Life

20 Children's Books About Dogs For Kids Who Love Puppies

About three months ago, after more than a year of begging from my kids, our family welcomed a puppy into our home. We love him to pieces, but teaching a 5-year-old and almost 7-year-old how to care for a young pup takes more patience than I realized, so I'm glad we waited as long as we did to get a dog. We read plenty of these 20 children's books about dogs during the time we were waiting for my boys to be old enough and responsible enough to shoulder some of the responsibility of taking care of a puppy, and honestly, I think it helped.

I was ridiculously attached to the yellow Labrador my family got when I was 8 years old, and my own kids have developed a fierce bond with their new puppy as well. The joy and love that having a pet brings into a home is nearly unmatched, especially with a pet as loyal as a dog, and these books capture that happiness.

A child growing up with a dog by their side is such a beautiful thing, but for some families it may not be in the cards, so reading these children's books about dogs is one way for kids to get their puppy fix without actually owning one.

1. 'The Poky Little Puppy' by Janette Sebring Lowrey

This classic book is a must-read for any kid who loves dogs. The Poky Little Puppy, first published in 1942 and still a beloved favorite today, tells the quintessential tale of a puppy who digs a hole under the fence and heads out to explore the world.

Barnes & Noble

2. 'Clifford the Big Red Dog' by Norman Bridwell

While there is an entire collection of Clifford books, as well as a television show, this is the book that started it all. Clifford the Big Red Dog offers simple text with a heartwarming message of friendship and connection between a lovable dog and his new friend Elizabeth.

Barnes & Noble

3. 'Ribsy' by Beverly Cleary

You may be more familiar with the original yellow hardback cover of this children's book, but the same charming tale by Beverly Cleary lies within the pages beneath this contemporary cover. When Henry's dog Ribsy goes missing, he has a hilarious day out in the city. Best suited for ages 8 and up, this is a great choice for reading a story about a dog together as a family.

Barnes & Noble

4. 'Magi and Milo' by Juli Brenning

A great choice for preschoolers, Magi and Milo tells the story of young Magi and her best puppy pal Milo as they venture out to catch frogs together. Milo helps Magi learn the value of hard work and how doing anything with your best friend can be fun when your best friend is a dog.

Barnes & Noble

5. 'The Perfect Dog' by Kevin O'Malley

If your family is gearing up to find the dog that fits in perfectly with your crew, this is the book for you. The Perfect Dog follows a little girl who is imagining which dog will be perfect for her family to have now that her parents have finally allowed her to get a pup. From big to small, long hair to short hair, she pictures many different types of dogs and how they might fit into her home.

Barnes & Noble

6. 'Harry the Dirty Dog' by Gene Zion

Harry the Dirty Dog is a classic children's book about a dog who really does not want to take a bath. The witty storyline about Harry returning to his home after a day of play looking like a completely different dog has charmed kids' imaginations since the book was first published in 1956.

Barnes & Noble

7. 'Good Dog, Carl' by Alexandra Day

When Carl, the babysitting Rottweiler, is left in charge, he spends the day with his baby friend having the most fun. Although Good Dog, Carl features very few words, the illustrations are absolutely gorgeous and tell a heartwarming story about this hardworking dog who cares for a baby all day long.

Barnes & Noble

8. 'Where's Spot?' by Eric Hill

This traditional lift-the-flap book is a childhood staple that offers kids a chance to interact with the book while reading. On each page of Where's Spot?, Spot is hiding in a different place for kids to find. This beloved book sparked an entire series of Spot books that have been a part of many children's lives for decades.

Barnes & Noble

9. 'The Best Days Are Dog Days' by Aaron Meshon

This sweet picture book follows a day in the life of a dog and his human sister as they eat, play, bathe, and eventually settle in for sleep at the end of a fun-filled day. The Best Days Are Dog Days beautifully illustrates how man's best friend loves doing life side-by-side with their favorite people.

Barnes & Noble

10. 'The Rainbow Bridge' by Adrian Raeside

If your family is preparing for or experiencing the loss of your dog, The Rainbow Bridge provides a helpful perspective on pet loss in a way that is easy for kids to understand. This book allows kids to see what life might be like for their dog after they pass, as it illustrates an afterlife filled with all of the things their beloved pet enjoys to provide comfort during a trying time.

Barnes & Noble

11. 'Jake the Growling Dog' by Samantha Shannon

Jake The Growling Dog follows a sweet dog named Jake as he attempts to find friends in his forest home despite his growling voice that seems to set him apart others. Not only does this book tell the story of a kind dog who is simply misunderstood, but it fosters a message of acceptance and diversity that can be easily understood by children who read it.

Barnes & Noble

12. 'Can I Be Your Dog?' by Troy Cummings

The New York Times Bestseller Can I Be Your Dog? offers readers a selection of letters from a friendly homeless dog named Arfy who is seeking a family to love him. He shares all of the unique and charming characteristics that make him a good dog in his letters, hoping to find just the right home. This story helps promote adopting dogs into loving homes through Arfy's witty and sweet story.

Barnes & Noble

13. 'Walter the Farting Dog' by William Kotzwinkle & Glenn Murray

Get ready to laugh hysterically as you and your kids read about the adventures of Walter and his humans in Walter the Farting Dog. Although his flatulence may be stinky, his family still loves him, especially when his farting ways come to the rescue when a burglar attempts to break into the family home.

Amazon

14. 'Oh No, George!' by Chris Haughton

Oh No, George! is an adorable story about how hard it is for George to be a good dog. Although he has nothing but good intentions, when George is left at home alone all day, his doggy ways have him tempted to chase cats and dig up flowers — all acts his owners don't appreciate very much, but are so much fun for George.

Barnes & Noble

15. 'The Good Dog' by Todd Kessler

Written by Todd Kessler, the creator of the beloved dog-centered kids show Blues Clues, The Good Dog follows a puppy named Tako as he struggles to be a good dog and adjust to following the rules after his new owner Ricky Lee and his parents take him into their home. This story about the nature of following rules and family dynamics is both heartwarming and endearing.

Barnes & Noble

16. 'Because Of Winn-Dixie' by Kate DiCamillo

If you've never read the best-selling children's novel Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo, this is a great choice to read along with your kids. Named after the supermarket where 10-year-old India finds her childhood pet, the pup stands by her side during a summer of life changes that all start to happen when she finds the beloved dog Winn-Dixie.

Barnes & Noble

17. 'Where the Red Fern Grows' by Wilson Rawls

I vividly remember reading this story as a fourth grader and the lessons I learned from the tale have stuck with me throughout my life. Where the Red Fern Grows follows Billy and his two loyal pups through the hills of the Ozarks as he trains them to be the best hunting dogs in the area. The trials and tribulations Billy encounters with his treasured dogs will spark conversation after conversation about life with your kids.

Barnes & Noble

18. 'Dog Man' by Dav Pilkey

From the creator of the ever-popular graphic novel Captain Underpants, Dav Pilkey, this collection of stories about a hero who is part dog and part man will have your kids laughing all day long. Dog Man hilariously depicts a whole new style of justice with a hero who kids can read about as he chases squirrels and bad guys at the same time.

Barnes & Noble

19. 'I'm My Own Dog' by David Ezra Stein

In I'm My Own Dog, when a self-reliant bulldog finds a human who can scratch that one pesky spot on his back that he can't quite reach himself, he learns a lesson in depending on others and developing affection for another being that expands his heart.

Barnes & Noble

20. 'A Ball For Daisy' by Chris Raschka

This wordless picture book promotes independent reading in young children by depicting what happens when dog Daisy's favorite ball is destroyed by a bigger dog. Kids who have lost or broken a favorite toy will be able to relate to the lessons Daisy learns in A Ball For Daisy.

Barnes & Noble
120