Loyal, loving, playful and sometimes wonderfully mischievous, dogs have a special place in many families’ hearts. They can be brilliant companions for children, offering friendship, comfort and plenty of opportunities for fun. Caring for a dog can also help children learn about responsibility, kindness and empathy, as they discover how to understand and respond to another living creature’s needs.

From faithful family pets and clever working dogs to adventurous puppies and extraordinary canine heroes, this collection celebrates everything we love about dogs. Whether you’re already a dog lover or simply curious about our four-legged friends, these stories and non-fiction books are sure to make you wag your tail with delight!

Information books to help understand your furry friend

Dogs: Understanding Your Very Best Friend is packed with useful advice from pet expert Dr John Bradshaw. With the help of his terrier, Rusty, we discover the extraordinary power of a dog’s sense of smell, how dogs communicate with one another and with humans, and what their behaviour can tell us. We also get valuable insights into how to understand your dog and the best ways to keep your dog happy.

Steve Mann is recognised all over the world for his expertise and is the author of the UKs leading dog training manual for adults. In Easy Peasy Awesome Pawsome Dog Training for Kids he presents his top tips covering all the essential exercises for good dog ownership, how to read the dog’s body language (and how dogs read ours), and lots of amazing doggy facts. Presented in a short clear sections, with cartoon illustrations, there are even some fun activities and quizzies too.

Stories about Amazing Dogs

Phil Earle weaves the true story of Pickles, the dog who found the World Cup in his inspiring and uplifting story The Dog that Saved the World (Cup). Published by Barrington Stoke, this is specially designed to be accessible to all readers. 

Dogs of the Deadlands is a powerful and unforgettable survival story set against the backdrop of Chernobyl, this moving novel follows Natasha, separated from her beloved puppy Zoya during the evacuation, and Zoya’s struggle to survive in the wild. Beautifully told with vivid natural detail and a compelling portrayal of pack life, the story spans generations and ultimately brings Natasha and Zoya’s descendants full circle. A gripping and deeply moving read that deserves comparison with The Call of the Wild.

Set on the beautiful island of Crete and based on a real-life adventure, Stay! by Fran Harlow and Ellie McKenna is a heartwarming story about Deefer, a scruffy, loyal dog who patiently waits for his owner to return. When little Niko and his family discover him, they offer Deefer a new home and the happy ending he deserves. A gentle and uplifting tale exploring loyalty, trust, loss and the special bonds between humans and animals.

Stories about friendships between children and dogs

My Dog, Olivia Wakeford's debut novel, is a beautifully written and illustrated story that follows Rhys as he copes with the loss of his mum and huge changes in his life. When he discovers a lonely black Labrador called Worthington, the dog becomes his secret source of comfort as Rhys moves to London, starts a new school and tries to find his place in a new family. A touching, authentic story about grief, friendship, honesty and the special bond between children and dogs, with plenty of warmth, humour and hope.

Told from the perspective of a loyal young dog, I Am Rebel by Ross Montgomery follows Rebel’s dangerous journey to find his beloved human, Tom, after he leaves home to join a rebellion against an oppressive king. Along the way, Rebel encounters other animals, faces danger and learns about bravery, resilience and loyalty. An gripping and emotional adventure, this is a powerful story about the extraordinary bond between a dog and his human.

When Will is separated from his beloved dog Whiskers after a house move, he is heartbroken. But during a visit to his grandma’s, Will is transported to the magical WolfWorld, where Whiskers has become a wolf and the pair can finally talk. Together they face danger, discover new friends and explore a captivating world of warring wolf packs. A thrilling and enchanting adventure, beautifully illustrated and full of heart, Will Wolfheart is a must-read for dog lovers, and you can hear all about the book in this special interview with the author and illustrator.

International Dog Day

International Dog Day is celebrated annually on 26 August around the world, providing an opportunity to celebrate dogs of every shape, size and breed. Founded by animal welfare advocate Colleen Paige, the day encourages people to consider adoption and celebrates the special place dogs hold in our lives.

As well as highlighting the joys of sharing our lives with dogs, International Dog Day raises awareness of the challenges many dogs face and encourages us to be responsible, caring owners. It’s a chance to recognise the love, companionship and loyalty dogs bring to our lives, while reminding us that every dog deserves a safe, happy and fulfilling life.

Here are a few amazing facts about dogs!

• Dogs have three eyelids

• The most successful hunter in the world is the African Hunting Dog, which also holds the Guinness World Record for it

• Salukis hold the Guinness World Record for being the world's oldest dog breed. This breed actually dates back to 329 BC.

• Not to forget, 30 percent of Dalmatians are deaf in one ear.

Read on for a fabulous collection of books featuring dogs that we think you will love as much as us dog lovers here at LoveReading4Kids.

Woof!