The best children’s books for dog lovers

Why am I passionate about this?

Growing up, my brothers and I begged for a dog, but our parents never gave in. Fortunately, when my kids begged for a pup, my husband and I gave in. So, as a children’s book writer, I wanted to give kids a book to help them convince their parents that there’s always room for a pup in the family, and at the same time, subtly emphasize the importance of gratitude and inclusion.  


I wrote...

No Room for a Pup!

By Elizabeth Suneby, Laurel Molk,

Book cover of No Room for a Pup!

What is my book about?

Warning parents, No Room for a Pup! book could convince you to get a dog. Mia wants a dog more than anything. Her mom insists there is no room in their tiny apartment. One day, Mia falls in love with a small pup. With help from Grandma --- and her pet-owning friends --- can Mia convince her mom they have enough room?

Think “I-want-a-dog” story meets classic Yiddish folk tale about how things could always be worse --- to comic effect! With action-packed narrative and illustrations, this is a terrific read-aloud. The nonpreachy messages about the importance of gratitude, generosity, and the inclusion of others --- “there's always room for one more” --- resonate. 

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of Hound Won't Go

Elizabeth Suneby Why did I love this book?

Hound Won’t Go reminds us that dogs, like people, have unique minds of their own. (And despite all the training in the world, that we aren’t ever totally in control of our lovable four-legged friends.) The rhyming sparse text is fun for reluctant and new readers to read and listen to – again and again.

By Lisa Rogers, Meg Ishihara (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Hound Won't Go as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 5, and 6.

What is this book about?

Uh-oh. Hound won't go!

Out for a walk on a cloudy day, Hound suddenly decides that he's gone far enough…right in the middle of a busy intersection! His owner tugs on his leash and offers treat after treat, but Hound won't go. Then those clouds open up into a thunderstorm―and Hound goes and goes. Short, bouncy text and a sweet ending make this the perfect story for all who love dogs, even at their most stubborn.


Book cover of Cat Dog Dog: The Story of a Blended Family

Elizabeth Suneby Why did I love this book?

With two simple words--“dog” and “cat”-- in several configurations, Cat Dog Dog explores the stress of settling into a blended family as well as the power of pets to bring people together. If a child can recognize these two three-letter words, they can read this book independently. The illustrations are worth a thousand words.

By Nelly Buchet, Andrea Zuill (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Cat Dog Dog as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Here is the oh-so-hilarious and adorable story of a blended family-- using just a few words in various configurations-- from the pets' point-of-view!

Cat and Dog live with their human in a suburban house with a big backyard. Sure, they fight like.... well, cats and dogs, but they're used to one another. Dog-- a different dog-- lives a happy only child life in the city with his dad. He has the bed to himself, he never has to share his toys, and that's the way he likes it. So what happens when the Dog's dad and Cat and Dog's mom…


Book cover of Martha Speaks

Elizabeth Suneby Why did I love this book?

Martha Speaks is a classic for good reason. How can you not get attached to a dog who is fed vegetable soup that goes to her brain, not her stomach, and then is able to speak--incessantly? This fun book is the basis for the Emmy-nominated PBS TV series of the same name. Read and watch away!

By Susan Meddaugh,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Martha Speaks as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

When Helen Finney feeds alphabet soup to her dog, Martha, it goes straight up to her brain, and Martha begins to speak! The basis for the Emmy-nominated PBS series.

Having a talking dog is a lot of fun--unless your dog never stops talking! When chatty Martha gives her family the silent treatment they're relieved at first, but then they get worried. Will Martha ever speak again?


Book cover of There Might Be Lobsters

Elizabeth Suneby Why did I love this book?

There Might Be Lobsters is a great book to help kids face their fears. They can learn from Sukie, a small dog who is afraid of many, many, many things. When Sukie overcomes her anxieties to save her beloved stuffed animal friend, the book shows kids how love can save the day.

By Carolyn Crimi, Laurel Molk (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked There Might Be Lobsters as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 3, 4, 5, and 6.

What is this book about?

Come on, Sukie, you can do it! A little dog’s paralyzing anxiety gives way to bravery when someone smaller is in need in this humorous, tenderly sympathetic story.

Lots of things at the beach scare Sukie. Lots. Because she is just a small dog, and the stairs are big and sandy, and the waves are big and whooshy, and the balls are big and beachy. And besides, there might be lobsters. With endearing illustrations and a perfectly paced text that captures a timid pup’s looping thoughts, here is a funny and honest read-aloud about how overwhelming the world can be…


Book cover of The Dog Encyclopedia for Kids

Elizabeth Suneby Why did I love this book?

When is an encyclopedia a fun read?  When it introduces you to 150 plus dog breeds with photographs, fun facts, and an overview of physical and behavioral characteristics. The Dog Encyclopedia for Kids is the perfect book to help you find your perfect pet. Yes, there’s definitely a dog for everyone. 

By Tammy Gagne,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Dog Encyclopedia for Kids as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Icelandic Sheepdogs are born with extra toes. Dalmatians are born without spots. Some Siberian Huskies have one blue eye and one brown eye. Learn all about the characteristics of various dog breeds and much more! Packed with amazing photographs and fun facts, dog owners and fans will get an in-depth look at these curious, lovable canines.


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Evil Alice and the Borzoi

By DK Coutant,

Book cover of Evil Alice and the Borzoi

DK Coutant Author Of Evil Alice and the Borzoi

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Professor Cross Cultural Psychologist Dog Lover Traveler Reader

DK's 3 favorite reads in 2023

What is my book about?

Cleo Cooper, a cross-cultural psychology professor, is living the dream on the Big Island of Hawaii. With ocean-dipping weekends, she enjoys her dog, her job, and her boyfriend Ben - until the day she’s on a research vessel and a dead body is caught in the dragline.

The police determine it is murder and set their sights on a gentle former student, Kai. It doesn’t take much urging from Kai’s auntie for Cleo to investigate. But Ben grows distant, and Cleo’s dog grows ill. A couple of accidental deaths later, and someone makes an attempt on her life.

What happened to Cleo’s life in paradise? Can she discover the true killer? Can she stop the killer before the killer stops her?

Evil Alice and the Borzoi

By DK Coutant,

What is this book about?

Paradise is shaken when the body of a young woman is dragged onto a university research vessel during a class outing in Hilo Bay. Cleo Cooper is shaken when she finds her favorite student is on the hook for the murder. Danger lurks on land and sea as Cleo and her friends are enticed to search for the true killer. In between paddling, swimming, and arguing with her boyfriend, Cleo discovers all is not what it seems on the Big Island of Hawaii. But will she figure out the truth before she becomes the next victim?


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