I Am Not a Dog Toy


Ethan T. Berlin - 2021
    Bear couldn't be more excited to play with the girl, but she is a little less than enthused. In fact, she throws him into the dog's water bowl. Splash! Bear doesn't take the hint. Dog, however, is very excited to play with Bear. But Bear insists he is not a dog toy, he is a kid's toy. So he keeps trying to get the girl's attention... to no avail. Will Bear ever realize that Dog is the better friend?Kids making friends will see that friendship isn't really friendship unless it's reciprocated in this hilarious and sweet picture book.

No Room for a Pup!


Elizabeth Suneby - 2019
    But according to her mom, there is just NO ROOM in their very small apartment. Then one day, when she and her grandma are visiting a friend who is giving away puppies, Mia falls in love with a small spotted pup who crawls into her lap. She knows she just has to convince her mom to let her keep him! With help from Grandma --- and some of her pet-owning friends --- can Mia show her mom how much room there really is in their apartment?In this charming picture book from Elizabeth Suneby and Laurel Molk, an I-want-a-dog story meets the Yiddish folk tale about how things could always be worse --- to comic effect! With a narrative and illustrations that are action-packed, this is a terrific read-aloud. The timely messages about the importance of gratitude for what one has, the need for generosity and the inclusion of others --- “there's always room for one more” --- resonate. This book makes a wonderful social studies resource for discussions about families and communities, with an intergenerational storyline full of endearing characters --- Mia, her mother and her grandmother live in the same apartment building, along with a diverse cast of neighbors. It also works for character education lessons on kindness, perseverance and initiative.

The Bear Ate Your Sandwich


Julia Sarcone-Roach - 2015
    . . . A sly classic-in-the-making for fans of Jon Klassen, Peter Brown, and Mo Willems. By now I think you know what happened to your sandwich. But you may not know how it happened.So let me tell you.It all started with the bear . . .   So begins Julia Sarcone-Roach’s delicious tale of a bear, lost in the city, who happens upon an unattended sandwich in the park. The bear’s journey from forest to city and back home again is full of happy accidents, funny encounters, and sensory delights. The story is so engrossing, it’s not until the very end that we begin to suspect this is a TALL tale.   The wonderfully told story, spectacular illustrations, and surprise ending make this Julia Sarcone-Roach’s best book to date. You’ll want to share it with your friends (and keep a close eye on your lunch).

Dog in Charge


K.L. Going - 2011
    . . 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.

Lulu is a Rhinoceros


Jason Flom - 2018
    But sometimes, being yourself can be a difficult road to walk. And just when all hope seems lost, Lulu finds a small friend that makes a big difference in her life when she realizes that the courage to be herself has been inside of her all along... The first picture book in its series, Lulu is Rhinoceros takes readers on an adventure through the big city to fetch and retrieve the most important possession Lulu owns-her identity! With adorable and vibrant artwork by the inimitable illustrator Sophie Corrigan, Lulu is a Rhinoceros explores social themes addressing individuality, tolerance, and most importantly, acceptance-with laughter and excitement throughout! ***A portion of all proceeds will be donated to the African Wildlife Foundation to help protect Africa's endangered wildlife and sustain the invaluable environment they live in*** ABOUT THE AUTHORS Jason Flom Jason Flom is the CEO of Lava Records and Lava Music Publishing, having previously served as Chairman and CEO at Atlantic Records, Virgin Records, and Capitol Music Group. During this time in the music business, he has been personally responsible for discovering and launching all-star musical icons such as Kid Rock, Katy Perry, and Lorde, among many others. Jason is also an active philanthropist as the founding board member of the Innocence Project, and as board member of Families Against Mandatory Minimums, The Legal Action Center, The Drug Policy Alliance, The Anti-Recidivism Coalition, the NYU Prison Education Program and VetPaw. He is currently the host of the podcast Wrongful Conviction with 46.2k followers on Instagram (@itsjasonflom) Allison Flom Allison Flom is a New York City based storyteller. Her work explores themes of identity, justice, and human rights.

The Pigeon Wants a Puppy!


Mo Willems - 2008
    He'll take really good care of it! What's the matter--don't you want him to be happy?The latest book in the best-selling Pigeon series is the funniest one yet.

She Wanted to Be Haunted


Marcus Ewert - 2020
    . . bright pink, with windows that wink, and flowers growing all around. But Clarissa doesn't want to be adorable--being cute is boring.Couldn't she be like her father, a creepy castle home to vampires and crypts? Or like her mother, a witch's hut full of spells and smells? If only she were haunted! Then she'd be less ordinary . . . What will it take for Clarissa to go from adorable to horrible?

The Dog Who Wanted to Fly


Kathy Stinson - 2019
    All Zora wants to do is learn how to fly so she can catch that pesky squirrel in her yard. But try as she might to prove to her friend Tully--a skeptical cat--that dogs truly can fly, nothing seems to work. Until Zora finds the right motivation, that is. Kathy Stinson's charming story of perseverance is beautifully brought to life by Brandon James Scott's exuberant and wonderfully expressive illustration. Touching on themes of optimism and determination in the face of failure, The Dog Who Wanted to Fly is a book anyone--even a cat--will love.

Good Rosie


Kate DiCamillo - 2018
    She likes taking walks with George and looking at the clouds together, but the closest she comes to another dog is when she encounters her reflection in her empty dog bowl, and sometimes that makes Rosie feel lonely. One day George takes Rosie to the dog park, but the park is full of dogs that Rosie doesn’t know, which makes her feel lonelier than ever. When big, loud Maurice and small, yippy Fifi bound over and want to play, Rosie’s not sure how to respond. Is there a trick to making friends? And if so, can they all figure it out together?

Arthur's New Puppy


Marc Brown - 1993
    Arthur is thrilled when he gets a new puppy. He's had a lot of experience with pets so he knows they're as much work as they are fun. Even so, when Pal tears the living room apart, wets on everything, and refuses to wear his leash, Arthur gets worried. His parents are unhappy with Pal's behavior and even D.W. seems ready to banish the boisterous puppy to the garage. What if Arthur can't control Pal-and Pal gets sent away to live on a farm?Readers of all ages will laugh out loud as they follow Pal's progress from mischievious scamp to dog show material under the loving guidance of his owner, Arthur.

Doggone Dogs!


Karen Beaumont - 2008
    But when our lovable pups get nabbed by the Super Duper Pooper Scooper Pet Patrol? Well, you'll just have to read it to find out what happens next. Karen Beaumont's swift, bouncy counting text and David Catrow's singular knack for creating mischievous, lovable, and delightfully ungainly dogs make this an exuberant and satisfying read-aloud. Kids of all ages are sure to have it on heavy rotation.

Bark, George


Jules Feiffer - 1999
    "Bark, George," says George's mother, and George goes: "Meow," which definitely isn't right, because George is a dog.And so is his mother, who repeats, "Bark, George." And George goes, "Quack, quack."What's going on with George? Find out in this hilarious new picture book from Jules Feiffer.

No!


Marta Altés - 2011
    Simple, short and punchy, this is a picture book children (and adults) will want to read again and again.

Harry and the Lady Next Door


Gene Zion - 1960
    Every time Harry tries to stop her, he gets in trouble! Can Harry solve the neighborhood′s problem before he′s sent to the doghouse?This is an irresistible story featuring a classic picture book character, especially perfect for young dog lovers and fans of Harry the Dirty Dog.For more fun with Harry the Dirty Dog, don't miss No Roses for Harry! and Harry by the Sea.

"Let's Get a Pup!" Said Kate


Bob Graham - 2001
    After her cat, Tiger, dies, Kate needs another companion to love, someone to keep her feet warm at night. "Let's get a pup!" she proclaims as she bounces in bed with Mom and Dad. The young parents are quite cool with the idea and scan the papers until they find a Rescue Center. There they find a wide assortment of pooches: "sniffers, sleepers...fighters and biters...happy dogs, sad dogs." And then they see Dave. Dave is perfect -- small, cute, and brand-new. Content to leave with the new member of the family, they spot another dog, Rosy, who is old and gray and can barely stand up. But, as Graham so beautifully states, "she radiated Good Intention." Now they want Rosy too, but they can't save every dog, right? So, they reluctantly leave. That night the family can barely sleep, and only due in part to Dave's crying. They know what they have to do -- they go to the shelter and get Rosy.Graham uses pen-and-ink and watercolor to reveal the close-knit and very hip family. With Mom's tattoo and nose ring, and Dad's ear-pierced, funky look, this parental duo reflects the times. And their house, filled with the tiny details that make up our lives, makes for cozy reading. Uneaten toast on the counter, with shoes and toys strewn on the floor, will be familiar to young readers who don't have Donna Reed as a mother. Graham's signature watercolors are a perfect match for this easygoing and loving group. The text also complements the pace of the story. When they see their new pup, the name "Dave" is in bold, and is the only word on the page. And when they leave Rosy behind, white space and a minimum of words convey their heartbreaking decision.With expert storytelling and humorously endearing illustrations, Graham once again creates a loving family with unconventional folks. Their love of pups, and each other, is sure to tug at the heartstrings of every young reader. (Amy Barkat)