Books About Dogs
Picture Books | Nonfiction | Poetry | Fiction
Picture Books
- The Adventures of Taxi Dog by Debra Barracca and Sal Barracca
- Maxi thinks that being a taxi driver's dog in New York is just about the best job ever.
- Akiak: A Tale from the Iditarod by Robert J. Blake
- Even after she is injured, Akiak leads her dog-sled team to victory.
- Angus Lost by Marjorie Flack
- This is the first in a series of classic books about a Scottish terrier and his adventures.
- Arthur's New Puppy by Marc Brown
- Arthur finally gets a puppy—but can he teach him to behave?
- Chowder by Peter Brown
- A bulldog who has always "been different" tries to make friend when he visits a petting zoo.
- City Dog by Karla Kuskin
- A dog who is used to traffic and sidewalks experiences the country for the first time.
- Dex: The Heart of a Hero by Caralyn Buehner
- Dexter decides that the only way to get some respect is to become a superhero.
- Dog and Bear by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
- Three simple stories tell about a timid bear and a frisky dachshund who are best friends.
- Dog Biscuit by Helen Cooper
- Will Bridget turn into a real dog after she eats a dog biscuit?
- The Dog Who Belonged to No One by Amy Hest
- Lonely Lia finds a true friend when a stray dog wanders into town.
- The Dog Who Cried Wolf by Keiko Kasza
- Moka thinks he should be more wolf-like, until he howls at the moon alone on a mountain.
- Dogs on the Bed by Elizabeth Bluemie
- When a family tries to go to bed peacefully, their dogs raise a riotous ruckus.
- Dogzilla by Dav Pilkey
- How will the residents of Mousopolis save their town when the gigantic Dogzilla invades?
- Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy by Jane O'Connor
- Nancy thinks only a special breed will do—until she meets the perfect pup at a dog shelter.
- Finding Susie by Sandra Day O'Connor
- Based on the Supreme Court judge's real-life experiences, this is the story of a little girl who can't seem to find the right pet, until she meets a dog named Susie.
- First Dog by J. Patrick Lewis and Beth Zappitello
- A dog travels the world looking for the perfect home, meeting dogs from many lands. He finds his true home with a very special family who live in a big white house.
- Go Dog Go by P.D. Eastman
- This ever-popular book about dogs of all sizes is in an easy-to-read format.
- Good Dog Carl by Alexandra Day
- Carl isn't just a dog — he's also a babysitter.
- The Great Gracie Chase by Cynthia Rylant
- When Gracie is let out she leads everyone on a wild chase.
- Hanni and Beth: Safe and Sound by Beth Finke
- A seeing-eye dog narrates her day as a companion dog.
- Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion
- Harry used to be a white dog with black spots, but now he's changed!
- Henry and Mudge by Cynthia and Rylant
- A boy and his dog share many adventures in this easy-to-read book series.
- I Don't Want a Posh Dog! by Emma Dodd
- A little girl knows exactly what kind of dog she wants.
- The Last Puppy by Frank Asch
- The last born of nine puppies worries that he will be the last chosen as a pet.
- Let's Get a Pup!" Said Kate by Bob Graham
- What do you do when you fall in love with two dogs at the animal shelter?
- How Much Is That Doggie in the Window? by Iza Trapani and Bob Merrill
- A boy saves his money to buy a puppy, but uses it instead to help his family.
- Measuring Penny by Loreen Leedy
- In this fun story that also teaches math concepts, Lisa measures her dog for a homework assignment.
- No Dogs Allowed by Sonia Manzano
- Despite mishaps, a family finally takes a road trip to the country—but what about their dog, El Exigente?
- Not Afraid of Dogs by Susanna Pitzer
- Daniel finds a new kind of courage when he has to comfort Bandit the dog during a thunderstorm.
- Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathman
- When Gloria the police dog comes along, Officer Buckle's safety lectures get a lot more exciting!
- The Pigeon Wants a Puppy by Mo Willems
- Insisting he will know how to care for it, a pigeon pleads for a puppy...until he meets one.
- Sam Goes to School by Mary Labatt
- Sam decides to visit school on the bus one day.
- Some Dog! by Mary Casanova
- Zippity, the new dog, runs circles around George. But when Zippity runs away, only George can find him.
- Stella, Unleashed: Notes from the Doghouse by Linda Ashman
- A dog describes the adoption, training, and care of her new family.
- What Pet to Get by Emma Dodd
- A little boy considers an elephant, a lion, even a dinosaur but settles on a "lovely little puppy."
- What Pete Ate from A to Z by Maira Kalman
- Pete's alphabet adventure begins when he eats an accordian.
- Whistle for Willie by Ezra Jack Keats
- After lots and lots of practice, Peter learns to whistle for his dog Willie.
- Widget by Lyn Rossiter McFarla
- A stray Westie finds that he has to change his ways when he winds up on a farm with six cats.
Nonfiction
- Brave Dogs, Gentle Dogs: How They Guard Sheep by Cat Urbigkit
- Photographs show how dogs help ranchers in Wyoming by protecting the sheep.
- A Dog's Best Friend: An Activity Book for Kids and Their Dogs by Lisa Rosenthal
- This lively guide tells everything you want to know about caring for and playing with dogs.
- Dogs by Gail Gibbons
- A general overview about dogs, this includes facts about different breeds and dog care.
- Dogs by Seymour Simon
- All kinds of information about dogs is told with photographs.
- Dogs and Cats by Steve Jenkins
- Interesting artwork helps provide lots of facts about dogs.
- First Dog Fala by Elizabeth Van Steenwyk
- Before there was Bo, there was Fala, FDR's beloved Scottish terrier.
- Hanni and Beth: Safe and Sound by Beth Finke
- This book shows how Beth, and her guide dog Hanni, spending the day together at work, at home, and at play.
- I Love to Draw Dogs! by Jennifer Lipsey
- This step-by-step guide will help young artists create their own dog picture.
- Lewis and Clark and Me by Laurie Myers
- This is one of several books about Seaman, the dog who accompanied the Lewis and Clark expedition.
- May I Pet Your Dog? The How-to Guide for Kids Meeting Dogs by Stephanie Calmenson
- This friendly guide shows children how to behave safely around dogs.
- Puppies! Puppies! Puppies! by Susan Meyers
- Told in rhyme, this is a celebration of puppies and what they do.
- Puppy: See How They Grow by Jane Burton
- Color photos show how puppies grow into dogs.
- The Right Dog for the Job: Ira's Path from Service Dog to Guide Dog by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent
- Told with photographs, this book shows a golden retriever as he is trained to be a guide dog.
- Why Do Dogs Bark? by Joan Holub
- Cartoons and color photographs offer information on dog habits and activities.
Poetry
- Give a Dog a Bone: Anthology of Dog Poems by Joanna Cole and Stephanie Calmenson
- This is an enjoyable collection of poems, stories, jokes, and riddles.
- Good Dog by Maya Gottfried
- A variety of dogs, from collies to bulldogs, express their personalities in these playful poems.
- Once I Ate a Pie by Patricia MacLachlan and Emily MacLachlan Charest
- Dogs of all shapes and sizes describe themselves in these poems.
Fiction (selected books for older readers)
- Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
- Opal learns about life and friendship with the help of her newly-adopted dog.
- Big Red by Jim Kjelgaard
- A well-loved story about a boy and his dog, a champion Irish setter.
- Dog Diaries by Betsy Byars, Betsy Duffey, and Laurie Myers
- A group of dogs gather to hear stories from dogs around the world and throughout history.
- Henry and Ribsy by Beverly Cleary
- Ramona's friend Henry stars in his own story about his dog Ribsy.
- Love That Dog by Sharon Creech
- Jack doesn't like poetry, but with his teacher's encouragement, he begins writing about a mysterious car and a lovable dog.
- Old Yeller by Fred Gipson
- A stray dog becomes friends with 14-year-old Travis in 19th century Texas.
- Puppy Power by Judy Cox
- If Fran's rowdy puppy Hercules can learn to behave, maybe she can, too!
- Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
- When Marty befriends an abused dog he learns about loss, love, and loyalty.
- Wanted...Mud Blossom by Betsy Byars
- In this funny family story, Mud the dog is the suspect when Junior's hamster disappears.
- Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
- A classic coming-of-age story, this is about a boy in the Ozark mountains and a pair of coon hounds.
