The "Dog Days of Summer" are upon us. Usually the hottest time of year, it's also the perfect time of year for books about dogs (though is there ever a wrong time?) Check out these 12 children's books below and have fun during the "dog days" this year!
'Doggie Gets Scared,' by Leslie Patricelli
Shadows, strangers, thunder and lightning! Sometimes a toy doggie gets scared. Don't worry, Doggie, Baby is here.
Baby's toy doggie is scared of many things: shadows, swimming pools, strangers, loud noises. Boom! Good thing Baby is there to help, with a trusty blankie (which sometimes works). Baby also comforts Doggie at daycare and at the playground when Mommy steps out of their sight. But when Doggie himself goes missing, could that be too scary even for brave Baby? Leslie Patricelli gives a fearless new spin to a universal toddler experience--and offers a few suggestions for things that can help the scary go away.
'No Roses for Harry!' by Gene Zion
A classic picture book featuring the beloved Harry the Dirty Dog!
Harry is the not-too-happy recipient of a handmade sweater, and what makes matters worse is that it's a sweater with a pattern of roses. Harry does everything he can think of to get rid of that sweater. But when it seems like he'll never lose the sweater, an unexpected visitor helps him solve his problem...
'I Am Not a Dog Toy,' by Ethan T. Berlin
A toy bear insists that he's a kid's toy--not a dog toy--in this story that shows that a true friendship is always one that goes in both directions.
A fun bear, who wears a vest with many pockets, is the brand new toy for a little girl. Bear couldn't be more excited to play with the girl, but she is a little less than enthused. In fact, she throws him into the dog's water bowl. Splash! Bear doesn't take the hint. Dog, however, is very excited to play with Bear. But Bear insists he is not a dog toy, he is a kid's toy. So he keeps trying to get the girl's attention... to no avail. Will Bear ever realize that Dog is the better friend?
Kids making friends will see that friendship isn't really friendship unless it's reciprocated in this hilarious and sweet picture book.
'Big Dog and Little Dog Going for a Walk,' by Dav Pilkey
In this lovable board book series, Dav Pilkey captures the humor of everyday canine behavior. The sweet personalities, lasting friendship, and hilarious antics of Big Dog and Little Dog will enchant little ones and entertain dog lovers of all ages.
'Pride Puppy!, by Robin Stevenson
A young child and their family are having a wonderful time together celebrating Pride Day--meeting up with Grandma, making new friends and eating ice cream. But then something terrible happens: their dog gets lost in the parade! Luckily, there are lots of people around to help reunite the pup with his family.
This rhyming alphabet book tells a lively story, with rich, colorful illustrations that will have readers poring over every detail as they spot items starting with each of the letters of the alphabet. An affirming and inclusive book that offers a joyful glimpse of a Pride parade and the vibrant community that celebrates this day each year.
'Best Day Ever!', by Marilyn Singer
A sweet dog-loves-kid/kid-loves-dog story, in which the kid uses a wheelchair, from an award-winning children's poet and talented debut illustrator.
This playful puppy thinks she's having the best day ever! She's so happy to be out with her friend, she doesn't even realize that she's being a little naughty. But then he scolds her, and suddenly--Worst. Day. Ever. Will puppy be able to make amends and turn their day back around?
Join an exuberant, boundary-pushing pup and her exasperated boy in this reassuring story about unconditional love and the challenges of trying to always be on your best behavior.
'Pawcasso,' by Remy Lai
Every Saturday, Pawcasso trots into town with a basket, a shopping list, and cash in paw to buy groceries for his family. One day, he passes eleven-year-old Jo, peering out the window of her house, bored and lonely. Astonished by the sight of an adorable basket-toting dog on his own, Jo follows Pawcasso, and when she's seen alongside him by a group of kids from her school, they mistake her for Pawcasso's owner.
Excited to make new friends, Jo reluctantly hides the truth and agrees to let "her" dog model for an art class the kids attend. What could go wrong? But what starts as a Chihuahua-sized lie quickly grows Great Dane-sized when animal control receives complaints about a dog roaming the streets off-leash. With Pawcasso's freedom at stake, is Jo willing to spill the truth and risk her new friendships?
'Doggo and Pupper,' by Katherine Applegate
An old dog has to welcome a new puppy to the household, in this chapter book by #1 New York Times bestselling author Katherine Applegate.
Doggo is used to things being a certain way in his family. He likes routine. Cat says he's become boring. That is, until Pupper shows up!
Pupper is playful and messy, and turns the house upside down. Soon, the humans realize that Pupper needs some training, and off he goes to puppy school.
When Pupper comes back, he's well-behaved. He's not playful. He's not messy. But Doggo soon realizes that Pupper also isn't happy. So Doggo steps in to help, and rediscovers what it means to have fun.
'Sunshine,' by Marion Dane Bauer
Set in the northern Minnesota wilderness, a timeless novel about a boy and his imaginary dog explores the legacy of guilt and blame--and what really constitutes a family.
Newbery Honoree Marion Dane Bauer evokes the "summer that changed everything" in the life of a boy growing up without a mother. Since as far back as Ben can remember, it's been him, his devoted dad, and Sunshine--Ben's little dog, who rarely leaves Ben's side. It was Mom who did the leaving, and Ben's about to spend a whole week with his suddenly present mother in the wilds of northern Minnesota. On the remote island she calls home, Ben will learn to canoe, weather the elements, and weigh a burning question: when will she come back to where she belongs? A must-read for dog lovers, children of divorce, and the imaginative and outdoorsy, Sunshine is a poignant, ultimately hopeful story about self-discovery, facing big realities, and finally, forgiving the things--and people--you can't forget.
'Fetch!: A How-To-Speak-Dog Training Guide,' by Aubre Andrus
From the experts who brought you How to Speak Dog, learn tips and tricks to help train your best friend.Whether teaching a puppy the basics--such as "sit," "stand," and "stay"-- correcting behavioral problems, or training your pooch to perform more advanced tricks, this comprehensive guide will take you through all the steps to have your canine answering your call in no time. With the help of veterinarian Dr. Gary Weitzman, kids will bond with their pups through structured lessons that showcase easy-to-follow instructions and commands. Additional content introduces readers to Hollywood hounds, dogs on the job, and famous canines through history. This "paws-on" guide is perfect for families who are bringing home their very first puppy, or seasoned dog owners who want to teach their longtime four-legged family member a few new tricks.
'Pet That Dog: A Handbook for Making Four-Legged Friends,' by Gideon Kidd
Like many kids (and adults!), Gideon loves to pet dogs. He loves petting dogs so much, he asked his mom if he could make a website showcasing all of the dogs he's pet. That website eventually became the Twitter account I've Pet That Dog, and since April 2018, Gideon has amassed over 300,000 fans of his heartwarming and delightful tweets. In a world filled with strife and sarcasm, Gideon's account brings a bit of sunshine into so many lives. Even celebrities like Lin Manuel Miranda and Kirstie Alley are fans of Gideon's sweet and wholesome content. With each tweet, Gideon presents a photo of himself with a dog he has met and a few lines about the dog's story. He has now pet and profiled over 1,000 dogs!
Pet That Dog! A Handbook for Making Four-Legged Friends will be an illustrated guide by Gideon and his mom. The handbook will include a guide to meeting, petting, and caring for dogs, facts about dogs, quizzes, and more. The interactive format makes a perfect gift for dog lovers--as well as kids who are curious about dogs, but may be nervous around them. The "how to pet a dog" section is full of helpful do's and don'ts.
'Clifford Loves,' by Norman Bridwell
Find out what Clifford the Big Red Dog LOVES! Clifford the Big Red Dog loves playing outside. Clifford loves reading and swimming, too. But most importantly, Clifford loves spending time with his friends-especially Emily Elizabeth! Learn about all of the things Clifford the Big Red Dog loves in this adorable, heart-shaped board book. It's the perfect gift for kids who love Clifford year-round!
Last Modified April 26, 2024
Type:
Home Page