bred to chase small game, including foxes, from their dens. Except for its wiry coat, the Wire Fox Terrier is nearly identical to the Smooth Fox Terrier.

This button is part of a larger set of 35 buttons, each with an illustration of a different dog breed. They were originally sold on a 6” x 9” cardboard sheet.

Illustration of a German Shepherd on a yellow and blue-green background with black text along the bottom

Typically used in police work, German Shepherds are a newer breed of dog, dating back to the late 1890s. Because of their strength, intelligence, and obedience, German Shepherds are considered excellent companions in the field. As the partners of police officers, German Shepherds are used for tracking criminals, patrolling areas, as well as detaining suspects. In addition, the breed is also used in the military where they assist in scout duty by alerting soldiers of nearby enemies or booby traps.

This button is part of a larger set of 35 buttons, each with an illustration of a different dog breed. They were originally sold on a 6” x 9” cardboard sheet.​​