17 Picture Books About Dogs to Celebrate International Dog Day with Your Kids
International Dog Day is more than just a date on the calendar for me—it’s a day that celebrates the loyal companions who have been a part of my life since childhood.
Growing up, I was always surrounded by rescue dogs, and even today, although I no longer have a pet at home, I volunteer at a local shelter and foster pets in need. This work has allowed me to see firsthand the love and resilience of dogs who are waiting for their forever homes. With this collection of picture books about dogs, I hope to share that joy with young readers.
The books I’ve chosen each carry a special message. Titles like Garbage Dog by Robbie Wilkinson Gutman celebrate the resilience and hope of stray dogs finding a home, while Goodbye Hobbs by Emma Bettridge deals with the difficult but important topic of saying goodbye to a beloved pet.
Books like Love Is My Favorite Thing by Emma Chichester Clark and Hot Dog by Doug Salati, winner of the 2023 Caldecott Medal, remind us of the unconditional love and joy dogs bring to our lives, even when they get into a little bit of trouble.
I chose these books because they show children the true nature of dogs—animals that deserve respect, love, and understanding. They teach kids not to humanize dogs but to appreciate them for their loyalty, quirks, and individuality. From heartwarming tales of adoption to stories that celebrate the everyday joy of having a furry friend, this list has something for every young reader and their family.
This International Dog Day, let’s take a moment to remember the importance of adopting pets, supporting local shelters, and showing compassion for our four-legged friends.
Adopt, don’t shop—and if you’re inspired, please consider checking out the association I volunteer with and support our shelter in making a difference for dogs in need.
Physical books, eBooks, or audiobooks?
Wondering which is best for your child? Discover the pros and cons of each in our in-depth article.
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The Best Picture Books About Dogs for Kids
Garbage Dog by Robbie Wilkinson
Garbage Dog by Robbie Wilkinson is a heartfelt debut story about a stray dog searching for a family. The book explores themes of adoption and the importance of kindness, as the dog eventually finds a place where he belongs. The journey of the stray emphasizes the value of seeing beyond appearances and finding true friendship. The illustrations capture the emotional highs and lows of the dog’s journey, providing young readers with a lesson on compassion and resilience.
Reading level: 6-10 years
Why Do Dogs Sniff Bottoms? by Lily Snowden-Fine, Dr. Nick Crumpton
Why Do Dogs Sniff Bottoms? by Lily Snowden-Fine and Dr. Nick Crumpton is an informative and entertaining exploration of the quirky behaviors of dogs. The book encourages children to understand and appreciate why dogs do the things they do, helping foster empathy and a better understanding of their canine friends. The playful illustrations make the curious questions come alive, offering a fun way for kids to learn about dog behavior and how to interact with them respectfully.
Reading level: 5-8 years
Love Is My Favorite Thing by Emma Chichester Clark
Emma Chichester Clark’s Love Is My Favorite Thing tells the story of Plum the dog, who loves everything about her life, especially her family. The book captures the joy of a dog’s unconditional love while acknowledging the occasional challenges that come with being a pet. Plum’s enthusiasm is matched by Clark’s charming and vibrant illustrations, which portray the ups and downs of Plum’s day. The story teaches children about accepting mistakes, unconditional love, and the importance of patience with pets.
Reading level: 4-8 years
Not all e-readers are created equal.
Find out which one suits your child best.
Hot Dog by Doug Salati
Winner of the 2023 Caldecott Medal, Hot Dog by Doug Salati is a beautifully illustrated story about a city dog needing a break from the chaos of urban life. The relationship between the dog and the human is at the heart of this story, highlighting the care and understanding needed to help a pet feel safe and happy. Salati’s illustrations bring the city and the dog’s journey to life, showing the mutual bond that grows stronger during a peaceful day together.
Reading level: 4-8 years
Read also: Best Picture Books of 2024 for Your Classroom Library
Aqua Dog by Lisa Van der Wielen, Illustrated by Alison Mutton
Aqua Dog by Lisa Van der Wielen is a story of heroism, courage, and the unique bond between a dog and its community. The dog’s determination to help others shows kids the value of bravery and teamwork. Alison Mutton’s bright, water-themed illustrations add an extra dimension to the story, making it both visually captivating and meaningful. The book reinforces positive messages about helping others and the role that dogs can play in our lives beyond being just pets.
Reading level: 5-9 years
How to Be Your Dog’s Best Friend by Elena Bulay
How to Be Your Dog’s Best Friend by Elena Bulay is a practical guide that teaches children how to develop a positive, loving relationship with their dog. Through vibrant illustrations and simple advice, the book emphasizes mutual respect, care, and understanding. It’s perfect for young readers who want to learn more about taking care of their pets and building a strong bond. The illustrations are filled with warmth, reflecting the joy that comes from a well-cared-for dog.
Reading level: 6-10 years
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Oh No, George! by Chris Haughton
Oh No, George! by Chris Haughton is a humorous and relatable story about George, a dog who tries his best to be good but struggles with temptation. The book explores the dynamics between George and his human, Harry, highlighting themes of forgiveness, patience, and learning from mistakes. Haughton’s bold, colorful illustrations add a playful charm to the story, making it a great choice for children to understand the value of understanding and kindness when dealing with pets.
Reading level: 3-7 years
This Is a Dog by Ross Collins
Ross Collins’ This Is a Dog is a hilarious and simple story that celebrates the unique personality of a dog who wants all the attention. The book’s playful illustrations and humorous narrative style make it engaging for young readers, while also emphasizing the importance of appreciating pets for who they are. It’s a lighthearted reminder of the joy that dogs bring into our lives and the attention they need from their humans.
Reading level: 4-8 years
A World of Dogs by Carlie Sorosiak, Illustrated by Luisa Uribe
- Sorosiak, Carlie
- Uribe, Luisa
A World of Dogs by Carlie Sorosiak, illustrated by Luisa Uribe, is a beautiful celebration of dogs around the world. This non-fiction picture book combines fascinating facts with amazing real-life stories, offering a comprehensive look at the lives of dogs and their relationships with humans. Luisa Uribe’s illustrations are stunning and bring the diversity of dogs to life, while Sorosiak’s storytelling emphasizes the universal love between dogs and their owners, making it a perfect read for young dog lovers.
Reading level: 7-12 years
Goodbye Hobbs by Emma Bettridge, Illustrated by Josephine Birch
Goodbye Hobbs by Emma Bettridge is a touching story about saying goodbye to a beloved pet. Josephine Birch’s gentle illustrations complement the emotional narrative, offering a sensitive portrayal of loss and the cherished memories left behind. The book helps children understand the difficult concept of losing a pet, focusing on the positive aspects of the relationship and how love endures even after a pet is gone.
Reading level: 5-9 years
Whistle for Willie by Ezra Jack Keats
Whistle for Willie by Ezra Jack Keats is a timeless classic that tells the story of a young boy named Peter who is determined to learn how to whistle for his dog, Willie. The book captures the loving bond between Peter and Willie, highlighting themes of perseverance and determination. Keats’ signature collage-style illustrations bring warmth and vibrancy to the story, making it a delightful read for young children. The story encourages kids to keep trying until they succeed, all while showing the joy that comes from a strong bond with a pet.
Reading level: 3-7 years
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The Story of the Little Black Dog by J.B. Spooner, Illustrated by Terre Lamb Seeley
The Story of the Little Black Dog by J.B. Spooner is a charming tale about a small black dog who finds adventure and friendship. Terre Lamb Seeley’s evocative illustrations add depth to the story, capturing the emotions of the little black dog as he finds his place in the world. This story is perfect for teaching children about kindness and the importance of giving every dog a chance, especially those that may be overlooked.
Reading level: 5-9 years
Black Dog by Levi Pinfold
Black Dog by Levi Pinfold is a beautifully illustrated story that combines a bit of mystery with an important message about fear and courage. The Black Dog appears outside the Hope family’s house, growing bigger with their fear until Small Hope decides to face it. The story’s artwork is incredibly detailed, bringing an almost magical quality to the narrative. This book teaches children about overcoming fears and how a pet can be a comforting presence.
Reading level: 5-9 years
Dumpster Dog! by Colas Gutman, Illustrated by Marc Boutavant
Dumpster Dog! by Colas Gutman is the first in The Adventures of Dumpster Dog series. It follows a scrappy stray dog living in a dumpster who dreams of finding a loving home. Marc Boutavant’s whimsical illustrations bring Dumpster Dog’s adventures to life, with a mix of humor and heart. The book touches on the theme of shelter adoption, showing the ups and downs of life as a stray and the value of giving every dog a chance. The series continues to explore Dumpster Dog’s efforts to find a family, always with humor and warmth.
Reading level: 7-10 years
A Perfect Day by Lane Smith
A Perfect Day by Lane Smith is a beautifully illustrated story that captures what a perfect day looks like for several animals, including a dog. The book humorously portrays how quickly a “perfect day” can change depending on perspective. Lane Smith’s expressive illustrations add a lot of personality to the characters, especially the dog, who enjoys a carefree, happy day. It’s a wonderful way to teach children about enjoying the moment and the simple joys that pets bring to our lives.
Reading level: 4-8 years
Good Dog, McTavish by Meg Rosoff, Illustrated by Grace Easton
Good Dog, McTavish by Meg Rosoff is the first book in The McTavish Stories, a delightful series about McTavish, a wise dog who comes to the rescue of the Peachey family. Grace Easton’s illustrations add humor and warmth, perfectly capturing McTavish’s personality as he teaches the Peachey family how to be a team. The book emphasizes themes of patience, love, and the positive impact a dog can have on a family. The rest of The McTavish Stories continue to highlight McTavish’s adventures and the lessons he imparts to his family.
Reading level: 6-10 years
I Want a Dog by Jon Agee
I Want a Dog by Jon Agee is a humorous story that addresses the common desire of children to have a pet dog. Agee’s witty text and expressive illustrations explore both the joys and the responsibilities of dog ownership. The book helps kids understand what it really means to care for a dog, emphasizing the importance of commitment and love. It’s a light-hearted yet informative story that’s perfect for children who are considering adding a pet to their family.
Reading level: 4-8 years
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