Best Children's Dog Books

The girl's frustration and anger are vividly depicted in the detailed art, and the story offers good options for dealing honestly with these feelings, while at the same time reassuring children that it's okay to make mistakes. The girl doesn't just "make" her magnificent thing -- she "tinkers and hammers and measures," she "smoothes and wrenches and fiddles," she "twists and tweaks and fastens." These precise action words are likely to fire up the imaginations of youngsters eager to create their own inventions and is a great tie-in to learning about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Fanciful illustrations depict the spindly, cartoonish characters; the girl’s intricate found-object contraptions; and colorful scenarios against black-and-white line drawings of a city-neighborhood setting. With witty and whimsical elements (including the dog’s side antics), this supportively portrays the sometimes-frustrating process of translating ideas to reality and shows how a new perspective can help problem solve and rekindle enthusiasm and joy.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"My two year old loves it, my six year old enjoyed it."
"I like that it teaches determination and I'm glad I got it at a reduced price."
"This is an awesome book that I got to encourage my girls and their friends to be engineers."
"Totally helps address the idea of perfectionism in children."
"We enjoyed this book so much we have it to my niece as a gift."
"Great book!"
"Great addition to my classroom."
"Great story, great art work."

Stories of their great achievements spread throughout the region, and the combination of Old Dan’s brawn, Little Ann’s brains, and Billy’s sheer will seems unbeatable. But tragedy awaits these determined hunters—now friends—and Billy learns that hope can grow out of despair, and that the seeds of the future can come from the scars of the past. Praise for Where the Red Fern Grows A Top 100 Children’s Novel, School Library Journal ' s A Fuse #8 Production. A Must-Read for Kids 9 to 14, NPR. Winner of Multiple State Awards. Over 7 million copies in print! Any child who doesn’t get to read this beloved and powerfully emotional book has missed out on an important piece of childhood for the last 40-plus years.” — Common Sense Media “An exciting tale of love and adventure you’ll never forget.” — School Library Journal “A book of unadorned naturalness.” — Kirkus Reviews “Written with so much feeling and sentiment that adults as well as children are drawn [in] with a passion.” — Arizona Daily Star “It’s a story about a young boy and his two hunting dogs and . Praise for Where the Red Fern Grows A Top 100 Children’s Novel, School Library Journal A Must-Read for Kids 9 to 14, NPR. Winner of 4 State Awards. Over 7 million copies in print! “A rewarding book .
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Wilson Rawls’ classic, timeless story of a young boy’s coming-of-age is heartbreaking, sentimental, and utterly charming. For two years he waits, collecting enough money doing whatever jobs he can, he finally raises enough for two puppies who are delivered via train to the town closest to where he lives. Selling skins to Sears Roebuck & Co. was enough then to fulfill that dream and then later to get him enough money to fly enough hours to be conscripted (after being declared 4F) to train pilots at Americus, Georgia."
"Every single night Billy dreams about owning two coon dogs, no boy could want them more than him. At eleven years old Billy came up with a way to get his coon dogs, he would earn the money himself."
"A few of my favorite classics are Call of the Wild, White Fang and Black Beauty and after reading this one, I must say; it’ll be named right along with the rest and best of them."
"Must read, great family story."
"Great book, always has been and always will be."
"It takes a dog owner to feel what our heroine must have felt, devotion, caring, love and true devotion from mans best friend."
"My only concern was that the poor raccoons got the raw end of almost every outing."
"Couldn’t stop listening!"

The complete set of Fudge books from #1 New York Times bestselling author Judy Blume! Judy received a BS in education from New York University in 1961, which named her a Distinguished Alumna in 1996, the same year the American Library Association honored her with the Margaret A. Edwards Award for Lifetime Achievement.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Sadly, these books have been 'modernized' to fit the youth of today."
"Got these books for a research and recommend them for young and old."
"I read these books when I was in elementary."
"Great Product, will buy again from seller!!"
"Daughter loved these books."
"Always loved Judy Blume."
Best Children's Manners Books

A children's beloved classic, this story will have kids rolling on the floor with laughter. When Father reaches the limit of his patience with Walter's flatulence, he decides the pooch is once again pound-bound, despite Betty and Billy's pleading. Poor Walter knows his days are numbered and "He resolved to hold in his farts forever." That very night, two burglars break into Walter's family's house, and (you can see where this is going) Walter gasses the burglars with a "hideous cloud" that forces them to drop their loot and run into the clutches of the police officers, "choking and gasping for air." The next morning Father and Mother discover Walter has saved the day--or at least their silverware and VCR. Fans will be pleased to discover the next book Walter the Farting Dog: Trouble at the Yard Sale .). Audrey Colman's highly stylized illustrations, imbued with a surreal, Monty Pythonesque collage look, are as absurdly comical as this silly story that is purely powered by natural gas. I was very excited because I was a big fan of Kotzwinkle's (not-for-children) book, Dr. Rat , about the wretched reality of the lives of laboratory animals.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I bought this and the little Walter the Farting Dog stuffed animal and Grandson just loves it."
"This book about Walter's farting, brought one of my patients who felt he had very little to look forward to after a near fatal accident, left us both in hysterical laughter as I attempted to read the book to him."
"I bought this as a gift for my grown children."
"bought this as a gag gift and it was hilarious."
"Gift for my grandson who is almost four."
"Cute story."
"Such a funny book and the whole family loves reading it and getting a good laugh from Walter's adventure."
"Everyone laughs at this one!"
Best Children's Opposites Books

Cleverly designed pull tabs and flaps plus seven pettable textures and a push-button squeaker offer interactive treats that will have toddlers purring along from start to surprising finish. PreS—Van Fleet follows up the popular Tails (Harcourt, 2003) and Dog (S & S, 2007) with this interactive novelty book aimed at toddlers but photographed for cat lovers.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Our only issue is that the pull tabs that make the cat's paw move, kitten pop out of the boot, etc., are delicate and the moving cat parts aren't behind cellophane."
"I LOVE these books."
"My 19 month old loves cats so we got her this book."
"I ended up buying two of each-one dog book, one cat book - for each child. As for the actual kids who will "read" them,, these are sturdy, well made books with gorgeous photos and something happens- a texture, a sound, a pull-out- on every page."
"My daughter is captivated by the pictures and she also enjoys having the story read to her."
"I got this book for my youngest cousin who's about 4 or 5 and she really liked it!"
"It is sturdy and each page has activities on it (flaps, squeaky ball, fuzzy tails, ect)."
"I preordered this book for my daughter because she absolutely loves Van Fleet's "Dog" book, and I was hoping "Cat" would be just as good... my daughter and I were not disappointed! The book is listed for children ages 2 and up, but my daughter is 15 months and already enjoys pulling the tabs, petting the fur and flipping open the pages to reveal more cats."
Best Children's Asian & Asian American Books

With a simple, witty story and free-spirited illustrations, Peter H. Reynolds entices even the stubbornly uncreative among us to make a mark — and follow where it takes us. To prove her point, Vashti jabs at a blank sheet of paper to make an unremarkable and angry mark.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"My first grade class loved this book!"
"It's such a inspiring book!"
"This story is amazing."
"Great story!"
"A fantastic book and super price!"
"My grandchild is creative but struggling with her interest in reading."
"The Dot gives reluctant artists confidence to take a risk and draw, create and, more importantly, love what was created!"
"It masquerades as a children's book, though it has been read and been life affecting for this 58 year old guy time and time again."
Best Children's Action & Adventure Comics & Graphic Novels

Dog Man, the newest hero from the creator of Captain Underpants, is still learning a few tricks of the trade. Dav Pilkey has written and illustrated numerous popular, award-winning books for children, including the Captain Underpants and Dumb Bunnies series; Dog Breath , winner of the California Young Reader Medal; and The Paperboy , a Caldecott Honor Book.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"My seven year old absolutely loved this book."
"I bought this and another for his birthday and plan to buy all that the author releases on Dog Man."
"As soon as I took the book out of its packaging, my seven year old son grabbed the book out of my hands and ran to sit on the couch to read it."
"He's read each book in this set at least twice now since Christmas and takes them on any car trip."
"fun book."
"Yes it was a great book the book was in great condition."
Best Children's Duck Books

The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog! is the companion to Mo's first children's book, Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! Willems's deceptively simple cartoon drawings convincingly portray his protagonist's emotional dilemma, from his initial joy to his frustration and struggle over what he wants to do versus what he knows is right. Robin L. Gibson, formerly at Perry County District Library, New Lexington, OH Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I cannot help but get a kick out of Gerald and Piggie, and the humor in the book was right up my ally as the two friends plan for a road trip."
"I pair this book with the Disney song, Naked Mole Rat."
"Let's Go for a Drive is my daughter's favorite of all the Elephant & Piggie books!"
"WE are all excited to read this series maks my 5 year old daughter very motivated to read and we all love these books."
"They were great books that my almost 7 and almost 4 year olds both loved."
"I love when they have surprise friends in the books too!"
"The kids love it - and you know kids these days need to be reminded to use their imaginations, which this does."
"I love giving these books at baby showers and 1st birthdays."
Best Children's Zoo Books

Inspired by the true story of a captive gorilla known as Ivan, this illustrated book is told from the point of view of Ivan himself. This paperback edition includes an author's note highlighting the differences between the fictional story and true events, a version of the author's Newbery Medal acceptance speech, Ivan's "signature," discussion questions, and more. Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews: "How Ivan confronts his harrowing past yet stays true to his nature exemplifies everything youngsters need to know about courage.”. Starred Review, School Library Journal: “The characters will capture readers’ hearts and never let go. "Discover an animal hero that will take his place with other courageous and beloved animals such as Babe, Mrs. Frisby, Charlotte and Wilbur. "Beautifully written, intelligent, and brave book…Quite simply, this story is life-changing.”. --Patricia MacLachlan, Newbery Medalist, Sarah, Plain and Tall. "The One and Only Ivan will break your heart--and then, against all odds, mend it again."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"When my 11-year-old finished reading this novel, his first statement was, “I LOVED that book!” With an endorsement like that and because it was the first instance where he ‘stopped time,’ I had to read the book too. In it, the author says,” We live in a world where children are bullied into despair and even suicide; where armed guards in a school hallway are considered desirable; where libraries are padlocked because of budget cuts; where breakfast and backpacks, for too many children are unaffordable luxuries.”. “What makes children better than the rest of us is that they are buoyant, unrepentant optimists.”. As a writer, reader, and lover of words, I make it a habit to ‘stop time’ whenever I come across sparkling phrases that deserve homage. A ‘stop time’ is where we stop whatever we are doing to read out loud and to listen; we listen to both the author’s words and to what made that phrase so meaningful to the reader. The first ‘stop time’ that my son called happened when Ivan makes an impossible promise to Ruby, the baby elephant."
"Bought it for my 4th grade nephew."
"Great read for kids!"
"This is a fun little book."
"My 11 year old son loved this book--it was hard for him to put it down."
"it was a gift for brothers who like to read."
"Touching, and based on a true story.. my 8 yo enjoyed it very much."
"Christmas gift - I'm sure he likes it cause he likes the author."
Best Children's Cat Books

A perfect gift for new parents, birthday celebrations, and happy occasions of all kinds, this collection of five beloved Beginner Books by Dr. Seuss— The Cat in the Hat, One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, Green Eggs and Ham, Hop on Pop, and Fox in Socks —will be cherished by young and old alike. Dr. Seuss’s long list of awards includes Caldecott Honors for McElligot’s Pool , If I Ran the Zoo , and Bartholomew and the Oobleck , the Pulitzer Prize, and eight honorary doctorates.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"She's three, and I was looking forward to reading them to her now, and watching her learn the words, so she could 'pretend' she was reading them along with me, as I did as a child, and ultimately, letting her read them to me. I've just opened a couple of them at random and taken pics to show you the bleed-through of the images and words on the reverse side of the page."
"These books are just what you'd expect."
"These books are smaller than I remember as a kid, but upon further research all the book stores were selling Dr. Suess books this size."
"grandson loved this...i love reading it to him too!"
"I bought these as a gift for my grand baby and I liked it so much that I bought another for home so I can read to my grandchildren."
"Classic books and makes a perfect gift."
"I bought this set to go along with Her First Bible for a shower gift."
"Kind of hard to enjoy the story when the illustrations on the back of the page are showing through."
Best Children's Fish Books

Fish swims about. With his fish face stuck. In a permanent pout. Swim along with the pout-pout fish as he discovers that being glum and spreading “dreary wearies” isn’t really his destiny. Bright ocean colors and playful rhyme come together in this fun fish story that’s sure to turn even the poutiest of frowns upside down.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"First, that how we see ourselves can become a self-fulfilling prophesy... if we compare ourselves unfavorably to others in our circle (i.e. so-and-so can do such-and-such much better than I, such-and-such comes so easily for others but not for me, I'm not as loveable as so-and-so), and keep re-playing that tape in our heads (perhaps reinforced by how we feel others view us), then what we "see" in that mirror is who we'll end up being. The other is that we are capable of influencing others in positive ways by demonstrating simple acts of kindness and compassion, much moreso than using words to point out faults or telling people how they "should" be, "should" feel, "should" act."
"Started reading this to my grandson when he was about 8 months old,,,, he loves it!"
"My daughters favorite book."
"My son loves this book and I love reading it too."
"Such a cute book!"
"Very cute book."
"Bought for a gift."
"HORRIBLE message, and here is the spoiler - the pout pout fish receives and UNSOLICITED KISS FROM A STRANGER, and it makes him happy."
Best Children's Bear Books

A big happy frog, a plump purple cat, a handsome blue horse, and a soft yellow duck--all parade across the pages of this delightful book. Born in Kansas, he worked as an elementary-school principal in Chicago before moving to New York City, where he worked in publishing developing innovative reading programs for schools. He lived in the east Texas woods, near the town of Commerce, until he passed away in 2004.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I know it seems like a simple book, but there's a lot more depth to be uncovered on repeated readings, as I've had the luxury of experiencing every night (and sometimes multiple times during the day) for the last three months. But as it unfolds, we are... *** SPOILERS BELOW ***. ... taken through a tour of the real and familiar (brown bears, red birds) along with the fantastically surreal (blue horses, purple cats). As the pages turn, we learn that all characters are being watched: from the strong (the bear), to the useful (blue horse), to the outcast (black sheep). As the camera pulls back, we learn that each animal is merely a minor player with myopic vision. With the introduction of this (white) teacher we realize that these characters who seemed to be free, roaming in their natural habitat, are actually prisoners trapped in the hardbound confines of this book. "We see a brown bear, a red bird, a yellow duck, a blue horse, a green frog, a purple cat, a white dog, a black sheep, a goldfish, and a teacher LOOKING AT US. How tight must the children's tyrannical grip be to force an entire population into unified submissive silence? But through the bear's opening omission we learn that even he is too scared of the children to publicly acknowledge their existence. The true revelation to this book's opening question is not that the brown bear sees the red bird. I don't believe the rumors that this book originated as recruitment propaganda by US intelligence agencies to entice young children to join an elite, "all-seeing" organization that has complete control over the rest of the population, including its powerless authority figures. Instead, I like to believe that Martin wrote this book (just one year after regular US troops were deployed to Vietnam) as a subversive allegory daring to ask the question "Who watches the watchers?""
"I find this one awkward compared to the original."
"Don't hesitate to get this book----the best gift you can give your kids is a book!"
"Purchased this book for a beginning reader."
"A sweet, cute book for a toddler just happens to be this repetitive story."
"Little granddaughter coming to visit from out of state."
"Although he's not what I consider learning to read-age he memorized the book after I read it twice to him, not to mention that there are some word recognition activities after the story."
"My daughter loves it."
Best Children's Dinosaur Books

With each of six spreads featuring one spectacular, large pop-up as well as booklets of smaller pop-ups and text, ENCYCLOPEDIA PREHISTORICA: DINOSAURS is a magnificent display of paper engineering and creativity — an astonishing book that will be read, admired, and treasured forever. Rendered in warm earth tones and speckled with splashes of color, the three-dimensional creatures move with a life of their own as they gracefully extend their bodies into a full stretch or lurch toward readers with jaws open wide.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I am including a video so you can sort of see the depth and involvement this brings. Types of dinos, Carnivores, Herbivores, Feathered, Armored, Biggest etc. He wants it read as a bedtime story but there is so much info you could prob do 1 page per night and extend it out."
"I have to read the book to my four-year-old. It costs more than most 12-page books. We bought the Encyclopedia Prehistorica Dinosaurs because we like to give each of our boys a good book for Christmas each year. We give them the book on Christmas Eve so we can sit quietly as a family and read the evening before Krampus comes to destroy us all. Bucky just turned four, and as a helicopter parent, I feel like I still need to hover over him when he’s reading the book so he closes all the pop-ups and doesn’t smash them. Anyway, I strongly recommend this book if you have a youngster in your life who is interested in dinosaurs, pop-up books, and the inevitable decline of man."
"I'd say that the reading level is fairly advanced - maybe 4th grade, but even at such a young age, my son gets a kick out of the animals and tries to rip their tail off or whatever."
"He went through every page & opened every flap to tell us all about the dinosaurs he was seeing."
"He is so enthralled with the dynamic of this book and encourages him to be inquisitive and learn about things they aren't teaching in daycare."
"Unfortunately he's a weapon of mass destruction so the book stays out of his reach, but I was amazed at the quality and just how many pop-ups there are in this book!"
"It’s very delicate in some places so it’s a great book for adults to read to smaller kids."
"My two year old son is obsessed with dinosaurs so this is his favorite book."
Best Children's Mammal Books

Tucked into bed by his mama, Baby Llama immediately starts worrying when she goes downstairs, and his soft whimpers turn to hollers when she doesn't come right back. After Mama Llama reads Baby Llama a bedtime story and turns out the light, the llama drama begins. Key worry words, such as fret , are highlighted, and for extra humor, Baby Llama's toy llama mimics his every expression.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Found this book on Amazon's book editors "100 Children's Books to Read in a Lifetime", which has been very handy in directing me toward books for our four grandchildren that had been published after my own children were young, and in reminding me of books I'd forgotten (need a new lock for that memory bank!). Anna Dewdney does a nice job of matching rhymes with her own whimsical illustrations in recreating the real-life scenes grandparents can recall with their own children (and young parents may be currently experiencing), in which Baby Llama (in his red pajamas) is read a bedtime story by Mama Llama, after which he's kissed goodnight and Mama heads downstairs to a sink full of dishes. Mama finally comes back in, a bit frustrated at first, then softening as she realizes he just needs a bit of reassurance... "Little Llama, don't you know, Mama Llama loves you so?"
"We bought this as a gift for a co-worker who recently had a child, knowing how much our child has loved this book at all stages of his life so far."
"Oh man this book is so cute."
"Can remind toddler how to behave by reciting simple direct and kind statements from the book."
"My 2yr old son LOVES this book."
"Good Book."
"This book made me laugh out loud the first time I read it to my son, which made him laugh too."
Best Children's Farm Animal Books

With a text full of truck sounds and animal noises to read aloud, here is a rollicking homage. to the power of friendship and the rewards of helping others. The first half of the book is an enchanting, toddler-entrancing symphony of animal noises and beeps. While the message might be a little heavy-handed, this is still a fun, rollicking story that should find a place in most collections.— Rachael Vilmar, Eastern Shore Regional Library, Salisbury, MD Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I just love stories that are cute, rhyme well and offer a good message."
"While reading through it, I found the rhymes catchy and it left the reader with a good message."
"I love that the story flows and the words are sing-songy as you read."
"We bought this book for our almost 2 year old niece!"
"My kids have loved this book for years."
"My daughter loves the blue truck and all the animals."
"I originally saw/read this book at Barnes & Noble & knew my kiddos at school would love it."
"A great story about why it's important to treat people with respect, and how having friends to help you in life is invaluable."
Best Children's Marine Life Books

Journey into the mysterious world under the sea as 3-D pop-ups swing off the page, bringing to life whales, dolphins, angler fish, and much more! Using the ocean as their milieu, the Santoros (pop-up creators of Journey to the Moon, 2007, and Predators, 2008) provide solid information along with amazing visuals.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This is a really cool educational book that young children will LOVE!"
"I would recommend it to any parent whose child needs to be brought towards loving books."
"I bought it for my three year old, the book is very advanced for her but she still likes looking at the pop ups."
"Great book for a 5 year old."
"Cute and awesome book."
"My son absolutely loves this."
Best Children's Ape & Monkey Books

Inspired by the true story of a captive gorilla known as Ivan, this illustrated book is told from the point of view of Ivan himself. This paperback edition includes an author's note highlighting the differences between the fictional story and true events, a version of the author's Newbery Medal acceptance speech, Ivan's "signature," discussion questions, and more. Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews: "How Ivan confronts his harrowing past yet stays true to his nature exemplifies everything youngsters need to know about courage.”. Starred Review, School Library Journal: “The characters will capture readers’ hearts and never let go. "Discover an animal hero that will take his place with other courageous and beloved animals such as Babe, Mrs. Frisby, Charlotte and Wilbur. "Beautifully written, intelligent, and brave book…Quite simply, this story is life-changing.”. --Patricia MacLachlan, Newbery Medalist, Sarah, Plain and Tall. "The One and Only Ivan will break your heart--and then, against all odds, mend it again."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"When my 11-year-old finished reading this novel, his first statement was, “I LOVED that book!” With an endorsement like that and because it was the first instance where he ‘stopped time,’ I had to read the book too. In it, the author says,” We live in a world where children are bullied into despair and even suicide; where armed guards in a school hallway are considered desirable; where libraries are padlocked because of budget cuts; where breakfast and backpacks, for too many children are unaffordable luxuries.”. “What makes children better than the rest of us is that they are buoyant, unrepentant optimists.”. As a writer, reader, and lover of words, I make it a habit to ‘stop time’ whenever I come across sparkling phrases that deserve homage. A ‘stop time’ is where we stop whatever we are doing to read out loud and to listen; we listen to both the author’s words and to what made that phrase so meaningful to the reader. The first ‘stop time’ that my son called happened when Ivan makes an impossible promise to Ruby, the baby elephant."
"great book for children, my son was reading this at school and just had to have it for home too."
"It had some sad parts and some good parts.I think that this is the best story I ever read."
"Great read for kids!"
"Great audiobook for the family."
"Christmas gift - I'm sure he likes it cause he likes the author."
"Easy, quick and interesting reading."
"My seven year old son and I loved this book."
Best Children's Mouse & Rodent Books

A mouse is taking a stroll through the deep, dark wood when along comes a hungry fox, then an owl, and then a snake. The mouse is good enough to eat but smart enough to know this, so he invents . Julia Donaldson lives in Glasgow, Scotland.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"It's longer than you'd think would hold a baby's attention, but with wide eyes she giggles and kicks her feet with excitement."
":-). UPDATE 4/20/16: We LOVE this book... our daughter is now 18 months old and she just loves the Gruffalo, Gruffalo's Child, Stick Man, Tabby McTat... ok... all of Julie Donaldson's books... you can actually find the Gruffalo somewhere in all almost the books she writes...."
"The best part about it is the rhythm and repetition throughout the story- just love how it reads (and enjoy the illustrations that go with the story too)."
"It is a favorite around this house and our little one picks it time and time again for story time."
"Our favorite book! Julia Donaldson, you nailed it!"
""Knobby knees, turned out toes, and a poisonous wart at the end of his nose" are all times when I would touch my son's knee, toes and nose to add emphasis to the story."
"Not only does my 2.5 year old like this story, her one year old brother sits through the entire thing and often asks us to read it to him."
"Great story about a little mouse who survives by leading everyone to believe he is meeting an imaginary creature in the woods---the gruffalo!"
