12 Teacher Recommended Children’s Books About Dogs

Serena Faber Nelson Founder & Pet Lifestyle Writer

Pet lifestyle expert Serena Faber-Nelson is the founder of Pretty Fluffy. A contributor to Everyday with Rachael Ray, Modern Dog Magazine, Cesars Way and more; her modern, stylized take on DIY dog treats has seen her recipes viewed millions of times over.

Serena is the author of the go-to dog mom bible, Dog Mama, and the popular dog treat recipe book, Healthy Homemade Dog Treats.

Hilarious, heartwarming or educational, there’s one thing all children’s books about dogs have in common: the potential to leave a positive, life-long impression on young minds.

Indeed, speak to any dog lover today and they would recall that one special dog-inspired children’s book that captured their imagination way back in their younger years.

That’s why we’ve rounded up twelve of the best books about dogs for young children – all teacher recommended – and all featuring man’s best friend as the main character!

Whether you have a new baby or emerging reader, or you’re simply looking for a gift for a dog-loving child, these beautiful, fun and colourful children’s stories about dogs will make the perfect addition to any little one’s bookshelf.

RELATED: 12 Best Books About Dogs Every Pet Parent Should Own

12 Teacher Recommended Children’s Books About Dogs

Where’s Spot

AUTHOR: Eric Hill

Forever a classic children’s book about dogs, this lift-the-flap book spawned a whole series about little Spot and his adventures. Encouraging fine motor skills with the life-the-flaps, the spot series is a must for every child’s library.

Where’s Mr Dog?

AUTHOR: Ingela Peterson Arrhenius

Great for little hands of babies and toddlers, this children’s book about dogs features five gorgeously illustrated spreads showing a series of friendly pets hiding behind bright felt flaps. Shortlisted for a Hearst Big Book Award, this little book is simple, but engaging for young minds (and designed beautifully for adult ones!)

Can I Be Your Dog?

AUTHOR: Troy Cummings

A NY Times best-seller, this children’s picture book about dogs shares the tale of Arfy, a homeless mutt who lives in a box in an alley. Arfy writes to every person on Butternut Street about what a great pet he’d make. This heartfelt story is a perfect book for a child wanting a dog, and for advocates of pet adoption. Children of all ages will also learn the art of letter writing from Arfy’s sincere letters.

The Poky Little Puppy

AUTHOR: Janette Sebring Lowrey

Five little puppies dug a hole under the fence and went for a walk in the wide, wide world…

The Poky Little Puppy was one of the original twelve Little Golden Books published in 1942, and went on to become the bestselling picture book of all time. This children’s story about a dog – a curious little puppy in fact – follows his story involving digging holes under fences, and going to bed without any strawberry shortcake. Having delighted families for generations, it’s a staple on our bookshelf and should be on yours too!

Pig the Pug

AUTHOR: Aaron Blabey

Award-winning author and illustrator Aaron Blabey creates fun, hilarious characters that kids LOVE – and Pig the Pug is one of their all-time favourites. This hilarious children’s book about learning to share spawned a whole series of Pig the Pug books.

Young readers will love the irresistibly quirky and funny illustrations that are paired with a relatable lesson of learning to share with others. It’s the perfect book about dogs for preschoolers, 10 year-olds, and pet lovers everywhere!

Say Hello!

AUTHOR: Rachel Isadora

Carmelita loves to greet everyone in her colourful neighbourhood. There are people from so many different cultures! They all like to say hello too, so now Carmelita can say hello in Spanish, English, French, Japanese, and many other languages. And her dog, Manny? Well, he seems to understand everyone, and gives a happy “Woof!” wherever he goes.

We love this kids book about dogs for its eye-catching collages, diversity and introduction to languages. Told through the eyes of a child and her simple day, it’s a true joy to read.

Dogs

AUTHOR: Emily Gravett

This dog-loving children’s book is such a favourite in our household that for nights on end, my daughter demanded it be read before any other!

‘Dogs’ features gorgeous canines of every shape, size and colour. With playful pencil and watercolour illustrations to delight children and adults alike, the word repetition also makes it a winner for emerging readers. A wonderfully satisfying children’s book for dog lovers – and it comes with a twist in the tail.

The Dog I Love Best

AUTHOR: Parragon

This simple board book with a furry puppet is great for young babies and toddlers. The rhyming text introduces them to rhythm and rhyme, and the children’s story about rescuing a dog from the shelter is utterly heartwarming (and extra appealing to lovers of rescue dogs!) A great gift for a dog loving child or soon-to-be-parent.

Hello Goodbye Dog

AUTHOR: Sandra Müller

This beautifully illustrated children’s book about dogs is fiction, but with a heartwarming lesson for the real world. It tells the tale of Moose the dog, that simply can’t bear to be apart from his owner, Zara.

Children are introduced to new themes relating to pets as therapy, service dogs, loneliness, inclusivity and the love between a dog and their owner. It’s a beautiful tale with many learnings for young minds.

The Dog Encyclopedia

AUTHOR: DK

Covering the history, breeds, care, health, and positive training of dogs — all in one easy reference — The Dog Encyclopedia is a fully illustrated encyclopaedia of all things canine.

With an extensive photographic catalog of more than 400 dog breeds, children will also learn about canine anatomy and body systems; instinct and behaviour; how dogs interact with humans; and the essentials of good care. Young children will enjoy flipping through the pictures, while older children have the opportunity to learn new facts all about their favourite animal.