Spend some quality time with your kids bonding over the lovable dogs and children in these eight storybooks for kids. The young readers in your life will feel encouraged as they follow along as you read or even try out a page or two for themselves. Plus, they’ll learn all about what it means to be a pet parent, why adopting is so important and how to interact with unfamiliar dogs.

Whether you’re looking for a gift for a young reader or need a new addition to your nighttime reading ritual, here are the eight best dog books for young children.

1. Can I Be Your Dog?

Instill the importance of adopting in your youngest with this sweet storybook about a homeless mutt named Arfy. Your toddler can follow along with the pictures as Arfy writes to everyone on his street about what a great pet he’d be. Heartwarming and funny, any dog-loving child will want you to read it to them again and again.

2. Much to Do Before a Dog

Every kid wants a pet, but most don’t understand the work that goes into having one. Help your child learn about all the responsibilities of being a pet parent with this colorfully illustrated and touching picture book. Based on a true story, Much to Do Before a Dog doesn’t hold back and Koda must prove to her mom that’s she’s responsible and compassionate enough before she finally gets her wish.

3. Clifford Goes to Kindergarten

The Clifford dog books are classics! In this one, Clifford joins his best friend Emily Elizabeth on her first day of kindergarten. Together they learn how much fun kindergarten can be and why there’s no need to be nervous. A great book to read for your soon-to-be-kindergartner.

4. Walter the Farting Dog

Nothing makes kids laugh more than fart jokes and this book is full of farting. Walter is a shelter dog rescued by two siblings who don’t mind that he farts all the time. The kids’ parents aren’t as accepting, but after Walter’s flatulence saves the day during a robbery, he’s finally accepted into the family. Perfect for the preschool set who will really only care about the fart jokes and illustrations.

5. Just Me and My Puppy (A Little Critter Book)

This classic illustrated book, part of the beloved Little Critter series, is another great option for parents seeking to teach their younger kids about the responsibilities that go into being a pet parent.

6. Go, Dog. Go! (A Beginner Book)

Originally created by Dr. Seuss, Beginner Books help kids to read all by themselves, and this one is perfect for dog-loving, new readers. Written in Dr. Seuss-style rhymes, the book focuses on single-syllable words to make it easy for beginner readers. Parents will love it for the educational aspect but kids will love the fun adventures the dogs get into.

7. May I Pet Your Dog? The How-to Guide for Kids Meeting Dogs (and Dogs Meeting Kids)

A recent experience with a 2-year-old child reinforced for us just how important a book like this is for kids who want to pet all the dogs they encounter. This straightforward storybook uses a dachshund named Harry to walk kids through the steps needed to have a successful dog encounter. Along the way they’ll learn about letting a dog sniff their hands, watching out for growling, and what a wagging tail means.

8. Perro Grande… Perro Pequeno / Big Dog … Little Dog

This Spanish/English version of a classic Beginner Books title (by the same author who wrote Go, Go. Go!) is perfect for multi-lingual families. Kids can hear the books in both languages (and practice reading), and parents who might not speak the other parents’ language perfectly, can read to their kids without having to translate as they go.  Plus, following Fred and Ted’s adventures is a great way for kids to learn about opposites.

And a bonus:

9. The Too Cute Coloring Book: Puppies

We love this activity book for long car rides or to keep the kiddos entertained while the grown-ups are talking. Filled with easy to color images of all kinds of puppies, the pages are high quality and won’t easily rip.

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Getting a new dog, but not sure what kind of chew toys are safe? Find out more about chew toy safety for dogs.