Children’s Books–Dogs
Adopting Ginger by Linda Griffin
Griffinbooks.net, 2012
A family adopts Ginger, a friendly dog, from the animal shelter. After bringing her home, they find she is very scared and nervous. The family uses patience and positive reinforcement to help Ginger settle in.
Adoption, Care of Animals, Companion Animals, Dogs
Are You Ready for Me? by Claire Buchwald
The Gryphon Press, 2007
Dogs in an animal shelter ask children how they will care for them. This book is a great reference for a child who is thinking about adopting a dog because it reviews all the responsibilities of caring for a dog.
Adoption, Care of Animals, Companion Animals, Dogs
Before You Take Me Home by Rob Steele
Purple Sky Children’s Books, 2020
A dog named Tucker is welcomed into a new home and family who discover the challenges, responsibilities, and, most of all, the love a new animal friend brings. Will they be able to learn about each other and live together? Read and learn through Tucker’s eyes to see if they can do it! A must-read for any family to help understand what to takes to own a pet.
Adoption, Care of Animals, Companion Animals, Dogs
Before You Were Mine by Maribeth Boelts
G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2007
This book celebrates the enjoyment that comes from adopting a shelter dog and addresses the many questions regarding his or her past that may be unanswered.
Adoption, Dogs, Companion Animals
Buddy Unchained by Daisy Bix
The Gryphon Press, 2006
This colorful book follows Buddy’s transformation from a neglected, outside dog to a loved, inside pet. It teaches children what pets need to live fulfilled lives.
Adoption, Care of Animals, Companion Animals, Dogs
A Dog Isn’t Just for Christmas by Beth Peterson
BookSurge, LLC, 2005
A young puppy experiences several changes throughout his first year of life, including being given up by his family to an animal shelter. This story illustrates the love that a companion animal hopes to give and receive from a family and the negative outcomes that can sometimes result from giving an animal as a gift.
Dogs, Companion Animals, Adoption, Care of Animals
The Dog Who Cried Wolf by Keiko Kasza
Scholastic, 2005
When Michelle reads her dog, Moka, a book about wolves, he decides he wants to be a wolf. This takes him on many adventures until he finally realizes he is happiest being a dog.
Dogs, Companion Animals
A Home for Dakota by Jan Zita Grover
The Gryphon Press, 2008
This book describes the journey of dog No. 241, who was rescued from a puppy mill. Renamed Dakota, she goes on a journey to find a safe, forever home.
Adoption, Companion Animals, Dogs, Puppy Mills
Lucky: A Dog’s Best Friend by Gus Clarke
Kane/Miller Book Publishers, Inc., 2005
Lucky is a friendly little dog who is just that…lucky! He has food to eat, shelter, and friends; but he is missing one thing—a home. Lucky describes day-to-day life in an animal shelter in a colorful picture book.
Adoption, Companion Animals, Dogs
Marshall the Miracle Dog by Cynthia Willenbrock
The Marshall Movement, 2010
This book tells the story of Marshall, the victim of an abusive hoarding situation, who learns to turn his tragedy into triumph. Marshall’s incredible transformation is sure to inspire us all!
Dogs, Rescue, Adoption, Companion Animals
Max Talks to Me by Claire Buchwald and Karen Ritz
The Gryphon Press, 2007
This book describes the bond between Alex and his dog, Max. While Max never speaks aloud, Alex knows just how to listen.
Care of Animals, Companion Animals, Dogs
Pablo Puppy’s Search for the Perfect Person by Sheila Hamanaka
Animal Welfare Institute, 2008
This story of a puppy and an older dog living in a shelter educates children about the needs of dogs and the value of humane treatment toward animals.
Adoption, Care of Animals, Companion Animals, Dogs
Pele’s Forever Home by Darylynn Ayala
Butler Books, 2011
Pele’s Forever Home is a true story about a champion greyhound named Pele, who started racing professionally at age two and was retired at age five. Pele won 20 of the 114 races he ran in his lifetime. When he was six years old, he was adopted by Jessica and Paul, who lived in Boston, Massachusetts.
Dogs, Adoption, Rescue, Greyhound Racing
Pick a Pup by Marsha Wilson Chall
Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2011
Join young Sam as he faces the challenge of choosing from several dogs at his local animal shelter.
Dogs, Adoption, Companion Animals
A Place for Grace by Martha Mosley
FreedomChaser Books, October 5, 2022
Grace is a once-loved older dog who finds herself in the shelter, alone and confused. How did this happen? She soon realizes that puppies and young dogs are being chosen while she is being passed by. After some misguided attempts to act like a puppy, she becomes discouraged.
Dogs, Adoption, Companion Animals
Puppy Love Promises by Brenda Fiorini
Granny Rose Animal Shelter, 2015
This tender haiku story brings light and encouragement to new families about the human-pet bond. Learn how to create a safe environment where babies, toddlers, and children can live and grow together with family pets in a supervised, loving and respectful home.
Dogs, Companion Animals
Rescue Pup by Brenda Fiorini
Granny Rose Animal Shelter, 2013
Based on a true story, readers follow Buddy on his journey after escaping from an abandoned house, eventually being adopted from a shelter. This story emphasizes the need for love, compassion, and responsibility in the care of animals.
Dogs, Adoption, Rescue, Companion Animals
Rosebud…A Princess Finally! by Garyl McIntire Edwards
Custom Museum Publishing, 2017
Readers learn how Rosebud the beagle was born into a home where she was neglected. After she is abandoned, Rosebud experiences hardships as a stray but is later rescued by a couple.
Dogs, Adoption, Rescue, Companion Animals
Small Brown Dog with a Wet Pink Nose, A by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen
Little, Brown, 2010
Amelia wants a small brown dog with a wet pink nose. To fulfill this wish, she adopts an imaginary dog. When her make-believe dog runs away, Amelia’s parents are in for quite a surprise!
Adoption, Companion Animals, Dogs
