The 35+ Best Dog Books for Kids that are Bark-tastic!
Dogs are loved for their loyalty and friendliness, making them special companions for people of all ages. Their playful nature creates strong bonds, often making them feel like family. This is why these best stories about dogs are so popular with kids.
Like peanut butter and jelly, kids and dogs go perfectly together! Dogs bring joy and comfort, serving as friends who are always ready to play and cuddle.
Reading dog stories helps children understand these special relationships. Tales of adventure and bravery spark their imagination and teach lessons about friendship and responsibility.
Having a dog is also beneficial for a child's emotional health. Growing up with a pet can boost self-esteem and reduce stress, providing comfort and security.
In short, dogs find their way into our hearts and enrich our lives. Their stories entertain and educate, becoming a cherished part of childhood. The bond between kids and dogs continues to inspire joy for generations.
Best Dog Books for Babies and Toddlers
These books are as cheerful and cuddly as the puppies in these stories! These books are sure to sure to start a lifelong love for man’s best friend!
Where’s Spot?
The bestselling puppy is better than ever. Spot's 25th birthday presents are bold, beautiful color covers that give him a great new look. Enjoy Spot in paperback with full-color covers and traditional Lift-the-Flap features. Have more fun with Spot!
Goodreads Rating: 4.13
2. P is for Puppy
With bright photographs of adorable puppies and soft, furry textures to feel, P is for Puppy is the perfect first book to share with your baby. Each cuddly puppy is accompanied with gentle, rhyming text which will engage your little one as you share the book together. Every page also features a soft, furry, touch-and-feel texture for baby to explore―great for stimulating your little one's senses and developing early motor skills.
Goodreads Rating: 3.96
3. Doggies, a Counting and Barking Book
Sandra Boynton masterfully marries learning to count with a toddler favorite—doggies! Big dogs, little dogs, short and long hair, powerful woofs, and tiny yaps are packed into this deceptively simple counting book that gets noisier with every page. Perfect for reading to little ones and doggies alike!
Goodreads Rating: 4.03
4. Where’s the Dog?
I didn’t know if we would ever find the dog and alas! We did! We were engaged the entire time in the quest for the lost dog.....tension ran high as we turned each page, wondering when the dog would appear. When the dog was finally found, relief came across the land. Finally. Rest could be had. The dog was found....this book can withstand the test of twin toddlers who enjoy destroying books for a living. Very well put together. - Amazon review by Lauren
Goodreads Rating: 4.08
5. Oh No, George!
George is a dog with all the best intentions, and his owner, Harry, has all the best hopes that George will be a well-behaved dog when he leaves him alone for the day. But it’s so hard to be a good dog when there are cats to chase and flowers to dig up!
Goodreads Rating: 4.08
6. Hot Dog Cold Dog
Beautiful and colorful drawings. Nice thick sturdy pages. My little niece has loved staring at the pages and pointing to the dogs. I love how each page features a playful dachshund with a unique and lovely font. The pictures are helpful for early readers to use context clues to guide their reading. - Amazon review by MCornerford
Goodreads Rating: 4.11
Best Dog Books for Kindergarten (3-5 years old)
These picture books are a collection of colorful characters about our 4-legged friends. These books are a great reminder that the personalities of dogs can be as diverse as that of humans!!
7. Gaston
A bulldog and a poodle learn that family is about love, not appearances in this adorable doggy tale from New York Times bestselling author Kelly DiPucchio and illustrator Christian Robinson. Heartwarming Story with beautiful illustrations. Love this book! Read often to my niece and just gave one as a baby gift. - Amazon Review by
Goodreads Rating: 4.28
8. Is There a Dog in This Book?
Great book for preschool to early grade school. My son is 7 and still cracks up every time we read this together. Which he loves to do even though he can read it by himself. Even though it's not particularly long, or wordy, each animal has their own personality throughout the story. Highly recommended for young animal-loving kids. - Amazon review by Danielle
Goodreads Rating: 4.17
9. Go, Dog. Go!
Written for beginning readers using only 75 different words, this beloved Beginner Book is by P.D. Eastman and edited by Dr. Seuss! Go, Dog. Go! features all kinds of wonderful dogs riding bicycles, scooters, skiis, roller skates, and driving all sorts of vehicles on their way to a party held on top of a tree! This is a perfect gift for dog lovers of all ages!
Goodreads Rating: 4.13
10. Harry the Dirty Dog
Harry the Dirty Dog has become a classic, entertaining young reader for decades. This funny picture book is perfect for young fans of dogs ... especially ones who also don't always want a bath! Harry the Dirty Dog has been recognized by the National Education Association as an all-time top-100 children's book.
Goodreads Rating: 4.19
Discover the Magic of "Harry the Dirty Dog"!
If you haven’t yet experienced the charm of "Harry the Dirty Dog," now is the perfect time to dive in! This beloved story has captured the hearts of a new generation, especially after the wonderful reading by the late Betty White on StorylineOnline.
Her heartfelt narration has been viewed over 10 million times, bringing Harry’s adventures to life in a way that resonates with both kids and adults.
11. Sheep Dog and Sheep Sheep
Sheep is an expert at protecting sheep—or so she thinks until one happy afternoon when she bumps into a very hairy someone on the farm. Funny and entertaining simple story. It’s one I actually enjoy reading over and over. We borrowed it from the library but I’ll be purchasing a copy soon so we can keep reading it. A new favorite for this teacher, librarian, and mom. - Amazon review by Casey C.
Goodreads Rating: 4.16
12. Good Dog, Carl
Available in paperback for the first time, the modern classic that introduced the beloved baby-sitting rottweiler to the world. This is the cutest little book for kids who aren't reading yet. Carl is a very good boy who watches the baby and they engage in fun that is shown in wonderful pictures. It's a sweet book that I like to look through periodically and great-granddaughter loved it!! - Amazon review by Gamegopher
Goodreads Rating: 4.26
13. Dogs
Not only are the illustrations adorable and appealing, but the text is short enough to share with the youngest child. In addition to being just fun to read, the book can be used to talk about different kinds of dogs, as well as opposites. The twist at the end is amusing. I wasn't sure the kindergartners would get the ending but they did. They were also more than happy to talk about their own experiences with dogs. A fun read-a-loud on a perennially popular topic. - Amazon review by Heidi G.
Goodreads Rating: 4.11
14. Can I Be Your Dog?
This New York Times bestselling picture book is a heart-tugging dog adoption story told through letters from a dog as he seeks a forever home. Clever concept to reinforce adopting a dog! The letters the dog "writes" are sweet as he tries to find his forever home. You have to admire his determination as he is rejected, for no reason of his own, again and again. No spoilers here, but the illustrations are as delightful as the storyline. Really touching! - Amazon review by ML Daniels
Goodreads Rating: 4.45
15. This Book Just Ate My Dog!
When her dog disappears into the gutter of the book, Bella calls for help. But when the helpers disappear too, Bella realizes it will take more than a tug on the leash to put things right. Cleverly using the physicality of the book, This book just ate my dog! is inventive, ingenious, and just pure kid-friendly fun!
Goodreads Rating: 4.19
16. Clifford the Big Red Dog
Meet Clifford and Emily Elizabeth in the original Clifford book! Clifford is big. Clifford is red. But most of all, Clifford knows how to BE A GOOD FRIEND. I remember this story as a child and I loved it. Bought it to pass onto another generation. - Amazon review by Testsubject
Goodreads Rating: 4.16
17. A Dog Named Doug
What a great book. Lots of laughs. Fun text and great illustrations. Nice size and quality as well. Reading it aloud the first time my husband and I both burst out laughing. My 4-year-old son loves it. Wish I had gotten it sooner for when his older siblings were this age. Definitely worth having in our library. - Amazon review by Sovereigns
Goodreads Rating: 3.76
18. Sit. Stay. Love. Life Lessons from a Doggie
This is hands down the best children's book I have come across. I bought it for my 3yo daughter as a Christmas present from our dog who is basically her best friend. To say she loves dogs is an understatement. I wasn't really sure what to expect when I found this book but figured I'd give it a try and order it. Before I wrapped it, I was tearing up as I was reading it. Such a cute story and the pictures are so sweet as well. If you are a dog lover and have kids - don't pass by this book - it is a must-have that we will cherish forever. - Amazon review by Taylor
Goodreads Rating: 4.12
Best Dog Books for Growing Readers (8-10 years old)
This collection of books was selected to represent a wide range of interests. From stories based on real-life stories to non-fiction to graphic novels and even award-winning novels! This is a great way to introduce these different types of books to your child!
19. Because of Winn-Dixie
This updated edition of Kate DiCamillo’s classic novel invites readers to make themselves at home — whether they’re experiencing the book for the first time or returning to an old favorite. What a sweet book with a wonderful message about the importance of community and family. This book is an excellent reminder of how animals can build into that community and expects nothing in return for the love they give. - Amazon review by Dan O.
Goodreads Rating: 4.08
20. Marley, A Dog Like No Other
We love this book! I read a chapter or two every night with my 6-year-old daughter. We've found many similarities between Marley and our dog and she said she can imagine our dog doing everything in the book as I read. You'll fall in love with this big galoof of a dog through the sweet, funny, and sometimes heartbreaking stories as told by his master, John Grogan. - Amazon review by Sewtastic
Goodreads Rating: 4.29
21. Dog Man
Dav Pilkey's wildly popular Dog Man series appeals to readers of all ages and explores universally positive themes, including empathy, kindness, persistence, and the importance of being true to one's self. My hope was to encourage my grandson to love to read and to be able to sit down by himself and read. Well, that is exactly what happened! His parents and I helped him at first and he read the first 2 books and he wanted more! I bought him the rest of the series and just yesterday I walked into the house and he was reading on his own and laughing! - Amazon review by Jacqueline G.
Goodreads Rating: 4.16
22. The Dog Who Lost His Bark
This is a sweet book about a determined boy who gets a rescue dog to trust him (and people again). His parents are divorcing but haven’t told him yet, but he suspects something is going on. He makes the new dog his best friend. They help each other through both of their trauma. It’s such a real-life kind of story that shows the deep bond you can have with a dog as they are like a best friend. - Amazon review by Kendall S.
Goodreads Rating: 4.14
23. The Hundred and One Dalmatians
This bumper Modern Classic edition includes the original Hundred and One Dalmatians and Dodie Smith's sequel, Starlight Barking. Perfect for fans of the classic Disney film. This marvelous book holds up after many (too many) decades later ... Dodie Smith has a way with words, and with dogs (Dalmatians, obviously). And she has a fine sense of humor. Pepper has never been the same/tasted the same to me since my first reading, which seems like only yesterday. - Amazon review by Dog Lady
Goodreads Rating: 4.12
24. Dog Training for Kids
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. But with the help of Vanessa Estrada Marin, the director of a sought-after dog-training program for kids, your child will have fun being in charge! Dog Training for Kids breaks down lessons and tutorials in simple steps and easy-to-follow instructions.
Goodreads Rating: 4.41
Best Dog Books for Tweens (11-12 years old)
These loyal companions genuinely are man’s best friends, so it’s no wonder the bond between dogs and their owners is the inspiration for so many beautiful kids’ novels.
25. Wish
A touching, New York Times–bestselling story 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. I love reviews but rarely write one. However, this book deserves one! One of the best books I have ever read. Read to my 9-year-old granddaughter, and what great lessons mingled throughout this book. I think it would make an excellent movie!! - Amazon review by Bill R.
Goodreads Rating: 4.33
26. The Incredible Journey
Fans of Old Yeller, Where the Red Fern Grows, and Shiloh will love this timeless classic about two dogs and a cat that embark on a journey to return to their owner and inspired the movie Homeward Bound. A lovely story. My grandchildren eleven and twelve although heavily into modern devices were enchanted by this book. Have your tissues ready at the end. - Amazon review by Chaddock
Goodreads Rating: 4.16
27. Shiloh
Marty will do anything to save his new friend Shiloh in this Newbery Medal–winning novel. It's love at first sight … and also big trouble when Marty first comes across a young beagle named Shiloh. It turns out the dog is being abused by his owner so when Shiloh runs away, Marty tries to hide him. I read this aloud to my 10 year-old son and he instructed me to write “best book ever.” A wonderful story with depth and great characters. Timeless. Highly recommend. - Verified Amazon review
Goodreads Rating: 3.95
28. Old Yeller
A timeless American classic and one of the most beloved children’s books ever written, Old Yeller is a Newbery Honor Book that explores the poignant and unforgettable bond between a boy and the stray dog who becomes his loyal friend. One of the best classics for young people to read. I bought it for my 9-year-old grandson, I read it again before I gave it to him! - Amazon review by McFalls
Goodreads Rating: 4.09
29. I, Cosmo
A golden retriever narrates a hilarious, heart-tugging tale of a dog and his humans as he tries to keep his family together while everything around them falls apart. My 11-year-old really enjoyed this book. I would highly recommend for all ages, as his Grammie ended up reading it too! - Amazon review by Kelly
Goodreads Rating: 4.27
30. Where the Red Fern Grows
This beloved classic (and a Newbery Medal winner!) is a must-read that captures the powerful bond between man and man’s best friend. A beautifully written novel that gives a peek into a different era. Has some heavy themes but necessary for learning to cope with inevitable pain. Teaching this to my middle-grade class now, and they can't put it down. - Amazon review by Brock T.
Goodreads Rating: 4.10
31. Wondrous Rex
Newbery Medal-winning author Patricia MacLachlan has written a magical and funny tale about the joy found in using words, sharing stories, and loving a wondrous dog: Rex. Wondrous Rex was Magical. Patricia MacLachlan's once again delivers a fun filled story and the love and magic of our furry paw friends. - Amazon review by Adriana C.
Goodreads Rating: 3.65
32. The Call of the Wild
Set in the Klondike region of Canada during the 1890s Klondike Gold Rush, The Call of the Wild showcases the transformation of a canine as he learns to adapt to what life has given him, fair or not. First book I ever read by myself. I’m reading it to my 5-year-old grandson and so far he likes it. - Amazon review by D. Rink
Goodreads Rating: 3.90
33. Snow Dog
This book is a fond memory from my youth. I read it as a teenager before moving on to other genres but I never forgot the story. The title escaped me but not the joy it brought me when I read it. I even remembered the author. I'm happy to have found it again. - Amazon review by David E.
Goodreads Rating: 4.11
34. Lassie Come-Home
This book is something I’ve had an inkling to read again since I was a lad of 14 years old when I saw the film and after I read the book. I am 82 years old now and still, the tears come to my eyes as I read this humble story of a dog,' faithfulness to it's master. I recommend reading this book to all dog lovers it brings home a sense of togetherness between man and dog. - Amazon review by Gordon F.
Goodreads Rating: 4.18
35. Sounder
I know this is a children’s book, but it’s truly one that anyone of any age can and should read. You see the effects of racism and Jim Crow through the eyes of a boy forced to grow up much too soon. As a writer, I was impressed by the parallels drawn between the father and his faithful dog, Sounder. Honestly, the entire book is captivating, though also very sad. I read it in an afternoon and wholeheartedly recommend! - Amazon review by Kelly
Goodreads Rating: 3.97
36. The Phantom Tollbooth
We gave this to our daughter for Christmas as her "something to read." Although she was more than capable of reading it herself, since my husband had never read it before, I suggested that he read it aloud to the whole family. The wordplay is great fun and had us all in stitches. - Amazon review by BB
Goodreads Rating: 4.19
Be sure to check out these popular children's books about dogs!
We’ve rounded up some of the best dog books in children’s literature. Dogs can be found front and center in all these books that were chosen for their fun themes and meaningful messages. We hope that these books will bring you and your kids (and also your dog!) many hours of enjoyment!
*Affiliate links included.
How to Make Reading Fun for Kids … and your Pets!
Activity 1: Meet some amazing kids helping their local animal shelter, one book at a time!
“I was watching shy kids laugh and play with the animals and come out of their shell. And I was seeing dogs who were super anxious when I met them at the beginning of the day finally relax and lay down and just listen to the voice on the other side of the cage.”
There are animal shelters across the country like Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center that provide opportunities for kids to volunteer their time in a really unique way. Animals living in a shelter are deprived of a family-life and can often get stressed and feel lonely. So some shelters have started a reading program as a way to help socialize their animals while also offering something educational for kids to do by reading to them.
Kids love that they can practice their reading skills openly and honestly because animals aren’t judgemental. And animals feel less nervous or threatened when children read to them. The benefits of this type of program to both kids and animals is very evident according to the reporter in the above video. So be sure to check if there’s a similar program in your neighbourhood or city!
Activity 2: Have your child read to your dog (real or a stuffie)!
Reading to dogs (or any pet for that matter!) is a proven way of improving kids literacy especially in the early years.
There are studies indicating that pets (especially dogs!) enjoy being read to just as much as kids enjoy doing it. This is because dogs are by nature social beings who enjoy our company and spending time with their pack. This can include enjoying long walks together, curling up next to the family during movie night, or just listening from the comfort of their favorite corner.
Whether your child is a dog lover (or a little nervous around dogs) or you're thinking of adding a new dog to the family or simply want some new ideas on what to read, there are so many books about dogs to choose from! From timeless classics to new favorites, children's books with dogs explore many different themes, teaching about empathy, kindness, friendship and acceptance.
Activity 3: Fun Dog-Themed Activities to Check Out!!
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11 Fun Dog Crafts For Kids
From @Kol’s Notes are dog crafts for kids to keep them busy during a wet fall, long cold winter or the summer break!.
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Because of Winn-Dixie Activity Booklet
Check out this free Activity Booklet from Reading Quests for this award-wining classic by Kate DiCamillo!
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Pet Grooming Salon Pretend Play
From @Sunny Day Family is a great pretend play activity for the younger set that teaches responsibility & empathy!
Activity 4: Learn how to draw a dog!
A simple guide to draw the cutest puppy.
The next level up on how to sketch a dog!
More Fun Dog-themed Activities to Keep your Kids Busy!
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