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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Finding Gobi: The True Story of One Little Dog’s Big Journey
Author: Dion Leonard
Publisher: Harper Collins
Interest age: 8+
Reading age: 8+An extraordinary true story about an ultra-marathon runner’s quest to find the small stray dog he fell in love with while running across the Gobi desert. A story that will appeal to any reader with an interest in dogs or tales of adventure and survival sports.
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A Dog With Nice Ears
Author: Lauren Child
Publisher: Hachette
Interest age: 3-5
It’s always a delight and a comfort to step into the lovely world of Charlie and Lola and this charming, warm and very funny book is no exception. Lauren Child captures perfectly the thought processes and dialogue of children who wish they had a dog.
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Dog Man: Unleashed
Author: Dav Pilkey interior colour by Jose Garibaldi
Publisher: Scholastic
Interest age: 6-10
Reading age: 6-10Dog Man – a policeman with the head of a dog, thanks to innovative surgical procedures – is the greatest cop ever. A zany cartoon story delivered in short, colourful chapters in Dav Pilkey’s brilliantly irreverent style.
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Good Dog McTavish
Author: Meg Rosoff Illustrator: Grace Easton
Publisher: Barrington Stoke
Interest age: 7-9
Reading age: 7-9When fluffy pooch McTavish moves in, he finds his new family in quite a pickle. But not to worry because he's sure he’ll have them retrained in no time at all. A charming and heartwarming short novel, full of spark, keen observations and sly humour.
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Oi Dog!
Author: Kes Gray Illustrator: Jim Field
Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
Interest age: 3-6
Reading age: 5+Frog has had enough of being sat on. This time, dogs will not sit on frogs - they will sit on logs, which is where they belong. Cats will sit on gnats, bears will sit on stairs and whales will sit on nails. This a side-splitting book, which is great for sharing.
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Dog Gone
Author: Rob Biddulph
Publisher: HarperCollins
Interest age: 4-5
When Edward Pugglesworth loses his owner, Dave, in the woods, he's sure he's done for - but maybe his dog walk hasn't gone as wrong as he thinks?
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Elise and the Second-Hand Dog
Author: Bjarne Reuter Illustrator: Kirsten Raagaard Translator: Sian Mackie from Danish
Publisher: Wacky Bee Books
Interest age: 7-9
Reading age: 7+Elise gets a secondhand mongrel to keep her company – and turns out, the dog's name is McAddudi and he’s from Scotland. Elise and McAddudi soon grow to become best friends. A quirky and original book that is full of laughs and heart.
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The Hospital Dog
Author: Julia Donaldson Illustrator: Sara Ogilvie
Publisher: Macmillan
Interest age: 2-5
This is the charming story of Dot the dalmatian, a very special dog indeed, who finds out just how important her hospital visits are. The story is told in rhyming couplets which are delicious to read aloud and share with children, and the bright, inclusive illustrations are full of life, warmth and expression.
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This is a Dog
Author: Ross Collins
Publisher: Nosy Crow
Interest age: 0-3
A mischievous dog has taken over this copy of ‘My First Animal Book’! Lots of fun and a real delight to read, this is a great book to share with little ones, full of beautiful simplicity.
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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: Penguin
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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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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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.
