101 Best Dog Books for Kids

Best Dog Books for Kids is a resource of great dog books to help librarians, teachers, parents, kids and other dog book advocates to find the next awesome read. Why have I created this list? My first love in life was a yellow lab named Emma. She belonged to our neighbor’s hippie son but used to wait for me everyday after school where the bus dropped me off. She was my best friend up until the day she died. That’s when I found solace in reading dog books. Most teachers and librarians pointed me to the same list of classic dog books like Lassie Come Home, Old Yeller, and The Incredible Journey. I read them all multiple times. But, eventually, I wanted other dog books to read.

Back then, the internet didn’t exist as a source for researching dog book titles so I started a haphazard list and shared it with my dog-loving friends. In honor of The 101 Dalmations, the first movie I ever saw and loved, I called my list the Top 101 Best Dog Books. Even though the list never grew larger than 24 titles.

Today, I have cultivated that list with the help of an algorithm and organized it by category such as: dog picture books, historical fiction about dogs, middle grade dog books, series about dogs, Newbery Medal books about dogs, the classics featuring a key dog character, Caldecott Medal books about dogs, as well as a section featuring authors who have written a number of dog books for kids. There’s also a Bonus Section at the end of this post that you might enjoy. If you click on the book cover, you’ll be directed to the book’s Amazon page. Good luck finding your next best dog book read from one of these categories below!

Happy reading!

Please note: I will update this list every three months as new dog books are published. So, do check back from time to time and if you don’t see your favorite dog book on this list, please send me a message with the title. I’ll be sure to add it to my spreadsheet and will plug it into my algorithm.

If you’re an author of a children’s book featuring a key canine character, please contact me. I’d be happy to feature you and your dog book on my blog, Best Dog Book author interviews.

Be sure to check out our Best Dog Book Medal for traditionally published authors. 

BEST DOG PICTURE BOOKS

Journey: Based on the True Story of OR7, the Most Famous Wolf in the West written by Emma Bland Smith and illustrated by Robin James

From the publisher:

Journey is a gorgeous picture book that follows the adventure of a young wolf who becomes the first wild wolf in California in almost a century. The story is told through the eyes of a young girl who follows his travels through media sources. The more she learns about the wolf, the more she is determined to protect the wolf by making him so famous, nobody would dare harm him. using facts recorded by Fish & Wildlife scientists, the author imagines the wolf’s experiences in close detail as he makes an epic 2,000-mile trek over the span of three years.

Winner of the 2017 Cook Prize for best picture book teaching STEM principles to third and fourth graders.

 

Odin, Dog Hero of the Fires written by Emma Bland Smith and illustrated by Carrie Salazar.

From the publisher:

The incredible true story of one dog’s heroic feats during the 2017 Tubbs Fire, one of the most destructive wildfires in California history.

One October night in 2017, when wildfire raged in Sonoma and Napa counties, the Hendel family was suddenly evacuated from their homes and farms to escape to safety and forced to leave behind their Pyrenees dog, Odin. Odin refused to leave his nightly post of guarding the family’s eight young goats, despite the family’s desperate attempts to lead him away. Brokenhearted, the Hendels were sure they would never see their dog again.

But when the fire calmed and the family returned home, to their shock they found Odin singed yet safe, along with all the goats and several orphaned deer the dog had protected as well. Odin, Dog Hero of the Fires is a touching and inspirational true tale that honors the bravery and strength of Odin as well as commemorates the stories of those affected by the Tubbs Fire.

 

Avalanche Dog Heroes: Piper and Friends Learn to Search the Snow written by Elizabeth Rusch.

From the publisher:

Junior Library Guild Selection!
2020 Towner Book Award Finalist
Oregon Spirit Award Honor Book

Follow Piper the border collie and her canine classmates through a season of avalanche rescue training. As they learn the skills they need to become snow rescue dogs, you’ll learn about the work these amazing canines do and about avalanche safety.

Avalanche Dog Heroes is a nonfiction picture book illustrated with stunning, adorable photography that draws parallels between kids’ experiences in elementary school and the training days of the avalanche rescue dogs of Crystal Mountain, Washington State’s largest ski resort, located in the Cascade Range.

Follow along with Piper, a friendly border collie who came to the mountain as a smart but timid shelter dog, terrified by everything, as she confidently heads off to school on a chairlift to meet her canine classmates. Over a season they romp together through the snow, learning and practicing the skills they need to be avalanche rescue dogs and earn their rescue certification.

You’ll also learn the warning signs and conditions that cause an avalanche, the four types of avalanches, and the basics of avalanche safety.

 

Alaska’s Dog Heroes: True Stories of Remarkable Canines (PAWS IV) written by Shelley Gill and illustrated by Robin James.

From the publisher:

In Alaska, dogs really are a person’s best friend. These true canine stories from the last frontier describe remarkable acts of intelligence, stamina, loyalty, and heroism by Balto, Togo, Tekla, Stickeen, and more of Alaska’s famous dogs.

Follow these dogs as they traverse the mountains in winter with deliveries of life-saving medicine to remote villages, fight off attacking bears, and find lost children. Alaskan canines perform amazing deeds that exhibit intelligence, stamina, loyalty, and heroism—plus they offer friendly and furry companionship to their owners.

 

Patsy Ann of Alaska: The True Story of a Dog (PAWS IV) written by Tricia Brown and illustrated by Jim Fowler.

From the publisher:

Patsy Ann was a bull terrier who truly embodied the Alaskan spirit. In the 1930s, Patsy Ann was brought to Alaska as a puppy to be a pet, but she had other plans for herself. Instead of being coddled indoors or tethered in the yard, she wanted to explore the bustling town full of totem poles, salmon, and fascinating people. Even though she was deaf, Patsy Ann would run to the docks to meet incoming ships-eventually becoming the town’s official greeter. In that way, she went from nobody’s dog to everybody’s dog.

 

Walter the Farting Dog written by William Kotzwinkle and Glenn Murray and illustrated by Audrey Colman is an extremely popular book among young children and has a track record of making kids laugh.

From the publisher:

Walter is a fine dog, except for one small problem: he has gas. He can’t help it; it’s just the way he is. Fortunately, the kids Billy and Betty love him regardless, but Father says he’s got to go! Poor Walter, he’s going to the dog pound tomorrow. And then, in the night, burglars strike. Walter has his chance to be a hero. A children’s beloved classic, this story will have kids rolling on the floor with laughter. Adults are permitted to laugh too.

Other Walter the Farting Dog books include: Walter the Farting Dog: Trouble at the Yard Sale, Rough Weather Ahead for Walter the Farting Dog, and Walter the Farting Dog: Banned from the Beach

 

Harry the Dirty Dog written by Gene Zion and illustrated by Margaret Bloy Graham was and is my all-time favorite picture book about a dog. It has been in print for longer than I care to mention. For good reason. Here’s a Best Dog Books review I wrote about Harry the Dirty Dog. In my review I share a link to Betty White read Harry the Dirty Dog.

From the publisher:

Harry is a white dog with black spots who absolutely, positively hates to take a bath. After a day of adventure, Harry gets so dirty that he no longer looks like a white dog with black spots. Now he looks like a black dog with white spots!

Harry the Dirty Dog has become a classic, entertaining young readers for decades. Perfect for young fans of dogs…especially ones who also don’t always want a bath!

Other Harry books include: Harry by the Sea, No Roses for Harry!, and Harry and the Lady Next Door.

 

Move Over, Rover written by Karen Beaumont and illustrated by Jane Dyer, one of my favorite artists is a sweet book about a dog named Rover who is snug and dry in his dog house on a rainy day when he meets a cast of characters looking for shelter.

From the publisher:

It’s raining cats and dogs! Good thing Rover is snuggled safe and dry inside his doghouse–until, one by one, a soggy menagerie of creatures shows up looking for a cozy place to sit out the storm. But who’s the very unwelcome surprise visitor? Skunk, of course. Suddenly that doghouse isn’t quite so crowded after all!

For those of you who loved The Mitten by Jan Brett, you’ll love Move Over, Rover for the same reasons.

 

Madeline Finn and the Library Dog written and illustrated by Lisa Papp is a wonderful picture books series about a sweet, loving, and patient dog.

From the publisher:

Madeline Finn does NOT like to read. But she DOES want a gold star from her teacher. But, stars are for good readers. Stars are for understanding words, and for saying them out loud. Fortunately, Madeline Finn meets Bonnie, a library dog. Reading out loud to Bonnie isn’t so bad; when Madeline Finn gets stuck, Bonnie doesn’t mind. As it turns out, it’s fun to read when you’re not afraid of making mistakes. Bonnie teaches Madeline Finn that it’s okay to go slow. And to keep trying. With endearing illustrations, Lisa Papp brings an inspiring and comforting book to all new readers who just need a little confidence to overcome their fears.

Other Madeline Finn books include: Madeline Finn and the Therapy Dog and Madeline Finn and the Shelter Dog.

 

The Detective Dog written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Sara Oglivie is a rhyming picture book about a dog who uses her nose to solve mysteries. Check out this reading on YouTube.

From the publisher:

When Detective Dog Nell puts her nose to the task, there’s no mystery she can’t solve. Whether she’s tracking the missing shoe of her human, Peter, or locating some lost honeycomb, all Nell has to do is sniff, sniff, sniff and she’s hot on the trail.

Besides solving mysteries, there’s something else Nell loves―listening to children read. Every Monday, Peter takes her to school where children tell her stories.

One day, Nell and Peter arrive to find that all the books are gone. Who could have taken them? And why? There’s only one dog for the job, and Detective Dog Nell is ready to sniff out the thief!

 

The Dog Who Lost His Bark written by Eoin Colfer and illustrated by P.J. Lynch is a 2019 Parents Best Children’s Book.

From the publisher:

A warm, uplifting story about a boy, his dog, and the healing power of music marks a first-time collaboration between two former Irish Children’s Laureates, Eoin Colfer and P.J. Lynch.

Patrick has been desperate for a dog of his own for as long as he can remember, and this summer, with his father away, he longs for a canine friend more than ever. Meanwhile, in his short doggy life, Oz has suffered at the hands of bad people. Somewhere out there, he believes, is an awesome boy — his boy. And maybe, when they find each other, Oz will learn to bark again. Illustrated in light charcoal by two-time Kate Greenaway Medalist P.J. Lynch, this heartwarming story by Eoin Colfer, internationally best-selling author of the Artemis Fowl series, is certain to enchant.

 

A Stone for Sascha written and illustrated by Aaron Becker is a great book to read to your kids if they have lost a pet.

From the publisher:

A girl grieves the loss of her dog in an achingly beautiful wordless epic from the Caldecott Honor–winning creator of Journey.

This year’s summer vacation will be very different for a young girl and her family without Sascha, the beloved family dog, along for the ride. But a wistful walk along the beach to gather cool, polished stones becomes a brilliant turning point in the girl’s grief. There, at the edge of a vast ocean beneath an infinite sky, she uncovers, alongside the reader, a profound and joyous truth. In his first picture book following the conclusion of his best-selling Journey trilogy, Aaron Becker achieves a tremendous feat, connecting the private, personal loss of one child to a cycle spanning millennia — and delivering a stunningly layered tale that demands to be pored over again and again.

 

Dog Heaven written and illustrated by Cynthia Rylant is another great book to read to your kids if they are grieving the loss of a pet. When our sweet borzoi, Zola, passed away many of our friends sent us a copy of this book.

From the publisher:

A comforting and playful exploration of a beloved dog’s journey after a happy life on Earth.

In Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant’s classic bestseller, the author comforts readers young and old who have lost a dog, as she did for cats in the bestselling companion book, Cat Heaven. Recommended highly by pet lovers around the world, Dog Heaven not only comforts but also brings a tear to anyone who is devoted to a pet. From expansive fields where dogs can run and run to delicious biscuits no dog can resist, Rylant paints a warm and affectionate picture of the ideal place God would, of course, create for man’s best friend. The first picture book illustrated by the author, Dog Heaven is enhanced by Rylant’s bright, bold paintings that perfectly capture an afterlife sure to bring solace to anyone who is grieving.

 

BEST MIDDLE GRADE HISTORICAL FICTION ABOUT DOGS

Be sure to check out the Series About Dogs section too. Many of them like Kate Klimo‘s Dog Diaries and Kate Messner‘s Ranger In Time books are also set during historical periods.

 

White Star: A Dog on the Titanic written by Marty Crisp is a great read for anyone who loves a good dog hero or is fascinated by the history of the Titanic.

From the author:

White Star is the story of a fictional Irish setter who joins the dozen very real dogs who were on board the Titanic when the ship sailed on its maiden – or first – and as it turned out, last – voyage in April 1912.

This dramatic sea disaster has always fascinated people, with both poor immigrants and the rich-and-famous sailing on a ship some had dubbed “unsinkable.” Since the James Cameron movie “Titanic” came out in 1997 and won the Best Picture Oscar in 1998, history buffs have flocked to traveling exhibits of Titanic artifacts, and even whole museums devoted to the ship (in Southampton, England; Belfast, Northern Ireland; Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Buena Park, California; Indian Orchard, Massachusetts; Orlando, Florida; Branson, Missouri; and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.)

It wasn’t until 1985 that the wreckage of the ship was finally discovered, two miles below the ocean’s surface.

White Star was the name of the shipping line, and the name of the fictional dog meant to represent that line in advertisements, much as RCA Victor ads of the time featured a terrier listening to “his master’s voice.” The company that owned Titanic never completely recovered from its association with the greatest ocean liner disaster of all time. The business was sold to Cunard Lines (still operating under the Carnival Cruise umbrella). Arguments continue to this day about how, exactly, the ship came to sink; exactly where the dog kennels were; and why more people weren’t loaded into the lifeboats – although there was never enough room for everybody. Maritime law was changed as a result so that today there must always be enough room in the lifeboats for everyone onboard, and lifeboat drills are mandatory on Day One of any voyage.

We’ll never know for sure if the dog kennels were on the boat deck, as many experts believe, or on F deck, many levels down, near the third class galley (kitchen). Since dogs were seen on deck and in the water at the time of the sinking, it’s hard to imagine them getting up to the boat deck from the depths of the tilting, filling-with-water ship. But more than a century later, people still argue about what-went-where and who-did-what.

 

Bigger written by Patricia Calvert is set during the Civil War and is a great pick for boys.

From the publisher:

In the spring of 1865 the Civil War has finally ended. Men are coming home. Families are being reunited — except for Tyler’s. His father is going with a band of men to Mexico, where they will regroup, rearm, and continue the fight against the Yankees. Tyler is stunned. For four years he’s dreamed of seeing his father again, and he can’t let go of that dream. There’s only one thing Tyler can do — go get his father and bring him home.

Tyler starts his trek from Missouri to the Rio Grande alone, but he quickly gains a companion — a strange dog made mean by cruelty but tamed by hunger and Tyler’s desperately lonely need for him. Tyler names him Bigger.

The journey is long and hard but, with Bigger by his side, possible. Tyler might make it all the way to the Rio Grande. He might even find his father. But most importantly, Bigger helps Tyler realize that some dreams might not be worth holding on to.

Be sure to check out the sequel to Bigger called Sooner: The Sequel to Bigger.

 

Dog Jack written by Florence W. Biros is the story of a runaway slave and his best friend, Jack who escape the master’s plantation, join the Union Army, and have to face their former master on the battlefield.

Dog Jack is also a 2010 film based on the book. It is inspired by the true story of the mascot of the 102nd Pennsylvania Regiment during the American Civil War. Jack was so prized by his regiment for his skills in battle that he was twice exchanged for a Confederate prisoner of war.

Check out the movie trailer here.

 

 

The Captain’s Dog written by Roland Smith, a New York Times best-selling author. Smith also happens to be a former Zoo Curator and Research Biologist and has published more than twenty novels for young adults. He lives in Portland, Oregon. The Captain’s Dog is the first title listed in the Historical Fiction About Dogs section about the famous dog who explored the west with Lewis and Clark. See Seaman, the title below this one.

From the publisher:

 

Seaman written by Gail Langer Karwoski is another story about the famous dog who explore the west with Lewis and Clark. See The Captain’s Dog, the title above this one.

From the publisher:

It is 1804, the year that Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and the Corps of Discovery set out for their now-legendary exploration of the Louisiana Purchase, departing St. Louis to travel across the continent to the Pacific Ocean and back.

This fictionalized biography of Lewis and Clark’s journey introduces Seaman, a 150-pound Newfoundland dog and unheralded member of the Corps, to young historians. Seaman travels the long journey with the Corps, playing a key role in the expedition’s success by catching and retrieving game, and protecting the team from wild animals and hostile Native Americans.

Gail Langer Karwoski’s thrilling account of Lewis and Clark’s expedition with the Corps of Discovery, Seaman, and eventually Sacagawea, full of accurate details drawn from Lewis’s own diary entries, will draw readers into one of the most exciting chapters in American history.

 

Strongheart: Wonder Dog of the Silver Screen written by Candace Fleming, the author of one of my favorite Romanov books, Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion, and the Fall of Imperial Russia, and illustrated by Eric Rohmann is now on my-to-read list. Check out Candy’s and Eric’s Best Dog Book Author-Illustrator Interview here.

From the author:

For fans of Balto and other real-life dog stories, here’s a heavily illustrated middle-grade novel about a canine movie star of the 1920s, dramatically told in both words and pictures by an acclaimed author and a Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator.

When movie director Larry Trimble travels to Berlin searching for his next big star–a dog!–he finds Etzel, a fierce, highly trained three-year-old German shepherd police dog. Larry sees past the snarls and growls and brings Etzel back to Hollywood, where he is renamed Strongheart. Along with screenwriter Jane Murfin, Larry grooms his protégé to be a star of the silver screen–and he succeeds, starting with Strongheart’s first film, The Love Master, which is released in 1921. Strongheart is soon joined by a leading lady, a German shepherd named Lady Julie, and becomes a sensation.

Touching, charming, playful, and based on real events, this moving tale by Candace Fleming and illustrated by Eric Rohmann tells all about “the wonder dog” who took America by storm.

A NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY BEST BOOK OF 2018
A CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY BEST BOOK OF 2018

 

Saving Zasha written by Randi Barrow is sure to resonate with anyone who likes a story about a war dog hero and his boy.

From the author:

Saving Zasha is the story of a boy named Mikhail, his family, and Zasha, the German  shepherd he finds on their farm in Russia.

World War II has just ended, and although Germany was defeated there is still anger and hatred toward all things German – including German shepherds. As Mikhail works to save Zasha’s life he struggles with some of life’s hardest lessons about war, hate, forgiveness, love, and man’s best friend.

Be sure to check out the companion to Saving Zasha, Finding Zasha.

 

Cracker! The Best Dog in Vietnam is written by the Newbery Medal-winning author of Kira-Kira, Cynthia Kadohata.

From the publisher:

Rick Hanski is headed to Vietnam. There, he’s going to whip the world and prove to his family and his sergeant — and everyone else who didn’t think he was cut out for war — wrong. But sometimes Rick can’t help but wonder that maybe everyone else is right. Maybe he should have just stayed at home and worked in his dad’s hardware store.

When Cracker is paired with Rick, she isn’t so sure about this new owner. He’s going to have to prove himself to her before she’s going to prove herself to him. They need to be friends before they can be a team, and they have to be a team if they want to get home alive.

Told in part through the uncanny point of view of a German shepherd, Cracker! is an action-packed glimpse into the Vietnam War as seen through the eyes of a dog and her handler.

 

Lara’s Gift written by Annemarie O’Brien was published by Alfred A. Knopf in 2013. The story behind Lara’s Gift was inspired by the author’s experience living in Russia during the 1980s and can be found here. If you’re a teacher, librarian or homeschooler, you can find a Teacher’s Guide here. If you’d like a personalized paperback copy of Lara’s Gift, click here. All proceeds from the sale support survivors of child trafficking. Check out the Best Dog Book Author Interview here.

From the publisher:

Young Lara is being groomed in the family tradition to take over as Count Voronstov’s next kennel steward, breeding borzoi dogs worthy of the Tsar. But then Lara’s baby brother is born and she finds herself supplanted as her father decides to make her brother the next kennel steward. Going against her father’s wishes and becoming increasingly sure of her special gift of understanding these incredible dogs, Lara risks everything when she reveals the truth about her visions. Now she must save Zar*, her favorite borzoi and the one she raised from birth, from a hungry pack of wolves. Only then can she find her own, extraordinary destiny. . . .

Please see the Bonus Section below for a picture of me** at the age of 5 holding the first story I wrote and illustrated about my family.

 

BEST MIDDLE GRADE DOG BOOKS

Sable written by Karen Hesse is the author of many books for children  and someone to check out.

From the publisher:

Tate is overjoyed when the scrawny mutt shows up, acting like she wants to stay. Tate even convinces Mam and Pap to let her keep the dog — that she names Sable for her dark, silky fur. But a well-fed Sable turns out to have quite a mind of her own, and soon she’s wandering off and stealing things: a rubber boot, a chocolate cake, a doormat. When neighbors complain, Pap, who is a carpenter, gives the dog away to one of his customers, a doctor who lives miles away.

Young Tate is determined to get her dog back. She single-handedly builds a fence that will keep her from wandering off, and then gets permission from her parents to “visit” Sable. When she gets there, however, she finds that the dog has been missing for weeks. Heartbroken, Tate returns home, only to find that her hard work has earned her new respect in the eyes of her reserved, aloof parents. Her father sees she has the makings of a carpenter herself; her mother realizes just how much the dog has meant to her. The renewal of their relationship is just the preparation needed for the surprise return of Sable, who has been, it seems, as anxious for a reunion as Tate has been.

Karen Hesse has written a simple, yet powerful story that will speak to young chapter-book readers, as effectively as her other novels — including the Newbery Medal-winning Out of the Dust — have spoken to their older siblings. Soft pencil drawings by acclaimed artist Marcia Sewall effectively evoke the characters and moods of this strong dog story.

 

Mountain Dog written by Margarita Engle is a Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2013. Check out Engle’s Best Dogs Author Interview.

From the publisher:

When Tony’s mother is sent to jail, he is sent to stay with a great uncle he has never met in Sierra Nevada. It is a daunting move―Tony’s new world bears no semblance to his previous one. But slowly, against a remote and remarkable backdrop, the scars from Tony’s troubled past begin to heal.

With his Tió and a search-and-rescue dog named Gabe by his side, he learns how to track wild animals, is welcomed to the Cowboy Church, and makes new friends at the Mountain School. Most importantly though, it is through Gabe that Tony discovers unconditional love for the first time, in Mountain Dogby Margarita Engle.

 

Banjo written by Graham Salisbury is a story that comes from the heart.

From the publisher:

In the spirit of of Where the Red Fern Grows and Because of Winn Dixie, this is a contemporary classic in the making about a boy and his dog, and a choice that will test their loyalty and trust.

Danny Mack is a rising rodeo star in rural Oregon. He lives on a ranch with his older brother, their dad, and his faithful border collie, Banjo.

Late one night, Danny is awakened by gunshots. Banjo has been wounded. The neighbors claim he was going after their livestock, which gives them the right to shoot the dog or have him put down. Dad reluctantly agrees. They must obey the law. Danny knows Banjo is innocent, and comes up with a desperate plan to save him–but something goes terribly wrong.

Days later, on a distant ranch, Meg Harris finds a frightened dog alone in the woods. Banjo. She takes him home and searches for the dog’s owner, furious that he was abandoned. She’s not going to give Banjo up easily.

Told by Danny and by Meg, this fast-paced, heartrending novel explores the deep connection between humans and animals, and reminds readers that you can’t judge an animal–or a person–before you know their story.

 

Pax written by Sara Pennypacker and illustrated by Jon Klassen is a National Book Award longlist and a New York Times bestseller.

From the publisher:

From bestselling and award-winning author Sara Pennypacker comes a beautifully wrought, utterly compelling novel about the powerful relationship between a boy and his fox. Pax is destined to become a classic, beloved for generations to come.

Pax and Peter have been inseparable ever since Peter rescued him as a kit. But one day, the unimaginable happens: Peter’s dad enlists in the military and makes him return the fox to the wild.

At his grandfather’s house, three hundred miles away from home, Peter knows he isn’t where he should be—with Pax. He strikes out on his own despite the encroaching war, spurred by love, loyalty, and grief, to be reunited with his fox.

Meanwhile Pax, steadfastly waiting for his boy, embarks on adventures and discoveries of his own. . . .

 

One Dog and his Boy written by Eva Ibbotson is a sweet read and an ideal read for young children, especially for boys.

From the publisher:

Eva Ibbotson’s final masterpiece, a tale of a boy and dog who were meant to be together.

All Hal had ever wanted was a dog. “Never!” cries his mother. “Think of the mess, the scratch-marks, the puddles on the floor.” But on the morning of Hal’s 10th birthday, the unbelievable happens. He’s allowed to choose a dog at Easy Pets, a rent-a-pet agency (a fact his parents keep from him). The moment he sees the odd-looking terrier, he knows he’s found a friend for life. But no one tells Hal that Fleck must be returned. When Hal wakes up on Monday morning, Fleck is gone. If dog and boy are to stay together they’ll have to run away…

From the reknowned Eva Ibbotson comes her final novel, a tale laced with humor and brimming over with heart, stunning in its beauty of the love of all things dog.

 

Argos written by Ralph Hardy is an excellent and enjoyable read.

From the publisher:

Fans of Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series will love this reimagining of Homer’s The Odyssey told from the point of view of Odysseus’s loyal dog, Argos.

Now available in paperback, this rousing story of devotion and determination is an original take on one of the most beloved myths of all time.

For twenty years, the great hero Odysseus struggles to return to home on Ithaka. He defeats monsters, outsmarts the Cyclops, and battles the gods. He does whatever it takes to reunite with his family.

And what of that family—his devoted wife, Penelope; his young son, Telemachos; his dog, Argos? For those twenty years, they wait, unsure whether they will ever see Odysseus again. But Argos has found a way to track his master.

Any animal who sets foot or wing on Ithaka brings him news of Odysseus’s epic voyage. These tales bring hope that one day his master will return. Meanwhile, Argos the loyal dog watches over his master’s family and protects them from the dangers that surround a throne without its king.

 

A Wolf Called Wander written by Rosanne Parry and illustrated by Mónica Armiño is a New York Times bestseller. Check out Parry’s Best Dog Author Interview.

From the publisher:

This gripping novel about survival and family is based on the real story of one wolf’s incredible journey to find a safe place to call home. Illustrated throughout, this irresistible tale by award-winning author Rosanne Parry is for fans of Sara Pennypacker’s Pax and Katherine Applegate’s The One and Only Ivan.

Swift, a young wolf cub, lives with his pack in the mountains learning to hunt, competing with his brothers and sisters for hierarchy, and watching over a new litter of cubs. Then a rival pack attacks, and Swift and his family scatter.

Alone and scared, Swift must flee and find a new home. His journey takes him a remarkable one thousand miles across the Pacific Northwest. The trip is full of peril, and Swift encounters forest fires, hunters, highways, and hunger before he finds his new home.

Inspired by the extraordinary true story of a wolf named OR-7 (or Journey), this irresistible tale of survival invites readers to experience and imagine what it would be like to be one of the most misunderstood animals on earth. This gripping and appealing novel about family, courage, loyalty, and the natural world is for fans of Fred Gipson’s Old Yeller and Katherine Applegate’s Endling.

Includes black-and-white illustrations throughout and a map as well as information about the real wolf who inspired the novel.

 

Summer of the Wolves is written by Polly Carlson-Voiles. Kirkus Reviews gave it a starred review and calls it, “A little gem of a book for all wild-hearted lovers of the natural world.” Check out Polly’s Best Dog Author Interview.

From the publisher:

Julie of the Wolves meets Hatchet in this middle grade novel that follows twelve-year-old Nika and her seven-year-old brother, Randall, as they leave their California foster home to spend a summer with their long-lost uncle. There she finds an orphaned wolf pup in a cave, whose mother has been shot.

This compelling first novel explores themes of searching for family and finding a balance between caring for—and leaving alone—wild animals.

 

The Plague Dogs is written by Richard Adams, the same author who brought us Watership Down.

From the publisher:

Rowf, a shaggy black mongrel, and Snitter, a black-and-white fox terrier, are among dozens of animals being cruelly held in a testing facility in North West England. When one of the handlers fails to close Rowf’s cage properly, the two dogs make a daring escape into the English countryside, where they befriend a red fox who helps them survive in the wild. But as rumors circulate that the dogs may have been the test subjects for biological weapons and could be carrying a terrible plague, they soon find themselves targets of a great dog hunt. Local farmers, politicians, scientists, and even the military join in the search to track them down. An unforgettable tale of fantasy and adventure, a powerful exploration of the limits of human cruelty and kindness, The Plague Dogs stands as a modern-day classic.

 

Love that Dog is written by Sharon Creech, the Newbery Medal-winning author of Walk Two Moons.

From the publisher:

Love That Dog shows how one boy named Jack finds his voice with the help of a teacher, a pencil, some yellow paper, and of course, a dog. Written as a series of free-verse poems from Jack’s point of view, and with classic poetry included in the back matter, this novel is perfect for kids and teachers, too.

Jack hates poetry. Only girls write it and every time he tries to, his brain feels empty. But his teacher, Miss Stretchberry, won’t stop giving her class poetry assignments—and Jack can’t avoid them. But then something amazing happens. The more he writes, the more he learns that he does have something to say.

 

BEST DOG BOOK SERIES

Dog Diaries is written by Kate Klimo and illustrated by one of my favorite illustrators, Tim Jessell. Kate’s series is one of my favorites. As of this posting, there are 14 books in the series. Check out Klimo’s Best Dog Author Interview #1, #2, and #3.

From the publisher:

For anyone who has ever wanted a puppy, the Dog Diaries series tells a dog’s story in a new way–from a dog’s point of view! Focusing on a different breed for each book, these stories are based on true dog stories or on true-to-life situations. With realistic black-and-white illustrations by renowned illustrator Tim Jessel and a factual appendix, dog-loving early chapter book readers will beg for more!

Book #1: Ginger

Born in a puppy mill, Ginger the golden retriever looks back on her life and the various people who have “owned” her. Abruptly separated from her mother, littermates, and the wire cage that was her whole world, Ginger is shuttled from one harrowing situation to another until she finally escapes, living as an outlaw with a pack of wild dogs. But freedom doesn’t feel so good once she becomes hungry and cold and sick. Will Ginger ever find a furever family to call her own?

Appendix features information about puppy mills, breed rescue groups, animal shelters, choosing a pet, and the history of golden retrievers.

There are a number of books in the Dog Diaries series by Kate Klimo. Here are just a small collection from this wonderful series.

 

Dog Diaries: A Middle School Story is written by James Patterson and Steven Butler and illustrated by Richard Watson.

From the publisher:

 

 

 

American Dog, Hero and Scout series are written by Jennifer Li Shotz.

From the publisher:

Jennifer Li Shotz is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Max: Best Friend. Hero. Marine., about the coolest war dog ever. She is also the author of the Hero and Scout series. Among other things, Jen has written about sugar addiction, stinky shoes, and sports-related concussions. A Los Angeles native, she graduated from Vassar and has an MFA in nonfiction from Columbia. A senior editor for Scholastic Action Magazine, she lives with her family and Puerto Rican rescue dog, Vida, in Brooklyn.

American Dog: Chestnut is a heartwarming, middle grade adventure story about a rescue dog, Chestnut, who befriends a girl trying to save her family’s Christmas tree farm in North Carolina.

Chestnut is a dog without a family. After being abandoned in the wild, Chestnut is wandering the North Carolina countryside trying to survive. When twelve-year-old Meg stumbles upon him on the outskirts of her family’s Christmas tree farm, she just knows that they’re meant to be together forever. The only problem? The farm is on the brink of closing down, and her family can’t afford a pet. Meg knows she has what it takes to save the business and take care of Chestnut—she’ll just need to keep him a secret until then. Will Meg and Chestnut get their Christmas miracle?

Check out some of the other books in the American Dog, Hero and Scout series!

 

 

Ribsy is written by Beverly Cleary and illustrated by Jacqueline Rogers.

From the publisher:

Newbery Medal-winning author Beverly Cleary gives Henry’s dog, Ribsy, center stage in this dog’s eye view of the adventure of a lifetime. This classic story about a dog and his boy is as fresh and funny as ever!

Good ol’ Ribsy’s ever-curious mind has always gotten him into trouble, but this time he may have gone too far. After a comical turn of events, Ribsy finds himself in the wrong station wagon with the wrong children.

Ribsy will do anything to find Henry, but there’s plenty of excitement to be had along the way—and scoring a touchdown for a local high school team is only part of the fun!

For kids looking for a fast, funny dog story, Ribsy is a winner.

Check out some of the other books in the Henry and Ribsy series by Beverly Clearly!

 

 

Dogs of World War II is written by Kirby Larson and at the time of this post consists of the books: Liberty, Duke, and Dash.

From the publisher about Liberty:

Fish has a knack for inventing. His annoying neighbor, Olympia, has a knack for messing things up. But when his latest invention leads Fish to Liberty, a beautiful stray dog who needs a home, he and Olympia work together to rescue her.

At the Higgins boatyard, where the boats that just might save the Allied forces during World War II are built, the wartime workforce is integrated and includes women and the disabled. However, a friendship that crosses racial lines is not the norm in 1940s New Orleans.

Fish, who suffered from polio and whose dad is away fighting in Europe, looks up to Mr. Higgins, and he’s thrilled when one of his inventions helps Mr. Higgins’s engineers unlock the mechanics of the landing crafts. Mr. Higgins inspires him to be bold and brave. As Fish enlists the help of unexpected friends and allies to save Liberty, he finds his perceptions of the world — of race and war, family and friendship — transformed.

Here are the other two books in the Dogs of World War II series:

 

 

Dog Man is written and illustrated by Dav Pilkey and is a super successful and popular series among readers.

From the publisher about Dog Man #1:

From worldwide bestselling author and artist Dav Pilkey comes Dog Man, the canine cop who’s part dog, part man, and ALL HERO!

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?

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.

There are numerous Dog Man books in this series. Here is a small sampling of book covers.

 

 

Survivors is written by Erin Hunter.

From the publisher:

The time has come for dogs to rule the wild! Discover another action-packed animal fantasy series from the #1 nationally bestselling author of Warriors.

The first book in the Survivors series is full of “wild and wonderful adventure” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) that will thrill fans of Spirit Animals and Wings of Fire.

Lucky has always been a Lone Dog, roaming the busy city streets and relying on his instincts. Then the Big Growl strikes—a devastating earthquake that changes Lucky’s world forever. For the first time, he must team up with a Pack, a group of former Leashed Dogs who have been separated from their owners.

Lucky’s vivid point of view and the pulse-pounding action make for the start of an addictive series that shows readers the world through the eyes of dogs.

Check out some of the other books in the Survivors series.

 

Ranger in Time is written by Kate Messner.

From the author:

Meet Ranger! He’s a time-traveling golden retriever who has a nose for trouble . . . and always saves the day!

Ranger has been trained as a search-and-rescue dog, but can’t officially pass the test because he’s always getting distracted by squirrels during exercises. One day, he finds a mysterious first aid kit in the garden and is transported to the year 1850, where he meets a young boy named Sam Abbott. Sam’s family is migrating west on the Oregon Trail, and soon after Ranger arrives he helps the boy save his little sister. Ranger thinks his job is done, but the Oregon Trail can be dangerous, and the Abbotts need Ranger’s help more than they realize!

Take a look at some of the other books in the Ranger in Time series.

 

Soldier Dogs is written by Marcus Sutter.

From the publisher:

The paw-biting start to a thrilling new adventure series perfect for fans of Max and the I Survived books, inspired by the brave military dogs who helped our troops win World War II.

Includes a collectible poster and a pull-out map!

When Matt’s older brother enlisted in the army, he left Matt his German Shepherd, Chief, a retired fire dog and the best pet EVER. So Matt isn’t happy when Chief starts paying attention to his foster sister Rachel instead of him.

But when Nazi planes begin bombing the city, Matt finds himself in an impossible situation. Can he be a hero to his sister when it matters most? And when they get caught outside during the air raid, will Chief be there to save the day?

Sutter has penned a number of stories in the  series. Here are just a few of the titles.

 

The Last Dogs is written by Christopher Holt and illustrated by Greg Call.

From the publisher:

When all the humans in his world disappear, Max, a yellow Labrador Retriever, begins the search for his family. He knows that if he can just find Madame Curie, a wise, old black Lab, she’ll be able to help. Madame had a premonition of astonishing events to come — she might know where Max’s family is.

But Max can’t make the journey alone. Joined by friends Rocky and Gizmo, Max sets off to find Madame. Along the way, the trio must face a pack of angry wolves, forage for food in a land where kibble is akin to gold, befriend a house full of cats, and outsmart a gang of subway rats. Ultimately, they’ll have to escape from the biggest threat of all: the Corporation, a “perfect” society for dogs and by dogs, where nothing is quite as it seems.

The Last Dogs: The Vanishing is a thrilling adventure and a tale of three unlikely friends on an epic quest to find their people — and bring them home.

There are three other titles in The Last Dogs series.

 

Dog Chronicles is written by Alison Hart and illustrated by Michael Montgomery and an action-packed, heartwarming story of a World War I canine hero. Check out Hart’s Best Dog Author Interview.

From the publisher:

When the British military asks for dogs to help the war effort, Darling’s family reluctantly sends her to be trained as a mercy dog. Through gunfire and poisonous gases, it’s Darling’s job to find injured soldiers on the battlefield and fetch help from the medics. After saving the lives of numerous soldiers, Darling suddenly finds herself in need of rescue. Will she ever make it back to England?

This wartime adventure, the first installment in Alison Hart’s Dog Chronicles series, is a touching and exciting introduction to World War I. Darling’s story of bravery and devotion reminds readers that dogs can be so much more than pets.

Check out the other three titles in the Dog Chronicles series.

 

Endling is written by Katherine Applegate and is the first book of an epic middle grade series, Katherine Applegate takes us on an unforgettable journey.

A New York Times bestseller from the beloved author of the action-packed Animorphs series and the award-winning The One and Only Ivan.

Byx is the youngest member of her dairne pack. Believed to possess remarkable abilities, her mythical doglike species has been hunted to near extinction in the war-torn kingdom of Nedarra.

After her pack is hunted down and killed, Byx fears she may be the last of her species. The Endling. So Byx sets out to find safe haven, and to see if the legends of other hidden dairnes are true.

Along the way, she meets new allies—both animals and humans alike—who each have their own motivations for joining her quest. And although they begin as strangers, they become their own kind of family—one that will ultimately uncover a secret that may threaten every creature in their world.

Building on the success of her critically acclaimed novels The One and Only Ivan, Crenshaw, and Wishtree, while also returning to her action-packed fantasy roots of Animorphs, the Endling series is Katherine Applegate at her finest. With its enthralling characters, unique setting, and gripping adventure, this series is the perfect next read for fans of Rick Riordan, Brian Jacques, and Tui T. Sutherland.

Don’t miss the second book in the series, Endling #2: The First!

 

Cavall in Camelot: A Dog in King Arthur’s Court is written by Audrey Mackaman. Check out Audrey’s Best Dog Book Author Interview here.

From the publisher:

In Camelot, King Arthur’s dog encounters a world of danger and magic…

Follow Cavall as he embarks on a quest that will put the unbreakable bond between a dog and his person to the ultimate test.

When Cavall and his older brother, Glessic, leave the comfort of their simple barn to join the lavish court of Camelot, Cavall wants nothing more than to prove he’s a good dog to the great knights and dogs of the castle—especially to King Arthur.

But Gless says only the best dogs are worthy of greatness, and Cavall has never been as strong, brave, or fast as his brother.

Meanwhile, malevolent forces lurk in Camelot, and Cavall must figure out how to protect his person. To make matters worse, Arthur’s mysterious nightmares are threatening to shake his grip on reality and undermine his authority as king.

To fight back against the dangers of the dream world, Cavall will need help from some loyal hounds and the enchanting, sometimes frightening creatures who call themselves the fay.

In this captivating debut from Audrey Mackaman, Cavall will have to prove not only that he can be a good dog for his person, but that he is capable of a greatness all his own.

Be sure to read the second book in this story, Cavall in Camelot #2: Quest for the Grail.

 

Dogs of the Drowned City is written by Dayna Lorentz. Check out Lorentz’s Best Dog Book Author Interview.

From the publisher:

Warriors and Guardians of Ga’Hoole fans have a new animal adventure to sink their teeth into!

A terrible storm — and the beginning of a thrilling new animal adventure trilogy!

When a hurricane forces his family to evacuate without him, Shep the German sheperd is confused. Where is his boy? Will he ever return? And what will Shep do in the meantime, now that the extra bowls of food — not to mention all those tasty things he found in the big cold box — are gone?

Then another dog shows up at Shep’s window and convinces him to escape. There’s food outside, and a whole empty city to explore. Shep just wants to go home … but the adventure of a lifetime is just beginning.

There are two more titles in the Dogs of the Drowned City series.

 

BEST DOG BOOK AUTHORS TO FOLLOW

Jennifer Li Shotz is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Max: Best Friend. Hero. Marine., about the coolest war dog ever. She is also the author of the Hero and Scout series, as well as the American Dog series. Among other things, Jen has written about sugar addiction, stinky shoes, and sports-related concussions. A Los Angeles native, she graduated from Vassar and has an MFA in nonfiction from Columbia. A senior editor for Scholastic Action Magazine, she lives with her family and Puerto Rican rescue dog, Vida, in Brooklyn.

 

 

 

Bobbie Pyron is the author of many wonderful dog books such as A Dog’s Way Home, Stay, The Dogs of Winter, and A Pup Called Trouble. My favorite is The Dogs of Winter with A Dog’s Way Home a close second. Bobbie is a former children’s librarian and fan of sheltie dogs so she knows exactly what kids enjoy reading. I have no doubt that Bobbie has more dog stories in her so be on the lookout. In the meantime, check out her Best Dog Book Author Interviews for A Dog’s Way Home, Stay, The Dogs of Winter, and A Pup Called Trouble.

 

 

Patricia MacLachlan is the author of countless dog books such as some of my favorites: White Fur Flying, The Poet’s Dog, Waiting for the Magic, and Wondrous Rex. She also happens to be my childhood neighbor so when she won the Newbery for Sarah, Plain and Tall she became the first famous author I knew.

 

 

Sarah Lean is the author of A Dog Called Homeless, Hero, Jack Pepper, and The Sand Dog. Check out her Best Dog Book Author Interview here.

 

 

Ann M. Martin is the author of the following dog books: Rain Reign, A Dog’s Life: Autobiography of a Stray, and Everything for a Dog. Check out her Best Dog Book Author Interview here.

Marion Dane Bauer is the author of hundreds of books including many about dogs such as  Little Dog, Lost, Runt, and Winter Dance. She is the master of plot and sage writing advice. If you’re an aspiring writer, check out Marion’s blog on writing here and her Best Dog Book Author Interviews here.

 

Terry Lynn Johnson is the author of action-packed, adventure dog books like Ice Dogs, Dogsled Dreams, and Dog Driven. She also graciously did Best Dog Book Author Interviews for each of her books. You can find them here.

 

 

Joan Hiatt Harlow is the author of a number of dog books such as: Breaker Boy, The Watcher, Thunder from the Sea, and Star in the Storm.

 

Barbara O’Connor is the author of a number of dog books:  How to Steal a Dog, Wish, and Wonderland. Her story, Wish, is a bestseller and favorite among kids. You can find Best Dog Book Author Interviews for each of these titles here.

 

Helen Frost is the author of Blue Daisy and Diamond Willow.

 

Bill Wallace is an author of numerous dog books some of which include: Red Dog, Pick of the Litter, The Dog Who Thought He Was Santa and A Dog Called Kitty.

 

BEST DOG BOOK MEDAL BOOKS

The winner of the 2020 Best Dog Book Medal is Blue Daisy (Margaret Ferguson Books) written by Helen Frost and illustrated by Rob Shepperson.

Honor Best Dog Books include: A Wolf For A Spell by Sarah Sutton, Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger, American Dog: Brave by Jennifer Li Shotz and American Dog: Poppy by Jennifer Li Shotz.

 

 

BEST NEWBERY MEDAL BOOKS ABOUT DOGS

Shiloh is written by Phylis Naylor, one of the kindest authors with whom I’ve corresponded. Despite her Newbery Medal success, she graciously and humbly accepted my invitation to do an author interview on my blog, Best Dog Books Author Interviews. Check out Naylor’s Best Dog Book Author Interview  here.

From the publisher:

Marty will do anything to save his new friend Shiloh in this Newbery Medal–winning novel from Phillis Reynolds Naylor.

When Marty Preston comes across a young beagle in the hills behind his home, it’s love at first sight—and also big trouble. It turns out the dog, which Marty names Shiloh, belongs to Judd Travers, who drinks too much and has a gun—and abuses his dogs. So when Shiloh runs away from Judd to Marty, Marty just has to hide him and protect him from Judd. But Marty’s secret becomes too big for him to keep to himself, and it exposes his entire family to Judd’s anger. How far will Marty have to go to make Shiloh his?

Other Shiloh books include: Saving Shiloh, A Shiloh Christmas, and Shiloh Season.

 

Because of Winn-Dixie is a Newbery classic tale written by Kate DiCamillo, a Newbery Medalist.

From the publisher:

One summer’s day, ten-year-old India Opal Buloni goes down to the local supermarket for some groceries – and comes home with a dog. But Winn-Dixie is no ordinary dog. It’s because of Winn-Dixie that Opal begins to make friends. And it’s because of Winn-Dixie that she finally dares to ask her father about her mother, who left when Opal was three. In fact, as Opal admits, just about everything that happens that summer is because of Winn-Dixie. Featuring a new cover illustration by E. B. Lewis.

 

 

 

Old Yeller written by Fred Gipson is a Newbery Medal winning story that I read multiple times as a kid and tells the story of one of the most loyal fictional dogs ever written about. Check out the movie trailer here or listen to the first chapter here.

From the publisher:

When his father sets out on a cattle drive toward Kansas for the summer, fourteen-year-old Travis Coates is left to take care of his family and their farm. Living in Texas Hill Country during the 1860s, Travis comes to face new, unanticipated, and often perilous responsibilities in the frontier wilderness.

A particular nuisance is a stray yellow dog that shows up one day and steals food from the family. But the big canine who Travis calls “Old Yeller” proves his worth by defending the family from danger. And Travis ultimately finds help and comfort in the courage and unwavering love of the dog who comes to be his very best friend.

Fred Gipson’s novel is an eloquently simple story that is both exciting and deeply moving. It stands alongside works like The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Where The Red Fern Grows, and Shiloh as a beloved and enduring classic of literature. Originally published in 1956 to instant acclaim, Old Yeller later inspired a hit film from Walt Disney. Just as Old Yeller inevitably makes his way into the Coates family’s hearts, this book will find its own special place in readers’ hearts.

 

Sounder is written by William H. Armstrong and a 1970 Newbery Winner.

From the publisher:

The Newbery Medal–winning classic novel about the courage and faith—and the love of a dog—that give a family strength in the face of inhumanity.

The boy knows that times are tough for his family. Every night, his father goes out hunting with their great coon dog, Sounder, to try to put food on the table. But even with the little they bring back, there is still never enough for the family to eat.

When the boy awakens one morning to a sweet-smelling ham on the table, it seems like a blessing. But soon, the sheriff and his deputies come to the house and take the boy’s father away in handcuffs. Suddenly the boy must grow up fast in a world that isn’t fair, keeping hope alive through the love he has for his father’s faithful dog, Sounder.

Readers who enjoy timeless dog stories such as Old Yeller and Where the Red Fern Grows will find much to love in Sounder, even as they read through tears at times.

 

Dogsong is written by Gary Paulsen and a Newbery Honor Book.

From the publisher:

IN THE OLD DAYS THERE WERE SONGS

Something is bothering Russel Susskit. He hates waking up to the sound of his father’s coughing, the smell of diesel oil, the noise of snow machines starting up.

Only Oogruk, the shaman who owns the last team of dogs in the village, understands Russel’s longing for the old ways and the songs that celebrated them. But Oogruk cannot give Russel the answers he seeks; the old man can only prepare him for what he must do alone. Driven by a strange, powerful dream of a long-ago self and by a burning desire to find his own song, Russel takes Oogruk’s dogs on an epic journey of self-discovery that will change his life forever.

A Newbery Honor Book

An ALA Best Book for Young Adults

An ALA Notable Book

A School Library Journal Best Book

 

Along Came a Dog written by Meindert DeJong and illustrated by Maurice Sendak is a Newbery Medal honor book in 1959.

From the publisher:

Along Came a Dog tells a story about a friendship of a little red hen and a homeless dog who appoints himself as her protector. A big black dog came to the farm in search of a home. The dog was humble and lonesome. The hen was cocky and secure. A strange and wonderful friendship grew between them. The dog protected the little red hen, but who would protect the big black dog from being chased off the farm? Who would convince the man who owned the farm that the dog truly belonged there?

 

 

 

Caddie Woodlawn written by Carol Ryrie Brink and illustrated by Kate Seredy.

From the publisher:

An illustrated edition of the Newberry Medal–winning Caddie Woodlawn, which has been captivating young readers since 1935.

Caddie Woodlawn is a real adventurer. She’d rather hunt than sew and plow than bake, and tries to beat her brother’s dares every chance she gets. Caddie is friends with Indians, who scare most of the neighbors—neighbors who, like her mother and sisters, don’t understand her at all.

Caddie is brave, and her story is special because it’s based on the life and memories of Carol Ryrie Brink’s grandmother, the real Caddie Woodlawn. Her spirit and sense of fun have made this book a classic that readers have taken to their hearts for more than seventy years.

Note: The book’s portrayal of Native Americans has been criticized in more recent years. Debbie Reese, founder of the website American Indians in Children’s Literature, shared her daughter’s pained reaction to reading it in school in “Reflections on Caddie Woodlawn: Teaching about Stereotypes using Literature.”

 

Knee-Knock Rise is written by Natalie Babbitt and a 1971 Newbery Honor Book.

From the publisher:

From the moment young Egan arrives in Instep for the annual fair, he is entranced by the fable surrounding the misty peak of Kneeknock Rise: On stormy nights when the rain drives harsh and cold, an undiscovered creature raises its voice and moans. Nobody knows what it is―nobody has ever dared to try to find out and come back again. Before long, Egan is climbing the Rise to find an answer to the mystery.

 

 

 

The Grey King written by Susan Cooper is book 4 of 5 within The Dark is Rising book series.

From the publisher:

There is a Welsh legend about a harp of gold, hidden within a certain hill, that will be found by a boy and a white dog with silver eyes — a dog that can see the wind. Will Stanton knew nothing of this when he came to Wales to recover from a severe illness. But when he met Bran, a strange boy who owned a white dog, he began to remember. For Will is the last-born of the Old Ones, immortals dedicated to saving the world from the forces of evil, the Dark. And it is Will’s task to wake-with the golden harp — the six who must be roused from their long slumber in the Welsh hills to prepare for the last battle between the Dark and the Light.

 

 

 

Julie of the Wolves is written by Jean Craighead George and illustrated John Schoenherr.

From the publisher:

The thrilling Newbery Medal–winning classic about an Eskimo girl lost on the Alaskan tundra

Julie of the Wolves is a staple in the canon of children’s literature and the first in the Julie trilogy. The survival theme makes it a good pick for readers of wilderness adventures such as My Side of the Mountain, Hatchet, or Island of the Blue Dolphins.

This edition, perfect for classroom or home use, includes John Schoenherr’s original scratchboard illustrations throughout, as well as bonus materials such as an introduction written by Jean Craighead George’s children, the author’s Newbery acceptance speech, selections from her field notebooks, a discussion guide, and a further reading guide.

To her small Eskimo village, she is known as Miyax; to her friend in San Francisco, she is Julie. When her life in the village becomes dangerous, Miyax runs away, only to find herself lost in the Alaskan wilderness.

Miyax tries to survive by copying the ways of a pack of wolves and soon grows to love her new wolf family. Life in the wilderness is a struggle, but when she finds her way back to civilization, Miyax is torn between her old and new lives. Is she Miyax of the Eskimos—or Julie of the wolves?

Don’t miss any of the books in Jean Craighead George’s groundbreaking series: Julie and Julie’s Wolf Pack.

 

Adam of the Road is written by Elizabeth Janet Gray and the 1943 Newbery Medal Award Winner.

From the publisher:

Eleven-year-old Adam loved to travel throughout thirteenthcentury England with his father, a wandering minstrel, and his dog, Nick. But when Nick is stolen and his father disappears, Adam suddenly finds himself alone. He searches the same roads he traveled with his father, meeting various people along the way. But will Adam ever find his father and dog and end his desperate search?

 

 

 

Daughter of the Mountains is written by Louise Rankin and illustrated by Kurt Wiese.

From the publisher:

Momo has always wanted a Lhasa terrier–a dog like the ones the Buddhist priests hold sacred in their temples. And her dream is realized when a trader brings Pempa to her parents’ tea house. But after a band of robbers steals the valuable dog and quickly escapes with him into the mountains, Momo is determined to catch them and recover her beloved Pempa. To do so, she must follow the Great Trade Route across the mountains–a path that most people avoid, and which will surely put her life at risk. Momo undertakes a dangerous journey from the mountains of Tibet to the city of Calcutta, in search of her stolen dog Pempa.

 

 

 

The Underneath is written by Kathi Appelt and illustrated by David Small. It is more than just a dog story, it is also a wonderful classic American fantasy. Check out Kathi’s Best Dog Book Author Interview.

From the publisher:

There is nothing lonelier than a cat who has been loved, at least for a while, and then abandoned on the side of the road.

A calico cat, about to have kittens, hears the lonely howl of a chained-up hound deep in the backwaters of the bayou. She dares to find him in the forest, and the hound dares to befriend this cat, this feline, this creature he is supposed to hate. They are an unlikely pair, about to become an unlikely family. Ranger urges the cat to hide underneath the porch, to raise her kittens there because Gar-Face, the man living inside the house, will surely use them as alligator bait should he find them. But they are safe in the Underneath…as long as they stay in the Underneath.

Kittens, however, are notoriously curious creatures. And one kitten’s one moment of curiosity sets off a chain of events that is astonishing, remarkable, and enormous in its meaning. For everyone who loves Sounder, Shiloh, and The Yearling, for everyone who loves the haunting beauty of writers such as Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, Flannery O’Connor, and Carson McCullers, Kathi Appelt spins a harrowing yet keenly sweet tale about the power of love — and its opposite, hate — the fragility of happiness and the importance of making good on your promises.

 

Ginger Pye is written by Eleanor Estes and a companion story to Pinky Eye, a cat story. Here’s a 60-second review of Ginger Pye on YouTube.

From the publisher:

Meet the marvelous Pyes—
There is Mrs. Pye, the youngest mother in town;
Mr. Pye, a famous bird man, who handles all the nation’s important bird problems;
Rachel Pye, who is so reasonable she can make unreasonable ideas sound like good ones;
Jerry Pye, who knows about rocks of all sorts and plans to grow up to be a rock man;
Uncle Bennie, who is Jerry and Rachel’s uncle—even though he’s only three years old.
Lastly is Ginger Pye, the “intellectual dog,” who Jerry bought for a hard-earned dollar. The most famous pup in all of Cranbury, Ginger knows tons of tricks, is as loyal as he is smart, and steals the hearts of everyone he meets . . . until someone steals him!

 

 

BEST CALDECOTT MEDAL BOOKS ABOUT DOGS

The Stray Dog written and illustrated by Marc Simont has earned many accolades including an ALA Notable Children’s Book, a Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Honor Book, A New York Times Best Illustrated Book, among others. Check out a reading of The Stray Dog on Youtube.

From the publisher:

When a little dog appears at a family picnic, the girl and boy play with him all afternoon, and they name him Willy. At day’s end they say good-bye. But the dog has won their hearts and stays on their minds. The following Saturday the family returns to the picnic grounds to look for Willy, but they are not alone—the dog catcher is looking for him, too!

 

 

 

Lon Po Po written and illustrated by Ed Young is a classic Chinese retelling of the beloved fable, Little Red Riding Hood.

Contrary to the original story, in which there is only one child–Little Red Riding Hood–who interacts with the wolf–the nemesis of the story, Lon Po Po, the mother of three children–Shang, Tao, and Paotze–goes to visit their grandmother. When their mother leaves, the wolf appears in the guise of their grandmother. From their point of view, Lon Po Po’s daughters tell the story of how they outsmart the wolf. Lon Po Po is also available in Chinese.

 

 

 

 

The Paperboy written and illustrated by Dav Pilkey is a story of a boy and his dog who rise early one morning–despite the warmth of their beds luring them to stay snug–before anyone else is awake to deliver newspapers; when his family wakes, the boy and his dog head back to bed. It is a simple, quiet, story that works synergistically with the beautifully illustrated pictures of this book.

Dav Pilkey is also the author-illustrator of the popular Dog Man and Captain Underpants series, as well as a favorite among elementary school children. Check out information about the Dog Man series in the Dog Book Series section of this post.

 

 

 

Hondo & Fabian written and illustrated by Peter McCarty is a 2002 New York Times Book Reviews Best Illustrated Book of the Year and Notable Children’s Book of the Year. Check out this reading on YouTube.

From the publisher:

A dog named Hondo and his friend Fred are going to the beach for a day of excitement. Fabian the cat is left behind at home to play with the baby. Who will cause more trouble? And who will have more fun?

Peter McCarty’s exquisite illustrations and understated wit turn an ordinary day in the lives of two pets into a rare delight.

Other Hondo & Fabian titles include: Fabian Escapes.

 

Madeline’s Rescue written and illustrated by Ludwig Bemelmans and is beloved by children all over the world. Check out this animated reading on YouTube.

From the publisher:

Nothing frightens Madeline—not tigers, not even mice. With its endearing, courageous heroine, cheerful humor, and wonderful, whimsical drawings of Paris, the Madeline stories are true classics that continue to charm readers even after 75 years!

When Madeline falls into the river Seine and nearly drowns, a courageous canine comes to her rescue. Now Genevieve the dog is Madeline’s cherished pet, and the envy of all the other girls. What can be done when there’s just not enough hound to go around?

Other Madeline titles include: Madeline and the Bad Hat, Madeline, Madeline in London, among others.

 

Wolf in the Snow written and illustrated by Matthew Cordell is a nearly wordless award winning picture. Accolades include: a National Public Radio Best Book, A Horn Book Magazine Best Book, A School Library Journal Best Book, A Kirkus Reviews Best Book, A Boston Globe Best Book, and a Huffington Post Best Book.

From the publisher:

A girl is lost in a snowstorm. A wolf cub is lost, too. How will they find their way home?

Paintings rich with feeling tell this satisfying story of friendship and trust. Here is a book set on a wintry night that will spark imaginations and warm hearts, from the author of Trouble Gum and Another Brother.

BEST DOG BOOK CLASSICS

The 101 Dalmations by Dodie Smith has a special place in my heart because it was the first movie I ever saw. I recall how much I worried about the pups and rooted for their parents to rescue them. This book made such a huge impression on me that I became a lifelong fan of dogs and now write dog stories for kids–Lara’s Gift–and blog–Best Dog Books–about them. Check out the movie trailer for the original version here.

From the publisher:

When Dearly’s Dalmatians have their first litter of pups—fifteen in all—everyone is delighted. But their joy is shortlived, for the pups are kidnapped! Scotland Yard is baffled, but the keenest canine minds are on the case—and on the trail of Cruella de Vil, the most fiendish person to ever covet a fur coat.

Pongo and Missis would give everything they have to bring their puppies safely home… but will they succeed in rescuing them from the cluthes of the evil Cruella de Vil?

 

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls is a beloved classic that is on every Best Dog Book list you can find. It is also on School Library Journal‘s Top 100 Children’s Novel list. PBS calls it A Great American Read’s Selection and NPR states it’s A Must-Read for Kids 9 to 14. Check out the movie trailer here.

From the publisher:

Billy has long dreamt of owning not one, but two, dogs. So when he’s finally able to save up enough money for two pups to call his own—Old Dan and Little Ann—he’s ecstatic. It doesn’t matter that times are tough; together they’ll roam the hills of the Ozarks.

Soon Billy and his hounds become the finest hunting team in the valley. Stories of their great achievements spread throughout the region, and the combination of Old Dan’s brawn, Little Ann’s brains, and Billy’s sheer will seems unbeatable. But tragedy awaits these determined hunters—now friends—and Billy learns that hope can grow out of despair, and that the seeds of the future can come from the scars of the past.

 

The Call of the Wild by Jack London is a story about the bond between a man and his dog that is set in the Yukon territory during the 1890s Klondike Gold Rush. It is classic and one of London’s most notable books. Check out the movie trailer starring Harrison Ford here.

From the publisher:

The novel’s central character is a dog named Buck, a domesticated dog living at a ranch in the Santa Clara valley of California as the story opens. Stolen from his home and sold into the brutal existence of an Alaskan sled dog, he reverts to atavistic traits. Buck is forced to adjust to, and survive, cruel treatments and fight to dominate other dogs in a harsh climate. Eventually he sheds the veneer of civilization, relying on primordial instincts and lessons he learns, to emerge as a leader in the wild.London lived for most of a year in the Yukon collecting material for the book.

The story was serialized in the Saturday Evening Post in the summer of 1903; a month later it was released in book form. The novel’s great popularity and success made a reputation for London. Much of its appeal derives from the simplicity with which London presents the themes in an almost mythical form. As early as 1908 the story was adapted to film and it has since seen several more cinematic adaptations.

 

White Fang by Jack London is about a wild half-dog half-wolf that becomes domesticated. It is a gripping tale told from the wolf-dog’s point of view about the hard life in the frozen wilds of the north. Check out the movie clip here.

From the publisher:

First serialized in Outing magazine, it was published in 1906. The story details White Fang’s journey to domestication in Yukon Territory and the Northwest Territories during the 1890s Klondike Gold Rush. It is a companion novel (and a thematic mirror) to London’s best-known work, The Call of the Wild, which is about a kidnapped, domesticated dog embracing his wild ancestry to survive and thrive in the wild.

Much of White Fang is written from the viewpoint of the titular canine character, enabling London to explore how animals view their world and how they view humans. White Fang examines the violent world of wild animals and the equally violent world of humans. The book also explores complex themes including morality and redemption.

 

Lassie Come-Home by Eric Knight was first published in 1940. It is also another book that made me fall in love with dogs due to Lassie’s intelligence, loyalty, and bravery. I was an even bigger fan of the TV series, Lassie, inspired by the book. So much so that I wrote a letter to Lassie’s trainer, Rudd Weatherwax telling him what a great dog Lassie was and was thrilled to get a letter from him and a signed photo of Lassie*** that I still have today. See photo of Lassie in the Bonus Section.

Check out the movie clip here.

From the publisher:

Lassie is Joe’s prize collie and constant companion. But when Joe’s father loses his job, Lassie must be sold. Three times she escapes from her new owner, and three times she returns home to Joe, until finally she is taken to the remotest part of Scotland―too far a journey for any dog to make alone.

 

 

Big Red by Jim Kjelgaard has also been in print since 1940 and celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2015. It is a classic boy-and-dog story of adventure and friendship in the mountains of Pennsylvania. Check out a movie clip here.

From the publisher:

Danny knows at a glance that Red, the big Irish setter, is the dog he has always dreamed of. But Red is a champion, and Danny is only a trapper’s son who lives in a cabin on the mountain. Still, their bond is undeniable. Red is fast and strong, smart and noble, and incredibly loyal–when Danny twists his ankle and can’t get home, Red stays by him all night, keeping a wildcat at bay.

Soon Danny and Red are meeting nature on their own terms, enduring a blizzard and even facing down a wolverine. But can Danny and Red take on the enemy that threatens everyone on the mountain–the savage bear they call Old Majesty?

 

The Phantom Tollbooth written by Norton Juster and illustrated by Jules Feiffer is a humorous, heartwarming, imaginative classic. Here is a link to an audiobook reading and another link to the movie trailer.

From the publisher:

For Milo, everything’s a bore. When a tollbooth mysteriously appears in his room, he drives through only because he’s got nothing better to do. But on the other side, things seem different. Milo visits the Island of Conclusions (you get there by jumping), learns about time from a ticking watchdog named Tock, and even embarks on a quest to rescue Rhyme and Reason! Somewhere along the way, Milo realizes something astonishing. Life is far from dull. In fact, it’s exciting beyond his wildest dreams. . . .

 

 

 

The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford is one of the first books I read multiple times. I was and am still drawn to dog stories that reveal the loyal bond between humans and their pets. Although there are newer book covers for this title, this is the cover that I remember from my childhood. Listen to a reading of chapter 1 here.

From the publisher:

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. An inquisitive Labrador retriever, friendly bull terrier, and courageous Siamese cat set out through the Canadian wilderness to find their owner in this truly “incredible” adventure. Instinct tells them that the way home lies to the west and together the three house pets face hunger, the natural elements, and wild forest animals as they make their way home to the family they love. This beloved classic that inspired the movie Homeward Bound has captured the hearts of generations of readers. The lengths to which these three animals will go for each other and for their owner make for a thrilling and thoroughly unforgettable tale.

 

Lad: A Dog by Albert Payson Terhune is another classic about a collie. Written in 1919, it consists of twelve short stories and is based on the life of the author’s dog by the same name. Listen to a reading of chapter 1 here.

From the publisher:

Lad, a courageous and dignified 80-pound collie, lived in The Place. The Place was thick with woods, abounding with squirrels to chase, and a cool lake in which to plunge — a beautiful kingdom — and Lad was its undisputed king. Lad’s loyalty to his chosen Master and Mistress knew no bounds. The stories in this book are all about Lad. Some will make you laugh out loud, some will make you cry. And when the book comes to its conclusion, you will know one thing for sure — that Lad was a dog with a soul . . .

 

BEST DOG BOOK THRILLERS FOR OLDER KIDS

Watchers by Dean Koontz is one in which the author experienced pure joy writing. In an annotated bibliography in The Dean Koontz Companion, a book about his work, the bibliographer made the following observation about Watchers. “It embodies all of the major themes with which Koontz has been obsessed: the healing power of love and friendship; the struggle to overcome the past and change what we are; the moral superiority of the individual over the workings of the state and large institutions; the wonder of both the natural world and the potential of the human mind; the relationship of mankind to God; transcendence; and how we sustain hope in the face of our awareness that all things die.” If these fundamental issues tug at your heart strings, then this is the novel for you.

 

From the publisher:

A “superior thriller”(Oakland Press) about a man, a dog, and a terrifying threat that could only have come from the imagination of #1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz—nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read.

On his thirty-sixth birthday, Travis Cornell hikes into the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains. But his path is soon blocked by a bedraggled Golden Retriever who will let him go no further into the dark woods.

That morning, Travis had been desperate to find some happiness in his lonely, seemingly cursed life. What he finds is a dog of alarming intelligence that soon leads him into a relentless storm of mankind’s darkest creation…

 

 

Devoted by Dean Koontz is a bestseller. Many of his fans talk about how Koontz’s love of Golden Retrievers are a key component of his appeal to readers. Devoted, like Watchers, does not disappoint.

From the publisher:

An Amazon Charts, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestseller.

From Dean Koontz, the master of suspense, comes an epic thriller about a terrifying killer and the singular compassion it will take to defeat him.

“Canine or human, it is hard to find a more lovable character in fiction than Kipp. Devoted has every mark of a classic.” —Associated Press

Woody Bookman hasn’t spoken a word in his eleven years of life. Not when his father died in a freak accident. Not when his mother, Megan, tells him she loves him. For Megan, keeping her boy safe and happy is what matters. But Woody believes a monstrous evil was behind his father’s death and now threatens him and his mother. And he’s not alone in his thoughts. An ally unknown to him is listening.

Kipp is a uniquely gifted dog with a heart as golden as his breed. Kipp is also devoted beyond reason to people. When he hears the boy who communicates like he does, without speaking, Kipp knows he needs to find him before it’s too late.

Woody’s fearful suspicions are taking shape. A man driven by a malicious evil has set a depraved plan into motion. And he’s coming after Woody and his mother. The reasons are primal. His powers are growing. And he’s not alone. Only a force greater than evil can stop what’s coming next.

BONUS SECTION

* The real Zar and Zola borzoi dogs who inspired the fictional characters of the same names in the middle grade dog book, Lara’s Gift.

 

 

 

 

** On the first day of kindergarten I came home from school and proudly showed everyone the first story I wrote and illustrated. It was about my family. I was also sporting my mother’s signature short-bangs haircut that she gave to me and my sisters. My mother claims we refused to wear barrettes, thus the short bangs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*** When I was in 4th grade I wrote to Rudd Weatherwax, Lassie’s trainer. Back then, I aspired to become a famous Hollywood dog trainer just like Rudd. He sent me this paw-print-signed photo. He bred six-plus generations of Lassie to star in the TV series, Lassie.