Just in time for the real Dog Days, kids' librarian and MomSpeaker Rachée Fagg shares her top 10 picture books about dogs. As a bonus, she reads two of the titles herself!
The Dog Days of Summer is described as the hot, sultry period of summer between early July and early September. This week in Philly it is hot, muggy and humid. I have decided to take refuge at work, soak up some air conditioning and share 10 picture books about dogs.
1. Bark, George by Jules Feiffer
“Bark, George,” says George’s mother, and George goes: “Meow,” which definitely isn’t right, because George is a dog.
And so is his mother, who repeats, “Bark, George.” And George goes, “Quack, quack.”
What’s going on with George?
Why you’ll like it: Make silly animal sounds!
2. Gaston by Kelly DiPucchio
A bulldog and a poodle learn that family is about love, not appearances, in this adorable doggy tale from New York Times bestselling author Kelly DiPucchio and illustrator Christian Robinson.
Why you’ll like it: Things are not always what the appear to be.
3. Say Hello! by Rachel Isadora
Carmelita loves to greet everyone in her colorful neighborhood. There are people from so many different cultures! They all like to say hello, too, so now Carmelita can say hello in Spanish, English, French, Japanese and many other languages. And her dog, Manny? Well, he seems to understand everyone and gives a happy ?Woof!? wherever he goes
Why you’ll like it: Learning how to say “Hello” in 10 languages.
4. Martha Speaks by Susan Meddaugh
When Helen Finney feeds alphabet soup to her dog, Martha, it goes straight up to her brain, and Martha begins to speak! But having a talking dog isn’t always as much fun as it seems.
Why you’ll like it: getting kids to eat their veggies.
5. Katie Loves the Kittens by John Himmelman
Katie is so excited when Sara Ann brings home three little kittens that she can’t stop herself from howling “AROOOOO!” and trying to run after them. She loves them so much!
But Katie’s enthusiasm frightens the kitties, and she’s sad when they run away from her. Don’t they know that she just wants to play?
Why you’ll like it: It’s perfect for gentle giants.
6. Dog’s Colorful Day: A Messy Story About Colors and Counting by Emma Dodd
Dog starts off the day with one black spot on his ear. But it seems that wherever he goes, he runs, rolls and trots right into colors. As he wanders around town, Dog collects spots made of red jam, blue paint, pink ice cream and more. When he finally arrives back home, Dog has 10 different colored spots. And then it’s bathtime for this colorful canine, who makes learning colors and numbers easy, messy and fun!
Perfect for: learning about colors and having fun with messy sounds.
7. The Pigeon Wants a Puppy by Mo Willems
He really, really, REALLY wants one. He’ll take really good care of it! What’s the matter – don’t you want him to be happy?
Why you’ll like it: Perfect for those who always want what the other guy has.
8. Chick ‘n’ Pug by Jennifer Sattler
Chick lives for adventures. Pug lives for, well, sleep. In Chick’s eyes, however, Pug can do no wrong. In fact, he is WONDERPUG! But with danger around every corner and a hero who’s a little low on energy, it may be up to Chick to save the day and earn the prized role of sidechick (er, sidekick . . .) From an exceptional new talent, this is a funny, heartwarming story of misplaced hero worship as well as the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
Why you’ll like it: the undercover superhero.
9. Number One Sam by Greg Pizzoli
They’re off! Sam is the best race-car driver in history—he is number one at every race! But when his best friend, Maggie, shows that she has racing talent of her own, Sam doesn’t know how to handle coming in second place. Will he learn what it truly means to be a winner?
Why you’ll like it: Winning isn’t everything and that it’s HOW you plat the game that matters.
10. I Don’t Like Gloria!
by Kaye Umansky
A jealous pup learns that rivals can become unexpected allies in a picture book loaded with preschooler appeal.
Why you’ll like it: those with a new addition to their lives.
Rachée Fagg is a Delaware County, PA mom. This post was adapted from her blog, Say It Rah-shay.
