Kid Friendly, Canine Approved

It's a Wonderful Life

Picture book and quick fiction readers typically love stories that feature animals. If your child is a pre-reader or early reader, check out our color-coded picture book collections.

For the dog lovers among you, here's a few quick picks sure to please. Each book holds a different early childhood lesson or message, useful to parents and enjoyable for your child.

Katie Loves the Kittens by John Himmelman

When Sara Ann brings home three little kittens, Katie the dog's enthusiasm frightens the kittens away, until she learns that quiet patience is sometimes needed to begin a friendship.

Pigeon Wants a Puppy by Mo Willems

The pigeon really, really wants a puppy, but when a puppy arrives the pigeon changes its mind.

Dogs in the Bed by Elizabeth Bluemle

If your extended family includes one dog (not the six featured in this book) laugh and rhyme your way through a hilarious tale about catching some sleep when your best friend has other ideas.

Carl's Summer Vacation by Alexandra Day

Carl and Madeleine are supposed to be napping while Mom and Dad get the summer cabin ready for company but escape from the hammock to do some exploring on the lake.

Don't Swap Your Sweater for a Dog by Katherine Applegate

Determined to win a trophy of some kind, first-grader Roscoe swaps a hand-knitted sweater from his grandmother for the chance to enter his new neighbor's very clever dog in a trick contest. A great choice if your child is transitioning to early chapter books.

And Featuring... The Story of Nubs
Marine Major Brian Dennis befriended a wild pack dog at a border fort in Iraq. Dog and man "clicked" and nothing kept these two apart. We highly recommend this inspirational book by Major Dennis, Kirby Larson and Mary Nethery to readers of any age. After you read it, give a cheer for strawberry Pop-Tarts!