Do you have a kiddo who can never get enough of their dog or the dogs they meet out in the world? Or one who really wants a puppy but you’re still holding out…? Need a present for a kid who loves animals? These dog-friendly books might be perfect for you! They’re sweet, smart, and fun to read, even as an adult! Reading stories together is always wonderful, and when you’re reading about these lovable puppies, it’s be even better! Here are our top 5 children’s books!
1. Rescuing Rumba by Megan Rose, One of our favorite Children’s Books
Marc Simont tells a sweet and poignant story based on the true story of Reiko Sassa. A family sees a stray dog in the park and as much as the kids want to adopt him, their parents say no (at first). They eventually decide they can’t live without him and go back to find him! The book is a really heartwarming story with lots of life lessons sprinkled throughout. Marc Simont illustrated over a hundred children’s books, but The Stray Dog is my favorite!
2. Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion
This book is beloved by generations of children – and for good reason! It’s a heartfelt story about a dog who runs away, but his story of course doesn’t end there. Originally published in the 1950s, the author Gene Zion actually worked with his wife to illustrate its pages. They worked as a team on thirteen books over the course of fifteen years! Harry the Dirty Dog is a testament to what a great team they were!
3. Good Dog Carl by Alexandra Day
The illustrations in this book can’t be missed! Good Dog Carl is the first in a series, so the reader can follow lots of Carl’s adventures after they finish this one! Fun Fact: the author, Alexandra Day, was visiting Switzerland when she found some old German contact sheets of a poodle playing with a baby. As you might guess, these photos inspired her to write the series!
4. The Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith
Everyone’s seen the movies, but have you read the original book? “Like many other much-loved humans, they believed they owned their dogs, instead of realizing that their dogs owned them.” It’s worth reading just for that quote in my opinion, but the rest of the book is just as funny and smart! Fun fact: Pongo was named after a dalmatian puppy Dodie Smith’s husband gave to her in real life!
5. Stay: A Girl, A Dog and a Bucket List by Katie Klise and M. Sarah Klise a great add to your Children’s Books collection
This book makes me want to cry every time (in a good way!). It’s a story about a little girl who’s starting to grow up and realizes that her beloved dog is getting older, too. She makes a list of things she wants to do with him and we get to follow along with them as they complete their list. It’s a beautiful story and can be the perfect thing for any child (or adult) who’s learning that dogs get older just like humans.
Have another children’s book that dog-lovers should know about? We’d love to hear about it at whatthepup@spotandtango.com!
