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: 0+
Reading age: 5+When Dave loses his favourite toy, Dogger, he is desolate.
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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+
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+
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.
