Whether your child has a dog or not, who just doesn’t love childrens books about dogs, particularly these memorable pooches? People say a dog is man’s best friend… but my boys would say a dog is a kid’s best friend.
You can find these memorable childrens books about dogs at your local library or purchase them through the affiliate links provided for your convenience.
We traveled a lot this summer, which meant our beloved Boston Terrier Lucy couldn’t join us. Oh how my boys missed her! Thankfully we had a wonderful dog sitter that sent us lots of adorable pics of our little Lucy… including her playing with the family’s humongous cat (who apparently also liked the game).
Lucy’s like that… she works her way into everyone’s hearts. We knew she had won over the family she was staying with when, despite their rule that no dogs are allowed on the beds, we get a picture of her cuddled up under the covers with the two boys. Yep… that’s our Lucy.
I should mention that we actually found a terrific family for Lucy to stay with through a dog sitting service called Rover.com. It’s a fabulous site where people rate folks who will watch over your pets while you’re traveling. Definitely give it a try!
Memorable Childrens Books About Dogs
Over the years, I’ve written well over 100 book children’s book lists. But after returning from our summer trips, it ocurred to me that I haven’t put together a list of fabulous dog books. How is that even possible!!!
And while there are just too many to list, some of our personal favorites include Bark, George, Martha Speaks, Doggies and Harry the Dirty Dog. All of them have wonderful soundtracks as well… so be sure to check out the audio book versions! We used to listen to them in the car all. the. time.
Bark, George: “Bark, George,” says George’s mother, and George goes: “Meow,” which definitely isn’t right, because George is a dog. And so is his mother, who repeats, “Bark, George.” And George goes, “Quack, quack.” What’s going on with George? Find out in this hilarious new picture book from Jules Feiffer. And definitely check out the audio CD featuring John Lithgow!
Martha Speaks: When Helen Finney feeds alphabet soup to her dog, Martha, it goes straight up to her brain, and Martha begins to speak! But having a talking dog isn’t always as much fun as it seems.
If You Give a Dog a Donut: The exuberant dog who first appeared in if you give a pig a party is now the star of his very own book. Written in the irresistible “If You Give…” tradition, if you give a dog a donut is another home run from the beloved team of Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond.
Clifford the Big Red Dog Read Along(Book & CD): This is how it all began–in 1963, Norman Bridwell published his very first Clifford book, and kids have loved Clifford ever since. He’s an adorable dog whose well-meaning bumblings have great kid-appeal. Clifford is Emily Elizabeth’s, and everyone’s, favorite big red dog! Read along to the original Clifford story with an audio CD that includes two readings to help kids build important reading skills.
Good Dog, Carl : A Classic Board Book: The original, bestselling Good Dog, Carl is now a board book. This classic, wordless story will find a new audience in a chunky board format which includes the complete story and the original full-color illustrations. Children follow with delight as Carl leads his infant mistress on a wild adventure–the instant after her mother has left the house.
How Rocket Learned to Read: Learn to read with this New York Times-bestselling picture book, starring an irresistible dog named Rocket and his teacher, a little yellow bird. Follow along as Rocket masters the alphabet, sounds out words, and finally . . . learns to read all on his own!
Sally Goes to the Beach: This is the story of Sally the Labrador’s holiday at the beach. When she arrives she encounters new friends, new smells, new games, and best of all, new adventures.
Kipper Story Collection: In this delightful story collection, you will find the four classic Kipper picture books: Kipper, Kipper’s Toybox, Kipper’s Birthday and Kipper’s Snowy Day. It is the perfect gift for old and new Kipper fans!
Pinkerton, Behave! (Picture Puffins): Pinkerton doesn’t understand his owner’s commands. When told to come, he jumps out the window. When asked to fetch the newspaper, he destroys it. Pinkerton’s desperate owner sends him to obedience school, but he flunks out in record time. Then one night a burglar breaks into their house, and Pinkerton is able to put his bad habits to good use.
A Ball for Daisy (Caldecott Medal – Winner Title(s)): Any child who has ever had a beloved toy break will relate to Daisy’s anguish when her favorite ball is destroyed by a bigger dog. In the tradition of his nearly wordless picture book Yo! Yes?, Caldecott Medalist Chris Raschka explores in pictures the joy and sadness that having a special toy can bring. Raschka’s signature swirling, impressionistic illustrations and his affectionate story will particularly appeal to young dog lovers and teachers and parents who have children dealing with the loss of something special.
Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy: Fancy Nancy is back! And when her family decides to get a dog, she’s certain she can be fancier than ever. After all, a papillon—a small, delicate, fluffy dog—is the ultimate accessory. But her family wants a large, plain dog. How unglamorous!
Dog Breath: Hally’s breath is so awful, even skunks hold their noses. With tongue firmly in cheek, the renowned author/illustrator of Kat Kong, Dogzilla, and The Dumb Bunnies tells the story of a good dog with a bad problem. The skewed humor and wacky watercolor illustrations make for a rollicking tale sure to leave children laughing–and breathless!
Officer Buckle & Gloria (Caldecott Medal Book): Officer Buckle knows more about safety than anyone in the town of Napville. But whenever he tries to share his safety tips, nobody listens – until the day the Napville Police Department buys a police dog named Gloria, who has her own way of demonstrating safety tips.
Good Boy, Fergus!: Follow Fergus as he experiences the perfect doggy day–well, except for his bath, of course! From chasing cats and motorcycles to being scratched on his favorite “tickle spot,” David Shannon’s newest sweet and silly character will inspire young readers to laugh out loud at his mischievous antics. Fans of Shannon’s previous books will love reading all about this naughty but lovable dog!
Detective LaRue: Letters from the Investigation: As if obedience school wasn’t bad enough, Ike now finds himself in jail–wrongly accused (of course!) of terrorizing the Hibbins’ cats & stealing their cat treats. Once again, he pleads his case to Mrs LaRue, who’s vacationing in France, but to no avail. When a string of canary burglaries stalls the Snort City Police force’s investigation–and reveals their crime-solving ineptitude–Ike flees custody and takes matters into his own paws. Expect more mad-cap comedy in Ike’s daring escapades (real and imagined), as well as ingenious split-screen visuals from the incomparable Mark Teague.
McDuff Moves In (Goodnight): In McDuff Moves In, the plucky little terrier searches for a home–eventually finding a warm and loving one with Fred and Lucy. Susan Jeffers has created unforgettable characters and gorgeous, 1940’s settings for Rosemary Wells’ simple yet emotionally rich story.
Harry the Dirty Dog: Harry is a white dog with black spots who loves everything . . . except baths. So one day before bath time, Harry runs away. He plays outside all day long, digging and sliding in everything from garden soil to pavement tar. By the time he returns home, Harry is so dirty he looks like a black dog with white spots. His family doesn’t even recognize him!
Dog: In Matthew Van Fleet’s captivating multiconcept book, twenty breeds of capering canines demonstrate action words, opposites, synonyms, and more. Cleverly designed pull tabs and flaps plus ten pettable textures provide interactive treats that will have the whole family arfing along from start to surprising finish. Bow-WOW!
Doggies (Boynton on Board): Count—and bark—with a fun pack of pups in this Sandra Boynton classic. Serious silliness for all ages. Artist Sandra Boynton is back and better than ever with completely redrawn versions of her multi-million selling board books. These whimsical and hilarious books, featuring nontraditional texts and her famous animal characters, have been printed on thick board pages, and are sure to educate and entertain children of all ages.
Like these childrens books about dogs? Find even more engaging book lists for kids with more than 100 book-themed reading lists!
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This is a great list! I loved Harry the Dirty Dog when I was a little girl. My kids love Clifford books. Thanks for joining the Family Joy Link Party.
Pinkerton was my favorite growing up. I especially remember the books on Reading Rainbow. What a great list!
So many of our favs! Kipper, Clifford….Thanks for sharing at the #InspirationSpotlight party. See you again soon. Shared.
If you haven’t met Harry yet, I would definitely check out his series. We love them all!