100 books like Sit. Stay. Love. Life Lessons from a Doggie

By Chalaine Kilduff, Sally Brodermann (illustrator),

Here are 100 books that Sit. Stay. Love. Life Lessons from a Doggie fans have personally recommended if you like Sit. Stay. Love. Life Lessons from a Doggie. Shepherd is a community of 10,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Book cover of Don't Lick the Dog: Making Friends with Dogs

Mike Peterson Author Of Chaco's First Day at Work

From my list on dogs we can learn from.

Why am I passionate about this?

Chaco’s First Day at Work is based on my real life furry best friend, Chaco. Chaco is a Miniature Australian Shepherd and has been an amazing companion over the last 13 years. I work in Human Resources and am always focused on developing leaders in the company and am surprised by some of the things that people do. There are not many children’s books about leadership so I thought it would be great to pass along some new leadership lessons early to children through Chaco’s First Day at Work

Mike's book list on dogs we can learn from

Mike Peterson Why did Mike love this book?

This is a slightly different take on my list with a more practical teaching lesson. I have had so many children come up to Chaco and pull his hair or stick their hands in his mouth without permission. Luckily there haven’t been any injuries, but what if it was another dog that wasn’t so well behaved? It's important to train your children how to behave around dogs from an early age.

By Wendy Wahman,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Don't Lick the Dog 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?

Meeting a new dog is exciting, but it can also be scary. This humorous how-to manual shows kids the best ways to interact with unfamiliar dogs, providing helpful tips about all sorts of dog behavior. Children often don't understand what dogs' actions mean and can misinterpret a threatening signal for a friendly one and vice versa. Kids and parents will return to Wendy Wahman's playful illustrations again and again for useful reminders: Slow Down. Stay very still. And remember, don't lick the dog!


Book cover of Dorky Yorkie

Mike Peterson Author Of Chaco's First Day at Work

From my list on dogs we can learn from.

Why am I passionate about this?

Chaco’s First Day at Work is based on my real life furry best friend, Chaco. Chaco is a Miniature Australian Shepherd and has been an amazing companion over the last 13 years. I work in Human Resources and am always focused on developing leaders in the company and am surprised by some of the things that people do. There are not many children’s books about leadership so I thought it would be great to pass along some new leadership lessons early to children through Chaco’s First Day at Work

Mike's book list on dogs we can learn from

Mike Peterson Why did Mike love this book?

This book teaches us that it’s ok to be yourself. In a world full of social media and TV it can be confusing for children to see themselves as different from the rest of the pack. I love this book because it teaches children that you can succeed by embracing who you are and using your own voice. 

By Joanna Krystal, Katarzyna Nowakowska (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

An endearing, vibrant story of how one tongue-tied, yet resourceful Yorkshire terrier beats the odds and finds her own voice.

Dorky Yorkie is unlike any other dog in her school. She is… well, herself. She blushes a lot. She giggles a lot. She often doesn’t know what to say. That’s why her biggest dream is to become president of the Woof and Bark Club. Then everyone would have to listen to her, right?

With all the tenacity she can muster, she sets out to achieve her ambition – only to realize that she really doesn’t have to be as brave…


Book cover of Dog Breath: The Horrible Trouble with Hally Tosis

Mike Peterson Author Of Chaco's First Day at Work

From my list on dogs we can learn from.

Why am I passionate about this?

Chaco’s First Day at Work is based on my real life furry best friend, Chaco. Chaco is a Miniature Australian Shepherd and has been an amazing companion over the last 13 years. I work in Human Resources and am always focused on developing leaders in the company and am surprised by some of the things that people do. There are not many children’s books about leadership so I thought it would be great to pass along some new leadership lessons early to children through Chaco’s First Day at Work

Mike's book list on dogs we can learn from

Mike Peterson Why did Mike love this book?

Dog Breath: The Horrible Trouble with Hally Tosis is a fun play on words. The book is a cute story about a dog with halitosis (bad breath) that was so bad that his family was thinking about giving him away. One night her bad breath came in handy knocking out two burglars that were breaking into her house. This book can teach us that we can embrace who we are, we can find positive things to do with our own personal quirks. 

By Dav Pilkey,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Dog Breath 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?

Hally the dog has horrible breath. Even the skunks avoid her. So
when Mr and Mrs Tosis decide enough is enough and try to find a new
home for Hally, the Tosis kids hatch a plan to get rid of her
bad breath and save Hally. They try everything: a breathtaking view,
Breath of a Salesman and even a speedy rollercoaster, but nothing
works. Only a miracle can save Hally now...


Book cover of Don't Eat Bees: Life Lessons from Chip the Dog

Mike Peterson Author Of Chaco's First Day at Work

From my list on dogs we can learn from.

Why am I passionate about this?

Chaco’s First Day at Work is based on my real life furry best friend, Chaco. Chaco is a Miniature Australian Shepherd and has been an amazing companion over the last 13 years. I work in Human Resources and am always focused on developing leaders in the company and am surprised by some of the things that people do. There are not many children’s books about leadership so I thought it would be great to pass along some new leadership lessons early to children through Chaco’s First Day at Work

Mike's book list on dogs we can learn from

Mike Peterson Why did Mike love this book?

This is more of a fun story than a life lesson. There are more lessons about what not to do that what you should do. That being said it’s a very cute book that does have one very important lesson: Don’t eat bees or they will sting you! This is story I wish I read as a kid before learning about bees the hard way. 

By Dev Petty, Mike Boldt (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Don't Eat Bees as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The comic duo that brought you I Don't Want to Be a Frog is back, with Chip the dog, a hilarious new character who's got some "wisdom" to share.

Are you a dog in need of advice? Fear not: Chip the dog is ON IT in this super-silly guide to living your best canine life. Chip is seven; he knows things. Like what to eat (important papers, the fancy bird the humans cooked for the fancy dinner, Grandpa’s teeth), and what not to eat (bees). He won’t get those mixed up, will he?
 
Pet lovers will see their own goofy…


Book cover of How to Steal a Dog

Lisa Lewis Tyre Author Of Hope in the Holler

From my list on to help kids build empathy for those in need.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am the author of two middle grade books, and I love writing about kids who may not have much materially but abound in heart and courage. I grew up in a small southern town and my childhood was just like that—low on income but full of love, hope, and friendship. I want kids to know that despite their circumstances there is hope for a better life. Like Wavie’s mom tells her in my book, Hope In The Holler, “You’ve got as much right to a good life as anybody. So go find it!”

Lisa's book list on to help kids build empathy for those in need

Lisa Lewis Tyre Why did Lisa love this book?

This is a wonderful book about homelessness that is full of heart and humor. I love that it explores the question of whether it’s okay to do something wrong, in this case stealing a dog for the reward money, when you’re desperate for money. This is an entertaining way to teach kids about the reality of living out of a car, the choices kids and their parents must navigate when impoverished, and how we often make biased assumptions when we encounter those less fortunate than ourselves.

By Barbara O'Connor,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked How to Steal a Dog 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?

Half of me was thinking, Georgina, don't do this. Stealing a dog is just plain wrong. The other half of me was thinking, Georgina, you're in a bad fix and you got to do whatever it takes to get yourself out of it.

Georgina Hayes is desperate. Ever since her father left and they were evicted from their apartment, her family has been living in their car. With her mama juggling two jobs and trying to make enough money to find a place to live, Georgina is stuck looking after her younger brother, Toby. And she has her heart set…


Book cover of Wish

Linda MacKillop Author Of Hotel Oscar Mike Echo

From my list on hard family circumstances for middle-grade readers.

Why am I passionate about this?

For decades I have volunteered in different capacities, helping the hurting and those living on the margins by tutoring and teaching literacy to the formally incarcerated or homeless, teaching parenting in a maximum-security jail, and teaching ESL to resettled immigrants. Because my own suburban father fell into homelessness at the end of his life due to depression, job losses, divorce, and more, I feel tremendous compassion for anyone in this situation. And as the mother of four grown sons, we filled our home with books—especially books that taught compassion so our sons would grow into men with big hearts towards others. I believe we succeeded.

Linda's book list on hard family circumstances for middle-grade readers

Linda MacKillop Why did Linda love this book?

Brash eleven-year-old Charlie Reese battles her emotions, especially her anger, as a result of her parents’ inability to appropriately care for her.

When she is sent to Colby, North Carolina to live with family she barely knows, her anger bubbles over, spilling onto the new people in her life—people who have shown her nothing but kindness.

While I didn’t necessarily find Charlie’s tendency to blurt out cruel comments and call people “hillbillies” very endearing, the townsfolk moved me when they only showed this girl love and forgiveness in return. Wish inspires me to love difficult people with the same gusto as Gus, Bertha, and all the Odoms.  

By Barbara O'Connor,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Wish as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 9, 10, 11, and 12.

What is this book about?

Eleven-year-old Charlie Reese has been making the same silent wish since fourth grade, hoping that some day it j will come true. When her irresponsible parents send her to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina to live with family members she doesn't know, she needs that wish to come true more than ever. A stray dog, a great friend, and the love of a big-hearted aunt and uncle just might make it happen.


Book cover of Mayor Good Boy Turns Bad

Brandon T. Snider Author Of Rube Goldberg and His Amazing Machines

From my list on middle-grade reads full of humor & heart.

Why am I passionate about this?

As someone who was both a funny kid and a lover of superheroes, it was always exciting to find a book where those two things crossed paths. In the young readers' books I’ve written for Marvel and DC Comics, I always try to inject humor where I can. Humor can be healing. If I couldn’t laugh, especially about things that have caused me pain, I don’t know that I would be around today. I love books about funny, sensitive kids with big hearts. The world is a cold place sometimes, but whenever I see a young person making positive change and having fun along the way, it reminds me that anything is possible.

Brandon's book list on middle-grade reads full of humor & heart

Brandon T. Snider Why did Brandon love this book?

Just when I thought there were no great leaders anymore, here comes Mayor Good Boy.

With this series, Dave Scheidt and Miranda Harmon have cornered the market on sweet, funny, and heart-warming. It’s got a high-concept family sitcom energy that is so pure in the best way. A highlight for me is the friendship between Abby and Aaron (and not just because I share their love of comics). How they support and encourage one another makes the world a better place. And the Mayor himself is an absolute hoot.

There are silly moments and potty humor, but there’s also depth. This story left me feeling all warm and fuzzy, which is a big plus in my book. A vote for Mayor Good Boy is a vote not wasted.

By Dave Scheidt, Miranda Harmon,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Mayor Good Boy Turns Bad as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 7, 8, 9, and 10.

What is this book about?

Goodbye politics! Goodbye stardom! Mayor Good Boy is turning over a new leaf and this time...he's going BAD! Maybe even...bad to the bone.

Mayor Good Boy might not be as GOOD as the town of Greenwood thought. In fact, it turns out that Abby and Aaron's favorite very good boy might actually have been...A BAD BOY this whole time?!

Everyone's favorite dog mayor is back in this hilarious graphic novel series featuring all-new hijinx and all-new fun!

"Mayor Good Boy will make you sit, stay, and roll over with laughter!" -- John Patrick Green, creator of the New York Times…


Book cover of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Karen Conti Author Of Killing Time with John Wayne Gacy: Defending America's Most Evil Serial Killer on Death Row

From my list on books for law lovers, fairness fighters, and true crime connoisseurs.

Why am I passionate about this?

From a young age, I read and watched everything about the Jack the Rippers, Black Dahlias, and Ted Bundys of the world. I think humans are fascinated by these killers, the worst of the worst, in the same way we are drawn to the best of the best. We want to know what makes them tick. One of the reasons I became a lawyer is at a young age I wanted to be a part of making sure justice is done—for everyone, regardless of their societal status. An empathetic person, I wanted to help others, even those who made horrific life choices. The law, true crime, and fighting for fairness are my passions!

Karen's book list on books for law lovers, fairness fighters, and true crime connoisseurs

Karen Conti Why did Karen love this book?

I have probably read this book five times as a kid and three more times as an adult, and every time, I take away another life lesson.

As a kid, you are caught up in the story of Charlie going through the whimsical world of Willy Wonka, with its magical wonders of candy making.

But as an adult you see the other story—the story of Charlie, the underdog who grows up in a home impoverished financially but not emotionally or morally. He succeeds in winning it all in the end due to his respectfully showing self-restraint and honoring his high standards of what is right and wrong.  

By Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

7 authors picked Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A splendiferous new hardback of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, part of a collection of truly delumptious classic Roald Dahl titles with stylish jackets over surprise printed colour cases, and exquisite endpaper designs.

Mr Willy Wonka is the most extraordinary chocolate maker in the world.
And do you know who Charlie is? Charlie Bucket is the hero. The other children in this book are nasty little beasts, called: Augustus Gloop - a great big greedy nincompoop; Veruca Salt - a spoiled brat; Violet Beauregarde - a repulsive little gum-chewer; Mike Teavee - a boy who only watches television.
Clutching their…


Book cover of How to Lose All Your Friends

Eileen Kennedy-Moore Author Of Growing Friendships: A Kids' Guide to Making and Keeping Friends

From my list on for kids about making friends and friendship issues.

Why am I passionate about this?

Growing up, my family moved about every three years, so I became an expert at making friends at a young age! As a clinical psychologist and a mom of four, I’ve spent a lot of time talking with kids about friendship issues. I’ve also studied the scientific research on children’s friendships. I’m a professor for The Great Courses, serve on the advisory board for Parents magazine, and my blog, Growing Friendships on Psychology Today, has over four million views. I’ve written six books for parents or kids about children’s feelings and friendships, and I have two more kids’ books on the way.

Eileen's book list on for kids about making friends and friendship issues

Eileen Kennedy-Moore Why did Eileen love this book?

For ages 4-6, this silly parody of a How-To book gets a laugh from young elementary school children, while also helping them recognize the impact of various common but ungenerous behaviors. It offers backward “tips” such as: “Be a poor sport. When you play tag and someone tags you, lie and say they missed.” Kids enjoy feeling smarter than the book. It ends on a warm note and also prompts children to share their ideas of how to be a good friend.

By Nancy Carlson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked How to Lose All Your Friends 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?

With exuberant pictures and a tongue-in-cheek sense of humor, the author of I Like Me! takes a light-hearted look at bratty behavior that will have children laughing in recognition while learning exactly how not to behave. Colored-pencil illustrations throughout.


Book cover of Dragon Was Terrible

Lois Wickstrom Author Of Pulling Together

From my list on pictures about bullying.

Why am I passionate about this?

I was bullied as a child, both at home and in school. My parents always took my little sister’s side, and punished me. When I got bullied at school, my parents and teachers just told me to work harder on throwing a ball. My escape was books. I found it reassuring that kids in books who got bullied survived and learned and had fun in their lives even if they also had to deal with bullying.

Lois' book list on pictures about bullying

Lois Wickstrom Why did Lois love this book?

Dragon was terrible. In fact, he was super terrible. He was rude and noisy and took things from babies.

The king offered a prize to the knight who could tame this terrible dragon. The knights all battled the dragon. None of them could tame him. Then all the people of the kingdom decided that they had had enough of this terrible dragon.

They offered the king’s prize to anyone (didn’t have to be a knight) who could tame this dragon. Lots of people tried to defeat the dragon in battle. They all failed. Then a boy gets a different idea. He writes a story and reads it to the dragon.

This story and this approach are so different from what everybody else has tried that the dragon – oh – I’m not going to tell you what the dragon does – read this – it’s good!

By Kelly DiPucchio, Greg Pizzoli (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

We all know dragons are terrible, but this one is especially terrible. He scribbles in books. He steals candy from baby unicorns. He even burps in church. Seriously, who does that? Dragon, that's who. The king, the knights, and the villagers are desperate to take down this beast once and for all. But sometimes it's up to the unlikeliest of heroes to tame a dragon this terrible.


5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in life satisfaction, dogs, and behavior?

10,000+ authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about life satisfaction, dogs, and behavior.

Life Satisfaction Explore 204 books about life satisfaction
Dogs Explore 393 books about dogs
Behavior Explore 46 books about behavior