Owning a pet can be a lot of fun, but it's a lot of responsibility, too. The books on this list show children what it might be like to have a pet of their own. There are books about typical pets like dogs and cats, but there are a few that branch off into less traditional pets like ferrets and chickens. There are quite a few silly stories for animal-lovers, too! No matter which type of pet you like best, there's a book for you on this list.
Lola really wants a pet cat, but Mommy isn't so sure about it. So, Lola does a bit of work to get ready for the responsibility of having a pet. She reads books about cats and practices taking care of her stuffed animal kitty. This book does a wonderful job of communicating what it means to have empathy and take on an important responsibility. Preschool children will enjoy this one.
The entire family is excited to get their new pet puppy! They buy supplies, pick out treats, and prepare the house for their new family member. At the animal shelter, they get a big surprise—a pet kitty too! This one is told in the style of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, with cute rhymes and a simple storyline. It's a fun read for all children.
Big dogs, small dogs, neat dogs, sloppy dogs—every kind of dog you can imagine is in this book! It's a chunky board book, the perfect format for young toddlers. It has a few interactive features, too. Pull one tab and a dog shakes his head. Pull another tab and a dog wags his tail. Plus, there are a few touch-and-feel sections. This is a silly book that will entertain and delight toddlers and preschoolers.
You'll find all kinds of pets in this book. There are the typical pets like cats and dogs, but there's also quite a few unusual pets like gerbils, ferrets, and Shetland ponies. The book answers common questions about what to feed pets, how to train animals, and how to keep them healthy. Plus, each page features the kind of engaging photography you'd expect from National Geographic. This is a great resource book. Confident elementary readers can tackle it themselves and younger kids will love to page through it with an adult by their side.
You'll find all kinds of pets in this book. There are the typical pets like cats and dogs, but there's also quite a few unusual pets like gerbils, ferrets, and Shetland ponies. The book answers common questions about what to feed pets, how to train animals, and how to keep them healthy. Plus, each page features the kind of engaging photography you'd expect from National Geographic. This is a great resource book. Confident elementary readers can tackle it themselves and younger kids will love to page through it with an adult by their side.
What do you do when you get a pet you don't really want? You trade it in for a new kind of pet! The little boy in this book thinks he has the situation all figured out, but things don't go as planned. Norman, his goldfish, can't snuggle up with him in bed or play fetch, but the little boy soon finds out that Norman makes a terrific pet anyway. This book presents just the right balance between humor and a moral lesson. It's a great starting point for discussing the old adage “don't judge a book by its cover” with preschool and early elementary children.
A little boy imagines what life must have been like for his newly adopted dog before he came to live with him. Did the dog have a nice home . . . or a not-so-nice home? The boy eventually sees that the way he loves the dog now is the most important thing of all. The gentle illustrations and soft story convey a meaningful message of unconditional love. Read it with your preschoolers and early elementary kids.
Welcome to the pet show! There's something here for every pet-lover. You'll see chickens, horses, hamsters, and more. The story is a simple one, but it is certain to get your children laughing. The action of each pet is described in just a few words, but the illustrations tell the whole story. A snake slithering around cones, a bunny jumping over obstacles, and a pig running a race are just a few examples. This laugh-out-loud book is perfect for 4-8 year olds.
Henry is lonely. He doesn't have any siblings or any kids in his neighborhood. That all changes when Mudge becomes his pet. This 180-pound dog is exactly what Henry needs. They'll wind up being best friends and going on many adventures together. The illustrations in this book are just as playful as the stories. Emerging readers in first and second grade will love reading this book aloud.
What does a cat do all day? You'll find out in this book. It humorously describes a cat's “busy, busy life”—playing in boxes, “guarding” the family, taking cat-naps, and the like. The illustrations are colorful sketches that match the playful tone of the book. This one is a great choice for cat-people of any age.
In this book, Alex negotiates with his mom, desperately trying to get her to allow a pet iguana in the house. The book uniquely presents their discussions as notes passed back and forth. In his first note, Alex insists a dog will eat the iguana if they don't take it. His mom has a loving reply, but still refuses to let the pet into their house. Alex never gives up, though! The back-and-forth format makes it a really fun read-aloud book for elementary kids.
It's time for Biscuit's checkup at the vet, but she and her young owner are a bit nervous. Through the book, both of them see that Dr. Green is a very sweet veterinarian that helps keep Biscuit healthy. This book can help calm the fears children may have when taking their pets to the veterinarian or when going to their own pediatrician. It's a quick read for preschoolers and emergent readers.
This is a how-to guide for kids who are meeting new dogs. The author tells the story from the point of view of Harry, the friendly dachshund. He instructs children to always ask before they pet a dog, and explains what it means when a dog is wagging his tail or growling. It's a straightforward book on dog etiquette for kids of any age.
Read along in this book to see the silly antics, moods, and expressions of three kittens and their mama. The simple story features a few pieces of repetition, so it's a great choice for preschoolers who'd like to “read” the book themselves. The hand-crafted illustrations are stunning and create a sense of texture on the pages. This is one you'll love to read again and again!
Elizabeth really wants a pet. Her parents aren't so keen on the idea, so they give her a cactus. It doesn't quite behave like the pet that Elizabeth wants to have. She keeps asking her parents for a horse, a dog, a cat, and several other possibilities. They finally find the perfect pet—a bug named Doug. This creative book will get older preschoolers and early elementary kids thinking about which kind of pet would be perfect for their family.
There's a lot you need to know before adopting a dog. Get a few smart hints in this book. A simple story runs throughout the book and each page has a tip or two for dog owners. Kids will learn about giving dogs a bath, feeding dogs, and training dogs. The mixed-media illustrations give the book a light and whimsical feel. Young kids, ages 3-8, can learn the basics of dog ownership from this book.
Richard the goldfish lives in a big tank in the kitchen, but where will the future take him? Will he eventually live in a big pond in the backyard? The story in this book is supplemented by several amazing facts about goldfish. The mixed-media illustrations blend beautiful colors together and support the story effortlessly. This is a nice pick for young children who may be interested in pets other than cats or dogs.
This classic Eric Carle story is perfect for young toddlers and new readers. In it, a little boy has lost his cat. He travels to several different places, but only finds a lion, a tiger, and other big cats. Finally, on the last page, he finds his missing pet! True to every Eric Carle book, the illustrations are colorful and eye-catching.
Never miss a beat.