Favorite Picture Books About Dogs

By Philip C. Stead | Illustrated by Matthew Cordell

Louis wants to know how many dogs are in the neighborhood. His grandma has concerns of her own about a vacant lot in the neighborhood. They both set out around the neighborhood to get answers to their questions and the result is the most delightful picture book. This was an immediate favorite at our house!

By Guojing

This wordless picture book tells the a beautiful and heartwarming story about a woman who befriends a lost dog she finds under a park bench. I absolutely adore this book.

By Doug Salati

It's a sizzling hot summer and this adorable dog has had enough. Luckily, his owner knows exactly what he needs and takes him to the beach to cool down. I love the illustrations in this one.

By Karma Wilson | Illustrated by Matt Myers

Most dogs like to dig, but Doug really, really likes to dig. He even digs his way to the White House! This is a must read book for all little dog lovers.

By Mikela Prevost

I love this book! Kate loves her dog Frank and is so excited to throw him a birthday party with all her favorite things - lot's of people, loud signing, and sparkles everywhere. But Frank does not want a party and would rather take a nap on his favorite rug.

This is such a great book about empathy and the art of listening.

By Roxane Brouillard | Illustrated by Guilia Sagramola

A little boy insists he's walking a dog named banana. Everyone else just wonders why he's dragging a banana around on a leash. The surprise ending in this one is a true delight!

By Troy Cummings

This is the cutest story told through letters written by a dog that really wants to find his forever home. My son has asked me to read this book to him approximately 200 times.

By Mem Fox | Illustrated by Mark Teague

This funny book is a favorite read aloud at our house! This book about how a cat and dog respond to a visit from a mouse really highlights just how different cats and dogs can be.

By Yann & Gwendal Le Bec

Raymond is a pretty ordinary dog with an ordinary family. But when he gets his hands on a copy of "Dogue" (the dog version of "Vogue"), he decides he wants more out of life. So funny and so good!

By Rob Biddulph

In a sea of gray, there's one rainbow striped dog that marches to the beat of her own drum. A cute dog and a cute story about being yourself.

By Jon Agee

Stanley is one very intelligent beagle who is keeping his family up at night, but you'll definitely have a good laugh when you find out what Stanley is up to in the wee hours.

By Stacy McAnulty | Illustrated by Julia Sarcone-Roach

All the humans in Ed's family are excellent and Ed wonders if his own lack of excellence is why he isn't allowed to eat at the table, sit on the couch, or ride in the car. It's a really cute story about family, self esteem, and a really excellent dog.

By Emma Chichester Clark

Plum can't help being naughty, but sometimes she just gets too excited. Luckily, she loves her family and they love her, even when she makes mistakes. Such a sweet book.

By Margaret Cardillo | Illustrated by Zachariah OHora

A really great picture book about all the real jobs dogs can have- therapy dogs, service dogs, show dogs, and more!

By David Melling

A really cute and simple story about a dog that does not want to wear his red coat on rainy days.

By Chris Haughton

George is a naughty dog, but you can't help but love him anyway. A funny story with great illustrations.

By Jules Feiffer

This Caldecott Honor book about a dog who can't bark is a must read book! It couldn't be more adorable.

By Maira Kalman

I love all of artist Maira Kalman's books and this one, about a dog that eats just about everything, is no exception.

By Maira Kalman

You might already know that it's not a good idea to bring your dog to school, but if you're on the fence about it, Pete in School is the book to read! Such a fun book with perfect illustrations.

By Miguel Tanco

The sweetest book for every kid who's ever had, or wished they had, a dog for a best friend.

By Derick Wilder | Illustrated by Catia Chien

A really tender and beautiful book about the death of a beloved pet, which everyone knows is the worst part of being a pet owner.

By Mac Barnett | Illustrated by Claire Keane

Paolo lives in Rome, but though he longs to explore the beautiful city, he's trapped in a hair salon . . . until one day, he escapes!

By Alexandra Day

If you don't already know the Carl books, you're in for a treat. In this one, Carl is left to babysit all day. These books are wonderful!

By Norma Lewis | Illustrated by Tom Tinn-Disbury

Everyone knows it's really easy to train a dog, right? Well, with the tips in this funny picture book, it will be even easier (wink wink).

By Emily Gravett

If you have a little dog lover in your house, you probably need to own this book. Big dogs, small dogs, and everything in between - this beautifully illustrated book has them all.

By Lo Cole

A fun rhyming book about all the varieties of dogs one could have. Do you want one that begs, or sheds, or rips things to shreds? Will you still want a dog by the end of this book? Wait and see!

By Jon Agee

The Copley County Animal Shelter has everything but a dog. Unfortunately, the sweet little girl in this book only wants a dog. Can she find the perfect pet?

By Simon James

A practically perfect picture book about a rescuing a dog from a shelter. We love this one!

By Mo Willems | Illustrated by Jon J. Muth

I love this author-illustrator duo! This is a touching story about the natural cycle of friendship and how they change.

By Kelly DiPucchio | Illustrated by Christian Robinson

This starts out like an ugly duckling story (with dogs) but it has a really sweet ending. The illustrations are perfection!

By Chris Raschka

This Caldecott winner is about the sadness that occurs when a favorite toy is broken. Really well done!