Best Must-Have Dog Books For Kids
Reading is FUN-damental for kids. When you give your child a book about dogs, it’s pretty much guaranteed that they won’t put it down!
Your family dog is most likely your child’s best friend. Dogs are the ideal companion for kids: they listen without judgment, they’re always there to cheer you up with a happy lick, and they’re never too busy to play! Not only are dogs a great companion and playmate, they can also teach children about responsibility and compassion for other living beings.
Whether your family is bringing a pup home for the first time or your child already has a furry BFF, we’ve put together a list of must-have dog books your kids need to read!
1. Editor’s Choice – My Dog!: A Kids’ Guide to Keeping a Happy and Healthy Pet
By Michael J. Rosen. Recommended for ages 9-10.
This kid-friendly book focuses on the basics of everything dog related. This includes handling, grooming, feeding, history, commands, health checks, communication, body language and behavior. There’s also a field guide to 75 popular dog breeds. My Dog! is complete with colorful illustrations, a customizable cover, tabbed chapters, and a pull-out dry-erase dog care chart.
2. Runner Up – Don’t Lick the Dog: Making Friends with Dogs
By Wendy Wahman. Recommended for ages 4-7.
Now, that’s good advice! Most kids love dogs and will often run up to pet a strange pooch. This helpful book teaches children how to interact with unfamiliar dogs. It’s a how-to manual that’s created in a humorous way with plenty of playful illustrations to keep your little one engaged from start to finish.
3. Best Q&A Style – Everything Dog
By Marty Crisp. Recommended for ages 8-11.
What pup-related topics does your child keep asking about? Have the answers on hand with Everything Dog. This book is chock-full of colorful pictures, close-up views of breeds and is written in a question-and-answer format that answers kids most frequently asked questions about dogs.
4. Best Informative Read – How to Speak Dog: A Guide to Decoding Dog Language
By Aline Newman & Gary Weitzman. Recommended for ages 8-11.
This fun, informative book from National Geographic Kids is filled with pictures that help kids understand their dog better. Your child will learn key canine concepts and tips on how to respond by reading and then observing a dog’s body language and behavior.
5. Best Coloring Book – How to Care for Your Dog: A Color & Learn Guide for Kids
By Janet Skiles. Recommended for ages 3-8.
It’s easier to learn when you get to color! This helpful resource written for the younger ones is filled with suggestions for caring for a dog. It has kid-friendly captions and tips, plus 30 easy-to-color illustrations. Your child will learn about grooming, training, feeding, and companionship, as well as how to provide a healthy and safe environment for a pet.
These books will keep your child engaged and interested in learning about how to groom, care, feed, communicate and play with a dog. They’ll also learn about different dog breeds and the history behind each one. No matter what age your child is or at what stage your dog is in, there’s always room to grow and learn, and these books will guide them in the right direction.
Keep these books on a shelf for reference and encourage your kids to read them to learn more about your family pooch. Teaching your child to properly communicate and treat a dog with respect, as well as build a strong bond with their dog is essential to keeping peace and harmony between your dog and child.
The colorful illustrations and kid-friendly writing in the books listed above will encourage your child to learn more about dogs in a fun, creative and inventive way. They’re also great to share with other children who frequent your home, such as neighborhood friends and school mates. Add these books to your home library today to teach your child how to make the most out of having a dog as their best friend!
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