Dogs and kids make a magical pair! Whether or not your child has a dog of their own, they are bound to love this collection of books about dogs for kids.
Click to read also: How to Develop a Family Reading Culture
Picture Books about Dogs for Kids
What You'll Find on This Page
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I received review copies of some of these books, but no other compensation and I was not required to review them here. All opinions are my own.
Owney the Mail-Pouch Pooch by Mona Kerby
This delightful picture book tells the true story of Owney, the Mail-Pouch Pooch. Originally a stray dog, Owney wandered into a post office in New York in 1888. Learn how he became a national sensation in this wonderful book.
Picture Book by Dog by Michael Relth
“Written” by a dog, Picture Book by Dog offers an adorable look at an adopted dog’s perspective on life. This is an especially adorable read if you own or plan to own a rescue pup.
The Other Dog by Madeleine L’Engle
Touché the dog has the perfect life. Then her owners go and bring home another dog! One with hardly any hair, that wears diapers!
Based on the story of Madeleine L’Engle’s own dog, The Other Dog is absolutely delightful. You’ll find some of the authors own original illustrations at the end of the book, too.
If you’re shopping for a baby present for a family with a dog, this book is a great pick! But it’s also a wonderful read for anyone, of any age.
Ragweed’s Farm Dog Handbook by Anne Vittur Kennedy
If you own a dog, you will LOVE Ragweed’s Farm Dog Handbook. This little dog reminds me so much of our puppy, Cali. Ragweed makes our entire family laugh.
Hudson the Dog Series by Jackie Clark Mancuso
Explore the streets of Paris with Mancuso’s charming Hudson. Hudson and the Puppy is the third book in this series. It came out recently, and my kids love our review copy. My children also enjoyed reading Paris-Chien (chien is French for dog) and Hudson in Provence.
Can I Be Your Dog? by Troy Cummings
Can I Be Your Dog? is an adorable new picture book featuring a dog who writes out looking for an owner. Don’t worry, it has a happy ending!
Double Puppy Trouble by Danica McKellar
Double Puppy Trouble is a fun way to introduce children to the idea of exponential growth, while also reminding them about why it’s important to be happy with what you have. Josee Masse’s illustrations capture puppy mischief perfectly.
Good Dog, Carl by Alexandra Day
Good Dog, Carl is a lovable imaginative classic. It’s a great example of a realistic fantasy fiction picture book.
Hello Goodbye Dog by Maria Gianferrari
Moose the dog loves hellos and hates goodbyes in Hello Goodbye Dog. Fortunately his human, Zara, has the perfect solution. Patrice Barton’s illustrations are perfect for this warmhearted story, and it’s great to see a book featuring a main character in a wheelchair.
Greyfriars Bobby by Ruth Brown
Greyfriars Bobby is such a famous loyal little dog that you will find a Greyfriars Bobby statue, monument, and museum exhibit in Edinburgh – Scotland’s capital city.
Dog Themed Chapter Books Kids Love
Maxi’s Secrets by Lynne Plourde
For whatever reason, chapter books about dogs tend to be tear-jerkers. Maxi’s Secrets is no exception. This is my personal favorite dog themed chapter book. It touches on a lot of issues that middle grade through high school children (and adults) will identify with, including:
- Moving to a new place and being the new kid.
- Not fitting in.
- Working through snap judgments (your own as well as those of others).
- Doing and saying the wrong thing – and then having to figure out how to make things right again.
This beautifully written book features a fascinating and diverse range of characters. Read this book!
Ribsy by Beverly Cleary
Beverly Cleary’s Ribsy captures the relationship between a dog and a child beautifully.
Sue Bentley’s Magic Puppy Series
While not exactly high quality literature, the Magic Puppy series are great at engaging early readers who are just moving into chapter books.
Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
No dog list is complete without the heartbreaking story of Where the Red Fern Grows. Old Yeller falls into this same category for me.
What dog books for kids do you love best?
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