26 Best Children’s Books About Dogs
Everyone loves dogs, especially children! Dogs are cuddly, lovable and smart. Kids will enjoy reading books about dogs who make great companions, dogs who can do incredible tricks and about all the different types of dogs. We’ve rounded up dog books for babies, dog books for kids, chapter books about dogs and a few fact-based dog books for the ever-curious child. You will love these 26 children’s books about dogs!
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Dog Books for Toddlers and Babies
When selecting books for toddlers, look for a mix of colorful books with lovable cartoon characters and books with real pictures. Younger children may prefer board books as the pages are easier to manipulate.
All of the Touch and Feel books are super fun for young children, and make a great first book with all of the interactive tactile features. This board book is full of adorable puppies and lots of tactile pages that young kids will enjoy touching and feeling.
This book is perfect for showing kids all the things that dogs can do. Dogs aren't just pets! Many dogs work as service animals, sled dogs, sheep herders and more!
Sandra Boynton's beloved style of writing and illustrations shines in this love song from parent to child. You will love sharing this sweet book about the fuzzy little puppy with your child.
(We recommend checking out all of Sandra Boynton's children's books too! She's one of our favorite authors!)
Another of our favorite interactive books for 2 year olds, Where's Spot keeps kids engaged with boldly colored illustrations and hidden flaps to lift. Your 2 year old will love chiming in with every "no" as you read together.
Where's Spot is also great for teaching spatial concepts, such as "inside" and "under."
Dog Picture Books for Kids
As your child begins to enjoy listening to longer books they will enjoy books characters they know and love. Kids love the adventures of the Paw Patrol, the antics of the Puppy Dog Pals and the mischief of Clifford – everyone’s favorite Big Red Dog.
Clifford is a normal puppy who grows into a BIG red dog. He's a great friend who's a little mischievous but full of love. Kids will love this classic dog book, as well as the rest of the Clifford series.
Bob is having trouble falling asleep so the Puppy Dog Pals bring home a flock of sheep. Young readers who are fans of this popular Disney Jr. cartoon will love reading about these canine characters on another exciting adventure. What will happen next?
Dog Food has been passed down through my kids for 21 years and is still fun to read! Light on words, the pictures tell the story. This book is full of incredible pictures of dogs crafted out of food! From pepper pooches to mango mutts, this dog book will make children laugh and inspire creativity. A fun way to teach children popular phrases and figurative language with adorable dog art. Parents will get the puns while the kids identify the fruits and veggies used to make these adorable pups.
This book shares the sweet story of a new pet adoption from the perspective of a dog. This clever book is full of wonderful illustrations and a heartwarming story.
This tall tale about a long dog has a fun surprise at the tail end! Just how long is this dog? You'll have to read the book to find out.
From the author of "f You Give a Mouse a Cookie comes this great book that new readers and dog lovers will enjoy. If you give a dog a donut, he’ll ask for some apple juice to go with it. When you give him the juice, he’ll drink it all up. Then, before you can say “woof” . . . Dog is off on a backyard adventure!
Pig is a pug and he's not very nice. In fact, he's selfish and greedy and mean to Trevor. But his actions have consequences! Pig learns to share and more in this book and in the entire Pig the Pug series.
Walter is a good dog but he has a bit of a problem: gas! His kids love him but dad says he has to go. Can Billy and Betty find a way for Walter to stay? Your kids will love this delightful story that was a #1 New York Times Bestseller!
Readers and Chapter Books About Dogs
For more independent readers who enjoy dog stories, we’ve listed the best dog books for older kids! Here are some leveled readers and chapter books starring man’s best friend.
Did you know that a dog's sense of smell can be more than 1 million times stronger than ours? Or that pugs are prone to catching colds because of their super short noses? Bingo and Rolly will help early readers learn these facts and more in this Level 1 reader.
From award-winning author Barbara O'Connor comes a middle-grade novel about a girl who, with the help of a true-blue friend, a big-hearted aunt and uncle, and the dog of her dreams, unexpectedly learns the true meaning of family in the least likely of places.
Springtime has arrived at the Davis Family Farm! Spring showers lead to muddy hijinks for a young pup named Bo. But when Bo loses his dog tag, he gets serious and enlists all of his barnyard pals to help him find it.
Lily meets a crow with a broken wing, so she and Maggie Rose take the crow home to Mom. But when the crow starts to become too tame, some unexpected problems arise. It’s Lily to the rescue!
Believe it or not–and you better believe it – Josh’s dog Arful can talk! This is very useful to Josh and his pals who want to win the school talent contest. First the boys have to find out what the girls are planning for the contest. That’s when they send Arful to get an earful by spying on the girls. Just wait until show time to see what Arful the spy uncovers.
Blown into their lives by a twister when Pete was a boy, Tornado was no ordinary dog—he played card tricks, saved a turtle’s life, and had a rivalry with the family cat.
Dogs are disappearing in her neighborhood, and Maggie Brooklyn Sinclair knows all about it. After all, she has a semi-secret after-school gig as a professional (ok, amateur) dog-walker. Maggie hates to see a pup in trouble, so she's even willing to help her ex-best friend Ivy recover her rescue-dog, Kermit.
George and Harold have created a new breed of justice. With the head of a dog and the body of a human, this heroic hound digs into deception, claws after crooks, rolls over robbers, and scampers after squirrels. Will he be able to resist the call of the wild to answer the call of duty?
Check out these kids’ books about cats too!
Non-Fiction Books About Dogs
These non-fiction books about dogs are perfect for kids who want to learn all about dogs. Learn about different breeds, jobs that dogs have and how to train a dog.
This book contains pictures, informations and charts about dogs from all around the world.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are born with extra toes. Dalmatians are born without spots. Some Siberian Huskies have one blue eye and one brown eye. Learn all about the characteristics of various dog breeds and much more!
This book is for anyone who loves dogs and puppies, whether they're dog owners or want-to-be owners. Learn what dogs are showing with their body language, what are they dreaming about, and what they are trying to say to you.
This book delivers the basics of caring for and training a dog to develop good canine habits with humor and creativity. In addition to learning about dog health and preparing for the arrival of a new dog at home, kids will discover fascinating tips on decoding a dog's body language and how to teach a dog simple tricks.
Every child wants a dog, yet not every child--or even grown-up!--is equipped to take on the responsibilities that come with owning a dog. Learn everything you need to know to train and care for a dog.
Does that bark mean something? This interesting book helps kids to decode the different sounds a dog might make.
Don’t miss this list of the funniest books to read aloud to your kids!
MEET THE AUTHOR
Amanda
As a mom of 4 kids (and the oldest of 4 kids herself), Amanda has over 30 years of parenting experience. A former special education teacher, Amanda has a Master’s degree in Special Education and a second M. Ed. in Educational Leadership.
When she’s not working, Amanda enjoys DIY projects, exercising, photography, and long walks through Target.
You can find Amanda on all social media at @parentingnestblog and @amandaseghetti
