Children's books about dogs
They're "man's best friend", so we had to dedicate a booklist to them.
This list includes some classic reads, as well as newer books, all about different doggies. Although there may be a couple of cats thrown into the mix, too...
Perfect for children aged three and older.
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Dogger
Author: Shirley Hughes
Publisher: Random House
Interest age: 2-5
Dogger is Dave's special toy. So when Dogger gets lost at the funfair, Dave is desolate. Will they find each other again? Exploring concepts of love, loss and kindness, this classic tale will be cherished by the entire family and will particularly appeal to any child who has a favourite toy.
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Kipper's Birthday
Author: Mick Inkpen
Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
Interest age: 2+
Reading age: 6+Kipper is working hard preparing for his birthday. He bakes a very interesting cake to share with his friends and makes beautiful invitations but is too tired to deliver them.
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Fleabag
Author: Helen Stephens
Publisher: Alison Green Books
Interest age: 3+
Reading age: 6+A small, scruffy dog visits the park every day and looks longingly at the other dogs who all have people to take for walks.
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Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy
Author: Lynley Dodd
Publisher: Puffin
Interest age: 2+
Reading age: 6+This hilarious rhyming story follows Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy, as he sets off for a walk in town
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Claude in the City
Author: Alex T Smith
Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
Interest age: 7+
Reading age: 7+Claude is no ordinary dog - he leads an extraordinary life! When Mr and Mrs Shinyshoes set off for work, Claude heads for the city, where pigeons, beret shops and robberies await.
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Oh No, George!
Author: Chris Haughton
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 2-4
George is a dog with a big personality and he LOVES cake, rubbish bins and chasing Cat.
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The Adventures of Tintin
Author: Hergé Translator: Michael Turner and Leslie Lonsdale-Cooper
Publisher: Egmont
Interest age: 7+
Reading age: 9+Resourceful junior reporter Tintin embarks on a series of exciting international adventures, accompanied by his faithful dog Snowy, in this favourite series.
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A Walk in the Park
Author: Anthony Browne
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 3-6
Reading age: 5+A welcome republication for an Anthony Browne classic from 1977. Two children from very different backgrounds (and their dogs) make friends where their parents cannot.
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A Dog Called Flow
Author: Pippa Goodhart Illustrator: Anthony Lewis
Publisher: Troika Books
Interest age: 8-11
Reading age: 8+This is a powerful story that clearly leads its reader through the struggles of dyslexia. But it is also an adventurous tale of a boy and his dog and the powerful friendship between them.
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Space Dog
Author: Mini Grey
Publisher: Jonathan Cape
Interest age: 5+
Reading age: 7Visually and graphically inventive, packed with tongue-in-cheek humour and witty details, this comic-style picture book delights in subverting the conventions of epic space adventure!
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Philomena - The Cat Who Thinks She’s a Dog
Author: Jessie Wall
Publisher: Wacky Bee Books
Interest age: 4-8
Reading age: 6+Philomena is a cat with an identity crisis. Having been brought up with a puppy, she is now convinced she is actually a dog herself. The plot is simple but fun, and carries a gentle message about being yourself.
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Barking for Bagels
Author: Michael Rosen Illustrator: Tony Ross
Publisher: Andersen Press
Interest age: 6+
Reading age: 7+A quirky canine adventure from master storyteller Michael Rosen, complemented by Tony Ross's trademark comical illustrations, this is a lovely early chapter book for 6-8 year olds, sure to amuse adults and children alike.
