15 of the Best Books About Pets for children of all ages
From an early age, children are fascinated by animals. They love seeing and interacting with live animals, looking at pictures, reading books, and imitating animal sounds and movements. Many families have pets which makes this topic a simple way to engage children in books and to foster a love of reading. Pets are familiar. Pets can be silly. Pets are loyal and lovable. Here are 15 Reading Boots favorite pet books for readers of all ages.
Baby & Toddler (Ages 0-3)
Where Is Spot?, by Eric Hill. Spot’s mom is searching for him so he can eat his dinner. Young children will enjoy lifting the flaps and discovering the surprises hidden on each page in this board book.
Baby Touch and Feel: Pets, by DK Publishing. This series of padded board books uses bright colors, various textures, and realistic images to give even the youngest children an enjoyable look at lovable pets.
Dear Zoo, by Rod Campbell. Children will enjoy lifting the flaps in this interactive board book. They will discover many animals that may not be suitable pets before discovering the perfect pet.
That’s Not My Puppy, by Fiona Watt. Here is another book in the That’s Not My… series. In this colorful touch and feel board book, children learn more about puppies through the sense of touch.
Emergent & Beginning Reader (Ages 3-6)
Clifford, the Big Red Dog, by Norman Bridwell. He’s big, he’s red, he’s Clifford. Meet Clifford and his owner, Emily Elizabeth in this story about friendship.
Millions of Cats, by Wanda Gag. A lonely old couple search for a cat to keep them company, but they return with hundreds of cats, thousands of cats, millions and billions and trillions of cats. This book has a catchy, repetitive phrase that children can chant as they listen to or read this book.
Just Me and My Puppy, by Mercer Mayer. Little Critter is determined to take care of his new puppy all by himself. With short phrases on each page, this is a cute, easy to follow book for young children.
The Pigeon Wants a Puppy, by Mo Willems. The little pigeon is back. This time he really wants a puppy and promises to take care of it. Children of all ages will enjoy the funny antics as the pigeon changes his mind from one pet to the next.
How Do Dinosaurs Love Their Cats?, by Jane Yolen. The How Do Dinosaurs… series brings another fun, relatable story for young readers. Children will laugh at the obvious mistakes the dinosaurs make as they learn to care for their cats. This is also available as a board book.
Marshmallow, by Clare Turlay Newberry. Marshmallow the bunny joins a new family who already has a cat named Oliver. Can Oliver learn to accept Marshmallow as part of the family? Young children will love this sweet story about the friendship between pets.
Intermediate Reader (Ages 6-8)
My Pet Wants a Pet, by Elise Broach. A little boy learns about love and caring for something else when he gets his first pet, who wants a pet, who wants a pet, and so on in this charming tale.
Check out a fun Reading Boots strategy Question Mark Detective to use with this book!
Bad Dog, Marley!, by John Grogan. Pets are not always on their best behavior. Meet Marley, the dog who knows how to find trouble, in this engaging book that will have your child laughing along with Marley’s antics and his family’s struggles to train and love this dog.
If You Give a Dog a Donut, by Laura Numeroff. A donut leads to apple juice and then a crazy adventure. Young readers will get wrapped up in the domino effect of associations during the dog’s adventure.
Some Pets, by Angela DiTerlizzi. During a pet show with animals of all shapes, sizes, and types, children discover the many reasons to love animal companions.
Little Critter: What a Good Kitty, by Mercer Mayer. Little Critter has his own kitten to care for, but is he the only one who is excited about the new pet? With simple words and phrases, this “I Can Read” book is perfect for primary aged pet lovers.
Have fun exploring the lovable world of pets!
Get your Reading Boots on and enjoy the journey!
