Fans pick 100 books like Princess Puffybottom...and Darryl

By Susin Nielsen, Olivia Chin Mueller (illustrator),

Here are 100 books that Princess Puffybottom...and Darryl fans have personally recommended if you like Princess Puffybottom...and Darryl. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Chester

Nicola Winstanley Author Of How to Give Your Cat a Bath: In Five Easy Steps

From my list on funny picture books about cats.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve loved cats my whole life, ever since I started to crawl around with our two cats Tabby and Tubby when I was a baby. Cats are cute and beautiful and have so much personality that they get away with all kinds of shenanigans. This makes cats the perfect subject for picture books for children, which is why I wrote my own cat picture book, and why I’m always on the lookout for kids’ books where they’re the star of the show. So many picture books have serious and instructive themes, and while these books are obviously important, sometimes you just want to snuggle up with your little one and have a good laugh.

Nicola's book list on funny picture books about cats

Nicola Winstanley Why did Nicola love this book?

I’m a big fan of rascally cats, and Chester is the rascalliest of them all. Like most cats, he wants to be the centre of attention. He rewrites the story and draws over the pictures to make the book about him, instead of a mouse. Funny—and clever!—this book was a great inspiration for my book

By Mélanie Watt,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Chester is more than a picture book. It is a story told, and retold, by dueling author-illustrators. Mélanie Watt starts out with the story of a mouse in a house. Then Mélanie's cat, Chester, sends the mouse packing and proceeds to cover the pages with rewrites from his red marker, and the gloves are off.Mélanie and her mouse won't take Chester's antics lying down. And Chester is obviously a creative powerhouse with confidence to spare. Where will this war of the picture-book makers lead? Is it a one-way ticket to Chesterville, or will Mélanie get her mouse production off the…


Book cover of Mog the Forgetful Cat

Lil Chase Author Of The Cat Who Ate Christmas

From my list on frisky fictional felines (for children).

Why am I passionate about this?

As the author of The Cat Who Ate Christmas, I love a book about a cat who is cunning, quirky, perhaps calamity-prone, but also a cutie. There are plenty of books about loving pets, but their characters all seem to be too earnest, too driven to do the right thing. Not with cats! They will lie, cheat and do what it takes to get what they want… as long as it doesn’t get in the way of nap time. Cats are anti-heroes by nature, aren’t they? That’s why they make the best animals to read about – and an absolute dream to write about. 

Lil's book list on frisky fictional felines (for children)

Lil Chase Why did Lil love this book?

Mog is a sweet old cat. She’s very loving to her family – The Thomas’s – but very dim. She doesn’t understand the human world and her hilarious misunderstandings get her into a lot of hot water. Occasionally, she accidentally saves the day too – usually from a disaster of her own making.

The combination of this lovable cat who gets it wrong is a perennial winner. The first Mog book was written over 50 years ago and has never been out of print.

By Judith Kerr,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Mog the Forgetful Cat as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 2, 3, 4, and 5.

What is this book about?

Share in fifty years of a really remarkable cat...

Everyone's favourite family cat first appeared fifty years ago and is loved by children everywhere for her funny and warm-hearted escapades.

Mog the Forgetful Cat was first published in 1970 and has never been out of print! The classic picture book story of a very forgetful cat, her family, and a very exciting adventure is the perfect gift for families, boys, girls, and anyone who has ever known or loved a cat.

From Judith Kerr, the bestselling author of The Tiger Who Came to Tea, the beloved Mog stories still delight…


Book cover of Cat Problems

Nicola Winstanley Author Of How to Give Your Cat a Bath: In Five Easy Steps

From my list on funny picture books about cats.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve loved cats my whole life, ever since I started to crawl around with our two cats Tabby and Tubby when I was a baby. Cats are cute and beautiful and have so much personality that they get away with all kinds of shenanigans. This makes cats the perfect subject for picture books for children, which is why I wrote my own cat picture book, and why I’m always on the lookout for kids’ books where they’re the star of the show. So many picture books have serious and instructive themes, and while these books are obviously important, sometimes you just want to snuggle up with your little one and have a good laugh.

Nicola's book list on funny picture books about cats

Nicola Winstanley Why did Nicola love this book?

The narrator of Cat Problems is a cynical, bad-tempered, ungrateful cat (sounds a lot like my cat, Stanley), wonderfully drawn by the brilliant Lane Smith. After the cat’s litany of complaints, a nosy squirrel tries to teach him (and the reader) a lesson about gratitude, but the cat just ignores him. And I love that! Sometimes, you don’t need a lesson, you just need to laugh—and you will!

By Jory John, Lane Smith (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Cat Problems 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?

What could a pampered house cat possibly have to complain about?

Just like most cats, this cat lives an extremely comfortable life. But he has his problems, too...

The sun spot he's trying to bathe in just won't stop moving. The nosy neighbour squirrel just can't seem to mind its own business. And don't even get him started on the hoover! It's an absolute menace! Will this cat ever find the silver lining?

From picture book superstars Jory John and Lane Smith, the creators of Penguin Problems and Giraffe Problems, comes a brand-new, hilarious collaboration sure to tickle every feline…


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Book cover of A Voracious Grief

A Voracious Grief By Lindsey Lamh,

My book is fantastical historical fiction about two characters who're wrestling with the monstrosity of their grief.

It takes you into London high society, where Ambrose tries to forget about how much he misses Bennett and how much he dreads becoming as cold as their Grandfather. It takes you to…

Book cover of The Cat and the Mouse and the Runaway Train

Nicola Winstanley Author Of How to Give Your Cat a Bath: In Five Easy Steps

From my list on funny picture books about cats.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve loved cats my whole life, ever since I started to crawl around with our two cats Tabby and Tubby when I was a baby. Cats are cute and beautiful and have so much personality that they get away with all kinds of shenanigans. This makes cats the perfect subject for picture books for children, which is why I wrote my own cat picture book, and why I’m always on the lookout for kids’ books where they’re the star of the show. So many picture books have serious and instructive themes, and while these books are obviously important, sometimes you just want to snuggle up with your little one and have a good laugh.

Nicola's book list on funny picture books about cats

Nicola Winstanley Why did Nicola love this book?

Okay, so this book isn’t exactly laugh-out-loud funny, but it’s a wonderful read-aloud. I’m usually not a fan of rhyming picture books, but this book is definitely an exception because of its exuberant and perfect poetry. The cat in this book is pretty sweet—with utterly adorable eyebrows!—and it’s nice to see a good-natured cat making friends with a mouse.

By Peter Bently,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Cat and the Mouse and the Runaway Train as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From the winner of the Roald Dahl Funny Prize comes a pacy rhyming adventure, perfect for any child who loves trains.

When a naughty little mouse steals cheese from the station master, a battle between cat and mouse follows! But they put their differences aside when a big, red steam train comes tearing down the track straight towards them! Exquisitely illustrated, this cat and mouse chase is a truly memorable ride that will be good for many repeated trips.

'This is a book that children will really enjoy... It's a book that will give children's sense of adventure a boost…


Book cover of Widget: A Picture Book

Karen Kaufman Orloff Author Of Dudley's Day at Home

From my list on books about dogs from a dog person.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have always been a dog person. Sometimes, I think I am a dog whisperer, as I feel like the dogs in my life have always understood me, just like I understood them. They were often so human-like that I wondered what they did at the house when I was out. So, it didn’t take much of a leap to come up with the idea of “Dudley’s Day at Home,” where Dudley and his best cat pal, Buttercup, enjoy lots of human activities while Sam and his mother are away. 

Karen's book list on books about dogs from a dog person

Karen Kaufman Orloff Why did Karen love this book?

I love Widget, the character, so much! He is a dog looking for a home and finally finds it in a house full of cats.

These cats are not too accepting in the beginning, but they do warm up to him. I love this book for its playfulness, humor, and, ultimately, sweetness. And the pictures are adorable.

By Lyn Rossiter McFarland, Jim McFarland (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Widget 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?

A stray dog pretends he's a cat in order to get a home

When Widget, a little stray dog, stumbles through a flap door into the home of Mrs. Diggs, he sees six cats, six bowls of food, and six warm beds. There's clearly only one thing to do. Confronted by the cats' intense scrutiny, Widget meows, purrs, plays with a toy mouse, and uses the litter box. Having eventually convinced his new family of his felinity, Widget is soon living so happily he sometimes forgets his true nature. But when Mrs. Diggs takes a fall and doesn't get up,…


Book cover of The Incredible Journey

Jennifer Marshall Bleakley Author Of Pawverbs For Kids

From my list on a pawsitive impact years after reading them.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a painfully shy child, I found friendship, adventure, and ultimately my own voice reading about—and spending time with—animals. Animals felt safer to talk to than people. They didn’t judge, didn’t expect anything from me, and I never had to worry about what to say. They gave me the gift of their presence and time to practice communication—gifts that ultimately led me to obtain a master’s degree in counseling and work as a children’s grief counselor. I’m happy to report that I overcame my extreme shyness. But there's no denying the role that animals have played in my life. By sharing this list I hope to help other kids find that same comfort and inspiration.

Jennifer's book list on a pawsitive impact years after reading them

Jennifer Marshall Bleakley Why did Jennifer love this book?

The Incredible Journey is the first book I remember staying up past bedtime—with my Strawberry Shortcake flashlight—to read.

It is a timeless story of adventure that highlights the bond between three animals as they struggle to find their way home. A Siamese cat, an old dog, and an energetic retriever have to work together to overcome obstacles and survive dire and dangerous situations.

The Incredible Journey is a wonderful book to help children develop an appreciation for animals, sweep them into an adventure, and help them understand themselves a little better along the way.

By Sheila Burnford,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Incredible Journey as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

Fans of Old Yeller, Where the Red Fern Grows, and Shiloh will love this timeless classic about two dogs and a cat that embark on a journey to return to their owner and inspired the movie Homeward Bound.
 
   An inquisitive Labrador retriever, friendly bull terrier, and courageous Siamese cat set out through the Canadian wilderness to find their owner in this truly “incredible” adventure.
    Instinct tells them that the way home lies to the west and together the three house pets face hunger, the natural elements, and wild forest animals as they make their way home to the family they…


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Book cover of Brother. Do. You. Love. Me.

Brother. Do. You. Love. Me. By Manni Coe, Reuben Coe (illustrator),

Brother. Do. You. Love. Me. is a true story of brotherly love overcoming all. Reuben, who has Down's syndrome, was trapped in a care home during the pandemic, spiralling deeper into a non-verbal depression. From isolation and in desperation, he sent his older brother Manni a text, "brother. do. you.…

Book cover of Dog in Charge

Karen Kaufman Orloff Author Of Dudley's Day at Home

From my list on books about dogs from a dog person.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have always been a dog person. Sometimes, I think I am a dog whisperer, as I feel like the dogs in my life have always understood me, just like I understood them. They were often so human-like that I wondered what they did at the house when I was out. So, it didn’t take much of a leap to come up with the idea of “Dudley’s Day at Home,” where Dudley and his best cat pal, Buttercup, enjoy lots of human activities while Sam and his mother are away. 

Karen's book list on books about dogs from a dog person

Karen Kaufman Orloff Why did Karen love this book?

This is a very funny picture book about an obedient dog who is just trying to do the right thing –watching the somewhat unruly cats while the owners are out.

I love the relationship between the cats, who love the dog, and the dog as a responsible “babysitter.” It’s wonderfully written with humor and heart. Fun pictures, too! 

By K L Going, Dan Santat (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Dog in Charge as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 3, 4, and 5.

What is this book about?

When the going gets tough, Dog . . . takes a nap

Dog can Sit.
He can Stay.
He can even Dance.
But when he's in charge, can he keep the cats in line?
All one, two, three, four, five of them?

Illustrated by Caldecott winner, Dan Santat, and packed full of slapstick silliness and utterly earnest charm, Dog will quickly wiggle his way into preschoolers' hearts.


Book cover of Pepper & Boo: A Cat Surprise!

Jen de Oliveira Author Of Reggie: Kid Penguin

From my list on comics starring cute and funny animals.

Why am I passionate about this?

Before I was an author-illustrator, I was an elementary school teacher for many years. One of my favorite things about teaching was reading to students and helping them find books they love. Seeing kids connect with books motivated me to write and illustrate books; the character Reggie is very much inspired by my young students! Humorous books with lots of pictures often get kids hooked on reading, which is why I’ve selected funny graphic novels for this list. There’s no shortage of great comics for kids, so I chose books I also would have loved as a kid–silly and sweet, starring animal characters with real, kid-like feelings.

Jen's book list on comics starring cute and funny animals

Jen de Oliveira Why did Jen love this book?

As a cat person (who also loves dogs), I was chuckling throughout this silly short story. The uncluttered panels make the book easy to read, and the simple dialogue and adorable characters make it fun to read. I was cheering for Boo, a nervous blue-colored dog, the entire time. (Don’t tell my cats!)

By Charise Mericle Harper,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Pepper & Boo as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 6, 7, 8, and 9.

What is this book about?

Charise Mericle Harper (Crafty Cat, Just Grace, Fashion Kitty) delivers another hilarious and charming early graphic novel series starring Pepper and Boo, two darling dogs, and their suspicious housemate, the cat.

Meet Pepper and Boo. They are two dogs who do not know much about cats. (Who does?) They wonder why the cat sleeps so much (in their beds!), licks itself so much, what the cat is thinking, and what makes the cat happy.

Luckily, the cat can explain. The cat knows a lot about being a cat. They know a cat will sleep anywhere (a box, a keyboard, a…


Book cover of Two Bobbies: A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship, and Survival

Wendy Wahman Author Of Don't Lick the Dog: Making Friends with Dogs

From my list on dog books to tug on your heartstrings.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m passionate about animals. When I was starting out in my 20s, I worked as a vet tech and a dog trainer and fully intended to make a career in animals. But along the way my other love, art, joined the dance. It’s only natural I’ve found ways to combine my two loves, like, illustrating a veterinarian's advice column for Family Dog magazine, and writing, Don’t Lick the Dog, and Nanny Paws, both inspired by my own beloved dogs.

Wendy's book list on dog books to tug on your heartstrings

Wendy Wahman Why did Wendy love this book?

A dog and a cat are left behind when Hurricane Katrina strikes. Rescuers dub them, “The Bobbies” because of their bobbed tails. The two are inseparable, and the dog Bobbie is fiercely protective of the Bobbie cat, who we later learn is totally reliant on him for her survival. The Bobbies are rescued, and we’re reminded how many “helpers,” as Mr. Rogers’ mother would say, there are in the world.

By Kirby Larson, Mary Nethery, Jean Cassels (illustrator)

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Two Bobbies 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?

from Newbery award winning author Kirby Larson comes a remarkable true story of the devotion, friendship, and survival of two pets left behind in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. In the tradition of Owen and Mzee, this beautiful picture book is a testament to the spirit that defined post-Katrina rescue missions.

During Hurricane Katrina, evacuating New Orleans residents were forced to leave their pets behind. Bobbi the dog was initially chained to keep her safe, but after her owners failed to return, she had to break free. For months, Bobbi wandered the city's ravaged streets-dragging her chain behind her-followed by…


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Book cover of The Finest Lies

The Finest Lies By David J. Naiman,

A mysterious stranger traps teen siblings in a precarious game where each must overcome their embittered past for the other to survive.

This suspenseful, yet winsome novel explores the power of family and forgiveness. But take heed. The truth can cut like shards of glass, especially for those who’d rather…

Book cover of Clinical Behavioral Medicine For Small Animals

Alana Stevenson Author Of Training Your Dog the Humane Way: Simple Teaching Tips for Resolving Problem Behaviors and Raising a Happy Dog

From my list on dog behavior and advocacy.

Why am I passionate about this?

For 19 years, I have been professionally helping dog and cat parents resolve dog and cat behavioral problems in a humane and kind way. I follow science-based, gentle techniques when working with animals and teach clients how to remedy dog and cat behavior problems without the use of aversives such as shock or choke collars, physical prompting, shake cans, squirt bottles, leash corrections, or scolding.

Alana's book list on dog behavior and advocacy

Alana Stevenson Why did Alana love this book?

A bible for resolving dog and cat behavioral issues. It is packed with scientific advice and research on everything from cat and dog development and training to medications and positive ways to resolve dog and cat behavior problems. Good to read through its entirety as well as to have on hand as a reference.

By Karen L. Overall,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Clinical Behavioral Medicine For Small Animals as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Animal behaviour treatment is a growing component in today's veterinary practice. This is an authoritative, scientifically-based reference on preventing, diagnosing and successfully treating behaviour cases. Every kind of problem, from aggressive behaviour to self-mutilation is discussed. It offers step-by-step guidelines, so practitioners can successfully manage behavioural problems from the first indication.

* A practical guide to preventing, diagnosing, and treating small animal behavior cases. * Covers every class of problem--from the most common to those rarely seen. * Emphasizes evaluation and step-by-step diagnosis of normal versus abnormal behavior. * Provides easy-to-use client instruction protocols you can photocopy. * Focuses on…


Book cover of Chester
Book cover of Mog the Forgetful Cat
Book cover of Cat Problems

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