16 of our favorite kids' books about dogs that teach empathy, kindness, and perseverance
- Children's books about animals are plentiful, and stories about dogs are some of the most popular.
- These kids' books about dogs were chosen for their fun themes, meaningful messages, and beautiful illustrations.
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The bonds forged between children and dogs last a lifetime. Those of us who grew up with a cherished childhood dog never forget them no matter how many years have passed. It's no surprise that many kids are drawn to books that feature dogs, and adult dog lovers enjoy reading them, too.
Whether timeless classics or new favorites, children's books that feature dogs explore many different themes and can teach empathy, understanding, kindness, and acceptance. Dogs can be found front and center in these books for kids of all ages, including board books for toddlers, books for preschool and elementary-age children, and books for young adult readers.
Here are 16 of our favorite kids' books about dogs:
"Big Dog ... Little Dog" by P. D. Eastman
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, from $3.99
This classic story by beloved children's author P. D. Eastman — good friend of Theodor Geisel, also known as Dr. Seuss — has been condensed into a durable board book perfect for small hands. Borrowing charming illustrations from the 1973 original edition, "Big Dog … Little Dog" follows two dogs named Ted and Fred who are as different as can be but are still the best of friends. The simple story and rhythmic rhyming are appealing to toddlers and preschoolers.
Recommended ages: 2 years and up
"The Poky Little Puppy" by Janette Sebring Lowrey
Available at Amazon and Target for $4.19
One of the original 12 Little Golden Books, "The Poky Little Puppy" follows five little puppies as they flout the rules to embark on adventures in the wide, wide world. This tale is simple, but delivers a nice message as the puppies explore and eventually learn they must listen to their mother and never dig holes under the fence.
Recommended ages: 2 to 3 years old
"Stay: A Girl, a Dog, a Bucket List" by Kate Klise
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, from $11.99
This story celebrates the special bond shared by a little girl named Astrid and her dog, Eli, who had been part of the family since Astrid was born. When she turns 6, Astrid realizes that Eli is getting on in years, so she decides to think of things Eli should do before he gets too old and writes her list on the outside of a popcorn bucket. Gorgeously illustrated by the author's sister M. Sarah Klise, this story is bittersweet but offers a great lesson about making the most of our time with loved ones — and thankfully ends on a happy note!
Recommended ages: 3 to 5 years old
"Say Hello!" by Rachel Isadora
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, from $6.99
Follow Carmelita, her mother, and her dog Manny as they walk through their neighborhood on their way to visit Abuela Rosa. Along the way, they say hello to neighbors from many different cultures. On their walk, Manny woofs hello to everyone and Carmelita says hello in many languages, including Spanish, English, Arabic, French, Italian, Japanese, Swahili, Mandarin, and Hebrew. Colorfully illustrated, this simple book is a charming introduction to different languages.
Recommended ages: 3 to 5 years old
"City Dog, Country Frog" by Mo Willems
Available at Amazon, Target, and Barnes & Noble, from $13.55
Prepare to be charmed by this tale of two unlikely friends who meet one spring: a dog from the city and frog from the country. Despite their differences, the dog and frog become fast friends. Each teaches the other their favorite games throughout the summer and fall, but things change when winter comes. Beautiful watercolor illustrations by Jon J. Muth perfectly complement this story about life's seasons.
Recommended ages: 3 to 5 years old
"Mr. Scruff" by Simon James
Available at Amazon, Target, and Barnes & Noble for $16.99
This book introduces different dogs and their look-alike owners (Polly and Molly, Eric and Derek, Minnie and Vinnie), then tells the story of Mr. Scruff, who's all alone in a shelter with no one to love him. All that changes when a little boy named Jim meets Mr. Scruff and convinces his skeptical parents that they are a perfect fit, even if they don't look anything alike — and their names don't rhyme. Filled with whimsical illustrations, this book will warm your heart.
Recommended ages: 3 to 7 years old
"Go, Dog. Go!" by P.D. Eastman
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, from $4.84
Captivating kids for more than 50 years," Go, Dog. Go!" takes readers on a silly adventure filled with dogs of all colors, shapes, sizes, and preferences. Kids will love the rhythmic repetition of single-syllable words and laugh over the humorous illustrations.
Recommended ages: 3 to 7 years old
"Dog Man" by Dav Pilkey
Available at Target, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, from $4.91
From the creator of the popular "Captain Underpants" series comes "Dog Man," a graphic novel that details the exploits of a quirky hero who has the head of a dog and body of a human. A good introduction to graphic novels, younger readers will appreciate the book's simple language and humor. Those who enjoy following Dog Man as he fights crime will be happy to know it's the first book in a robust series.
Recommended ages: 7 years and up
"Harry the Dirty Dog" by Gene Zion
Available at Amazon, Target, and Barnes & Noble, from $4.39
Originally published in 1956, "Harry the Dirty Dog"is timeless fun. Many kids will relate to Harry, a dog who hates baths so much he steals the scrubbing brush and buries it in the yard before heading out on an adventure. When Harry returns home, he has become so dirty his own family doesn't recognize him. Both kids and adults will enjoy this cute story and the wonderfully detailed illustrations by Margaret Bloy Graham.
Recommended ages: 3 to 5 years old
"A Dog Wearing Shoes" by Sangmi Ko
Available at Barnes & Noble for $19.99
Mini's life changes the day a little dog wearing shoes darts in front of her mother's car as they drive home from Grandma and Grandpa's. "Can we keep her?" she pleads. Mini's mother insists they must find the lost dog's family, but Mini is in love and wants the dog to stay with them. Completely illustrated in black and white other than the dog's little yellow shoes and red collar and leash, "A Dog Wearing Shoes" poignantly explores compassion, empathy, and the strong bonds that form between dogs and people.
Recommended ages: 4 to 8 years old
"Hello Goodbye Dog" by Maria Gianferrari
Available at Amazon, Target, and Barnes & Noble, from $13.49
Moose wants nothing more than to be with her favorite person Zara. Every morning when Zara says goodbye, Moose escapes and runs off to find her at school. But Zara has an idea: If Moose becomes a therapy dog, he can come to school and be the class reading dog. This sweet story shows how therapy dogs can help people, and the author's note allows parents to educate kids about the difference between service dogs and therapy dogs.
Recommended ages: 4 to 8 years old
"Gaston" by Kelly DiPucchio
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, from $10.99
Gaston the bulldog doesn't look like his sisters, but he works the hardest to learn his manners and be a proper poodle. A family outing to the park has a surprising outcome when the poodles and Gaston run into a family of bulldogs and one poodle. Realizing a mix-up had occurred, the parents encourage a swap, but everyone learns that being part of a family isn't only about appearances. With delightful illustrations by Christian Robinson, this book skillfully explores a complex topic that may resonate with adopted children as well those who don't quite feel like they fit in.
Recommended ages: 4 to 8 years old
"Dex: The Heart of a Hero" by Caralyn Buehner
Available at Target, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble, from $6.99
Everything about dachshund Dex is little: his legs, his body, even his tail. But even so, Dex dreams of being a superhero. He reads superhero books and watches superhero movies, begins exercising to become fast and strong, and even buys a superhero suit. When a cat who has been bullying him becomes stuck in a tree, Dex is determined to save him. The book's comic-book style illustrations by the author's husband Mark Buehner are charming, and the story provides an empowering message about the rewards of working hard and helping others.
Recommended ages: 4 to 8 years old
"Ribsy" by Beverly Cleary
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble for $7.99
This timeless classic story about a boy and his dog has been charming readers for more than 50 years. The sixth and final book in the "Henry Huggins" series puts Henry's beloved dog Ribsy front and center, following him as he becomes lost, then reunited with again with his best friend.
Recommended ages: 8 to 12 years old
"The Incredible Journey" by Sheila Burnford
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, from $7.59
This book was published in 1961, but the story stands the test of time. When a Labrador retriever, bull terrier, and Siamese cat wander away from home and get lost in the Canadian wilderness, the three house pets must rely on their instincts and each other if they are to avoid starvation, survive the elements, evade wild predators, and find their way home to their beloved family. The book inspired two Disney movies: The Incredible Journey (1963) and its remake, Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993).
Recommended ages: 8 to 12 years old
"Because of Winn-Dixie" by Kate DiCamillo
Available at Amazon, Target, and Barnes & Noble, from $5.99
A lonely 10-year-old Opal encounters a shaggy stray dog wreaking havoc at the local Winn-Dixie and decides to bring him home, naming him after the supermarket chain. With Winn-Dixie in her life, Opal begins making new friends, grows closer to her preacher father, and learns about her own past. Set in the South, this moving and uplifting story will resonate with children and adults.
Recommended ages: 9 to 12 years old