The Very Best Childen’s Books About Dogs
I love looking through children’s books, it is a pleasure that always brightens my day. This is a list of children’s books about dogs. Stories that children will want to read again and again.
Children love animals and there is so much that they can learn from the behaviour of dogs.
They are completely unjudgemental, loyal, caring and devoted. All of these beautiful characteristics can be attributed to humans too…if they are taught the importance of them.
So that is where children’s books about dogs can really help.
In addition, books about dogs will teach a child to take care of animals. This is so important because we need the next generations to be against all forms of animal cruelty.
It’s so important that children understand the huge responsibility of dog ownership and that unfortunately some dogs are not guaranteed forever homes.
Sadly, losing a pet may be a child’s first experience of death, so it is important that the subject is discussed responsibly, in a way that children find relatable.
I also love to see colourful illustrations that tell the story to pre-readers and prompt discussion with the parent. I have handpicked this list of books with significant importance relating to the quality of the illustrations.
Rhyming and repetition might not be exciting for the storyteller but children adore it and will engage completely when they remember the words. This type of books are a great way to introduce children to reading on their own.
Humour is so important in all children’s books, not just books about dogs. Kids love to have fun and the more gross the better!
I like subtle lessons hidden in the story and subjects which promote discussion between a child and his/her parents or school teachers. Reading books with children is a good way to get children to open up about sensitive subjects eg. bullying and grief.
So Here Are The Very Best Childen’s Books About Dogs
The age ranges go from nursery to adolescent in descending order and are all available from Amazon.
The Poky Little Puppy
The Poky Little Puppy was one of the original twelve Little Golden Books published in 1942, and went on to become the bestselling picture book of all time. The story of a curious puppy, who digs holes under fences and who has to go to bed without any strawberry shortcake, has delighted families for generations. it is, quite simply, an icon. Delightful to read aloud, The Poky Little Puppy is a cherished story that every child should know.
This picture book shares the tale of Arfy, a homeless mutt who lives in a box in an alley. Arfy writes to every person on Butternut Street about what a great pet he’d make. His letters to prospective owners share that he’s house broken! He has his own squeaky bone! He can learn to live with cats! But, no one wants him. Won’t anyone open their heart–and home–to a lonesome dog? Readers will be happily surprised to learn just who steps up to adopt Arfy.
Troy Cummings’s hilarious and touching story is a perfect gift for a child wanting a dog, and for pet adoption advocates. It also showcases many different styles of letter writing, making it appealing to parents and teachers looking to teach the lost art of written communication.
“In this gentle, moving story, Elfie, a dachshund, and her special boy progress happily through life together. One morning Elfie does not wake up. The family grieves and buries her. The watercolor illustrations, tender and warm in color and mood, suit the simple text perfectly.”–School Library Journal.
Silly Milly is back for the most willy-nilly holiday ever!!
Lyrical limericks and vivid drawings will have both children and adults laughing with delight as this real-life Great Dane spreads holiday cheer with her unique “petitude”. Pet owners will surely recognize her big-dog antics!
I have a Great Dane named Milly
She greets all the guests willy-nilly!
Mistletoe hanging high
Big dog kisses will fly
Oh Milly, you make Christmas silly!
With plenty of rhyming and repetition, A Silly Milly Christmas is perfect for read alouds, early learning, elementary classrooms, and animal lovers everywhere. Great for ages 2 through 10!
Shampoodle (Step Into Reading)
It’s picture day at the dog park. But before the first photo can be taken, an exuberant pack of pups needs a bit of grooming. So they’re off to Shampoodle, the local pet salon, where the eager dogs simply cannot sit still. And when some curious cats stop by, things go from messy to mayhem. Shampoodle is perfect for animal lovers and children who are just starting to read on their own, taking their cues from lively art and bubbly, rhymed text.
Step 2 Readers use basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories. For children who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help.
There’s a new puppy in town and he just wants to play. Will the bully dogs chase him away?
Bullying is a problem. We need to teach our children how to deal with these tough situations.
This book will be a wonderful addition to your bedtime reading rotation.
The illustrations are top-notch.
The rhymes help teach in a memorable way.
This story shows how we are all different and that’s okay. You’ll share the journey with your child and delight in how they build their friendships, learn to help others, and stand up to bullying.
Do you want to Join the K.L.U.B?
You’ll adore this delightful story, because it shows how to make friends.
Get it now and receive a digital gift set including the coloring/activity book!
From Dav Pilkey, creator of the New York Times bestselling Dog Man and Captain Underpants series, comes Hally Tosis, the adorable dog that will take your breath away!
Hally Tosis is a great family dog, but there is one rotten thing about her: her breath! It is so smelly, Hally’s pet parents want to find a new home for her. The children, desperate to keep their beloved pet, try everything to rid Hally of her stinky stench. They take her for a breathtaking view, a movie that would leave her breathless, and a ride on a roller coaster that would make her lose her breath, but Hally’s putrid panting persists! Only a miracle could save her now!
This hysterical read-aloud and fan-favorite picture book is now available for the first time in a paper-over-board format.
Warning: This book may cause flatulence. Walter is a fine dog, except for one small problem: he has gas. He can’t help it; it’s just the way he is. Fortunately, the kids Billy and Betty love him regardless, but Father says he’s got to go! Poor Walter, he’s going to the dog pound tomorrow. And then, in the night, burglars strike. Walter has his chance to be a hero. A children’s beloved classic, this story will have kids rolling on the floor with laughter. Adults are permitted to laugh too.
When a new bunch of baddies bust up the town, Dog Man is called into action — and this time he isn’t alone. With a cute kitten and a remarkable robot by his side, our heroes must save the day by joining forces with an unlikely ally: Petey, the World’s Most Evil Cat. But can the villainous Petey avoid vengeance and venture into virtue?
Dav Pilkey’s wildly popular Dog Man series appeals to readers of all ages and explores universally positive themes, including empathy, kindness, persistence, and the importance of being true to one’s self.
I hope you found this list of children’s books about dogs helpful.
Additional Reading
Thank you for reading.
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Looks like some great books!
I just wish I had a little someone to read them to xx
I was thinking the very same thing when I read the blog – all the grand kids are teenagers now – oh how I miss having little kids in my life!!!
Me too…no grand kids yet (fingers crossed).
Good set of books! Thanks for sharing. need more dog related books to read to my niece 🙂
That’s very kind, I recommend them all.