15 Best Dog Books for Toddlers and Their Families to Read
Are you a parent searching for your children‘s books that are perfect for young readers who are also dog lovers? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading for the best dog books for toddlers.
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There’s something magical about the bond between children, family members, and their dogs.
From the early days of the connection with man’s best friend to creating a lifelong love of dogs, a collection of books around a good dog helps guide early readers into a world that is filled with love, loyalty, and lots of tail-wagging fun.
For families looking to nurture that bond with pet books, reading dog-themed books together can be full of delightful life lessons and educational experiences.
Whether you’re introducing your toddler to the joys of reading a picture book or looking for a heartwarming first book to share at bedtime, these good books are perfect for creating special moments about the loyal bond of furry friends.
From playful puppies with big personality to favorite dog books of brave canine heroes, there are lots of favorite books that will captivate the hearts of both toddlers and their families.
So, grab a cup of coffee or tea, and settle in to see these great dog books for toddlers.
1. The Poky Little Puppy by Janette Sebring Lowrey
This Little Golden Book is one of the most beloved classics in children’s literature.
The poky little puppy with his white spots and black spots gets into trouble but is always a good boy at heart.
It’s a great book for introducing the concept of curiosity and consequence.
2. Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy by Lynley Dodd
Hairy Maclary is a small dog with big adventures.
This hilarious rhyming story follows Hairy Maclary as he explores his neighborhood, meeting a variety of canine companions along the way.
3. Good Dog, Carl by Alexandra Day
Carl, the big dog with a heart of gold, watches over a baby while the mother is out.
This great pet is a gentle giant who shows what it means to be a true friend.
4. Madeline Finn and the Library Dog by Lisa Papp
Madeline Finn is a young girl who doesn’t like reading – until she meets a service dog who helps her gain confidence.
This heart-tugging dog adoption story is perfect for encouraging young readers.
5. The Poky Little Puppy’s First Christmas by Justine Korman Fontes
The poky little puppy returns in this festive sequel.
As he explores his surroundings, he discovers the joys of Christmas, making it a great book for the holiday season.
6. Clifford the Big Red Dog by Norman Bridwell
Clifford, the big dog with a young girl owner named Emily Elizabeth, has been a favorite for generations.
These stories are amazing books that teach valuable lessons about friendship and kindness.
7. Spot Goes to the Park by Eric Hill
Join Spot, the small dog with black spots, as he explores the park, meets new friends, and has a day full of fun.
8. Mr. Scruff by Simon James
Mr. Scruff is a dog looking for a home.
His story is a great way to introduce toddlers to the idea of finding the perfect pet and how new friends can come in all shapes and sizes.
9. Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion
Harry is a dog who doesn’t like baths.
In this great book, he runs away and gets so dirty that his family doesn’t recognize him when he returns.
10. Arthur’s New Puppy by Marc Brown
Arthur gets a new dog in this delightful story.
Watching him learn to care for his new pet is a great way for toddlers to understand the responsibilities that come with having a true friend.
11. Dog’s Colorful Day by Emma Dodd
This is a funny book about a dog with white spots who collects more spots as he goes through his day, teaching toddlers about colors in a fun and engaging way.
12. Where’s Spot? by Eric Hill
Readers join in looking for the dog, Spotm in this interactive lift-the-flap book.
It’s a great book for developing a child’s sense of discovery and curiosity.
13. Clifford’s Family by Norman Bridwell
In this story, Clifford travels to visit his family, making it a great book about the importance of family ties and connections.
14. Madeline Finn and the Therapy Dog by Lisa Papp
Following the success of the first Madeline Finn book, this sequel introduces a service dog who helps children with reading difficulties, offering a heart-tugging dog adoption story.
15. Touch and Feel: Puppy
With a fun new look, these bestselling DK classics are sure to become classics for a whole new generation of young readers.
Final thoughts
Exploring the wonderful world of dogs through these books is a fantastic way to bond with your toddler.
Whether it’s the timeless charm of little golden books or the heartwarming tale of Mr. Scruff, these stories offer something special for every little girl and boy at the perfect age for reading.
As your child grows, transitioning to chapter books will be an exciting new adventure, with each story building on the love and lessons learned from these early favorites.
So, grab a cozy spot, get ready to enjoy everything from the front to the back of the book and let the joy of reading with your little one begin!
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Your turn
Are you excited to introduce your child to reading about animals? Which of these books about dogs for toddlers are you grabbing? Do you have any additional animal books about dogs to add to the list? Let me know in the comments.
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