Be Gentle With the Dog, Dear!


Matthew J. Baek - 2008
    Baby Elisa loves Tag, the family dog. She loves to squeeze him, and pull his tail, and tackle him. Tag loves Elisa too—especially when she’s sleeping. Elisa’s parents tell her, “You must be gentle with the dog, dear.” But this is easier said than done. What’s a good dog to do? With spare, pithy text and laugh-out-loud illustrations, debut author/illustrator Matthew J. Baek brilliantly captures the warmth, frustration, and rampant comedy of life with a toddler and the object of her delight. Whether the pursued or the pursuer, any kid with a pet or sibling will love this tale of two characters who share a true regard, and learn— with much hilarity along the way—the right way to show it.

Sleepy Book


Charlotte Zolotow - 1958
    Simple, lyrical language reveals a world peacefully asleep -- from bears in their dark caves to caterpillars in their silky cocoons, to dogs lying near someone they love. Stefano Vitale's luminous illustrations evoke the serenity of that moment when "the night comes and the wind whispers gently in the trees and the stars sparkle and shine."

The Pocket Dogs


Margaret Wild - 2000
    Pockets carries his two small dogs, Biff and Buff, everywhere he goes in the big pockets of his coat. But when Biff pokes his foot through a hole in the coat, the hole grows bigger and bigger, and he soon finds that he is lost. Full-color illustrations.

No, No, Kitten!


Shelley Moore Thomas - 2015
    She also wants a helmet and lasers and a puppy (!). And she wants to go to Jupiter, with that helmet, those lasers, and said puppy—don’t underestimate her. This witty picture book, about longing for what’s just out of reach, will appeal to both girls and boys who’ve always wanted to do the impossible. NO, NO, KITTEN! takes flight on the power of imagination and one feline’s ambitious dreams.

Winnie Waldorf


Kati Hites - 2015
    He just can't help himself! When Winnie's older sister, Sara, gets furious at Waldorf for breaking her violin, Winnie and Waldorf must be on their best behavior--it would be the worst thing ever if Waldorf were replaced by a cat!In this hilarious story full of sweet illustrations, Kati Hites brings to life the charming relationship and friendship between Winnie and Waldorf, which will have young readers laughing out loud at every page.

Dogs on the Bed


Elizabeth Bluemle - 2008
    Dog owners will recognize the familiar shenanigans pets engage in at bedtime: stretching out sideways, barking at outside noises no one else can hear, whining to be let out (and in again) all night long. But demands aside, adored dogs are still the coziest comforters around.

Night Lights


Susan Gal - 2009
    Susan Gal tells the story of a child s evening routine through all the different kinds of lights that shine in the night. From the porch light by the front door, to the firelight (and firefly light!) of a backyard cookout, and the candles on a cake, everything seems to glow in this warm and cozy book. When the lightning of a sudden summer storm sends the action inside, there is light there too a bedside light to read by, a flashlight to make shadows with, a night-light to keep you company, and the moonlight for sweet dreams. This reassuring reflection of a child s world makes a wonderful bedtime story, and would be sure to soothe any lingering fears of the dark. A warm, friendly, shining debut from a very talented new author-illustrator."

Dog Food


Saxton Freymann - 2002
    Now with DOG FOOD, the duo turns its talents to the canine realm, wittily reworking familiar doggy phrases for a whole new level of humor and meaning. These pepper pooches and mango mutts are guaranteed to charm dog owners, dog lovers, and even -- dare we say it -- cat fans. Chow down!

No Dogs Allowed!


Linda Ashman - 2011
    Will Alberto find a way to win them back?Charming, classic art, with graphic novel-like panels, make this a fresh and funny story that will amuse even the youngest readers. Included on the Texas 2 x 2 Reading List!

The One and Only Wolfgang: From pet rescue to one big happy family


Steve Greig - 2019
    Greig looked for the most “unadoptable” animals and gave them a home—his home! Strange and unique, The One and Only Wolfgang will remind readers that no matter how old or how odd, everyone has a place where they belong. Families will enjoy the unique, whimsical art from Nadja Sarell combined with comical photographs of the Wolfgang.Perfect for children, ages 4-8Kids will love reading about the loveable animals featured on Steve Greig’s Instagram, @Wolfgang2242 - over 900k followersChildren will learn about love, friendship and family

The Cake That Mack Ate


Rose Robart - 1987
    With a new spin on an old theme (remember "The House That Jack Built"?), this jolly story is the perfect picture-book choice for beginning readers.

Hooray for Kids!


Suzanne Lang - 2016
    Whether you’re a play-a-lot-of-ball kid, a hang-out-at-the-mall kid, a bake-delicious-pie kid, or an always-asking-why kid . . . when you read this book, you’ll be a laughing-till-you-cry kid! Children can find themselves in the hilarious menagerie and recognize their friends and classmates. The subtle anti-bullying message will make this a welcome addition to classroom libraries.

That New Animal


Emily Jenkins - 2005
    . . for two dogsFudgeFudge does not like that new animal. Marshmallow does not like it either. Not even a little bit. So begins this forthright, hilarious, and boldly illustrated story about two dogs that see the arrival of a new baby as a huge problem. They don't like the way that new animal smells or the way the people just sit and stare at it, forgetting all about FudgeFudge and Marshmallow. They have to do something about it, but what? Then one morning a stranger named Grandpa arrives, and he wants to hold that new animal. Instantly FudgeFudge and Marshmallow know they can't allow that. Why? they ask each other. Because, by now, that new animal has become their new animal.A picture book that speaks with wise and knowing humor to every parent and child who has welcomed or resisted an addition to the family.  That New Animal is a 2005 Boston Globe - Horn Book Award Honor Book for Picture Books.

Nipper and the Lunchbox


Lucy Dillamore - 2018
    But when he realizes one morning that Richard has left his lunchbox behind, Nipper sets off on a difficult journey to deliver it. Will Nipper find Richard in time? Will he survive the many dangers along the way? And what will happen when he gets there? A touching story from a new talent about the power of determination and the strength of true friendship.

It's Duffy Time!


Audrey Wood - 2012
    In addition, as we follow Duffy through his gentle adventures, a clock is cleverly tucked into each illustration, showing children the time of day-and helping them learn how to tell time!Like most pugs, Duffy loves to sleep, and from the time he wakes for breakfast to the time he prepares for bed, Duffy's day is punctuated by delicious naps: the Before Breakfast Nap; the After Breakfast Nap; the Late Morning Nap; and so on. When his best friend, a playful girl, comes home from school, Duffy helps her with her homework, follwed by his Early Evening Nap.With their typical wry humor, the Woods end their story with Duffy and his friend wearing matching pajamas in bed, reading a book. Is Duffy sleepy now? Of course not.