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Books by Theme

Dog Days Stories

The long, hot days of August are often called "dog days," but dog days can be any time you read about the canine adventures of man's best friend. Meet Dogzilla, enjoy the antics of canine sleuths, and discover a dog who speaks in these recommended tales for kids ages 0-9.

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Dogzilla
Dogzilla
By: Dav Pilkey
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

What will the inhabitants of Mousopolis do when invaded by Dogzilla, the larger-than-life (but harmless looking) pooch? Can they reclaim their town before it's chewed to bits? Collages using photographs and paintings illustrate this zany parody of old horror films. Those who enjoy Dogzilla may also appreciate Kat Kong (Harcourt, 1993); the titles tell it all!

Go Dog Go!
Go Dog Go!
By: P.D. Eastman
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

With Seuss-like silliness and a clipped rhyme with lots of repetition, dogs of all sizes and hues race through the pages of this ever-popular easy-to-read book. The absurd but concrete text is illustrated with energy and humor in this jaunty book.

Good Dog Carl
Good Dog Carl
By: Alexandra Day
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Pre-Reader

A lovable Rottweiler named Carl has everthing under control while Mom steps out on an errand. Or does he?

Harry the Dirty Dog
Harry the Dirty Dog
By: Gene Zion
Illustrated by: Margaret Bloy Graham
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Recommended by David – Harry was a white dog with black spots – until he slid down the coal chute. Then he became a black dog with white spots. When my mother read me this story, I still remember worrying that the family would never recognize Harry. But lo and behold, Harry digs up the scrubber brush and they finally give him a bath. Great illustrations, fun story, happy memories!

Henry & Mudge: The First Book
Henry & Mudge: The First Book
By: Cynthia Rylant
Illustrated by: Sucie Stevenson
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

There are no other kids on Henry's block so his parents agree that a dog to play with will ease Henry's loneliness. This is the start of an unforgettable friendship between a boy and a big pooch named Mudge.

Let's Get a Pup! Said Kate
Let's Get a Pup! Said Kate
By: Bob Graham
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Her parents are receptive to Kate’s suggestion, "Let’s get a pup!" and head to the shelter. They bring home a puppy, but ultimately return to add Rosey, an older dog, to their family. Line and wash illustrations depict a very contemporary and loving family with wit and compassion.

Martha Speaks
Martha Speaks
By: Susan Meddaugh
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

When Martha, a slightly frumpy white and brown mutt, eats alphabet soup, the letters go to her head not to her stomach. The result is the first in a series of very funny adventures with a talking dog and her sometimes flummoxed human family.

New Pup on the Block
New Pup on the Block
By: Susan Saunders
Illustrated by: Henry Cole
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Can Tracker, Fritz, Sheena, and Jake find Rosie before the dogcatcher finds them all? The quest starts when Rosie heads back to the city to find her former owner. Each puppy has his or her distinct personality; each lives with loving humans in Buxton, a small town where Rosie comes to live, too. The canine sleuths are captivating in this and other books in the series. Black and white sketches throughout enhance the dogs' individuality.

The Great Gracie Chase
The Great Gracie Chase
By: Cynthia Rylant
Illustrated by: Mark Teague
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Gracie Rose is an obedient dog who likes her home just as it is: comfy and quiet. When Gracie barks to tell intruding house painters to leave, she is put outside and so begins the Great Gracie Chase, which eventually involves the entire town! The illustrations use flat colors and rounded forms to convey the circular chase that's led by an appealing dog who finds her way back home.

Walter's Tail
Walter's Tail
By: Lisa Campbell
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Mrs. Tully's puppy, Walter, is friendly and happy. His wagging tail is fine while he's small but when Walter grows into large dog, the folks in town dread seeing Mrs. Tully and Walter's tail coming. Sad and despondent, Mrs. Tully and Walter talk a long walk out of town where Mrs. Tully slips into trouble and Walter's tail becomes an asset. Line and wash illustrations effectively convey the mood and movement of this familiar and appealing story.

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