Books by Theme

Dog Days

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. Discover all kinds of dogs in these recommended tales.

Dogzilla

Dogzilla

By: Dav Pilkey
Genre: Fiction
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. The titles tell it all!

Go, Dog, Go!

Go, Dog, Go!

By: P.D. Eastman
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Big dogs, little dogs, and all kinds of dogs are on the go throughout the pages of this surprising and funny classic easy reader. Illustrations use strong lines with muted colors to show playful mutts of all sizes in outrageous activities that keep beginning readers reading.

Good Dog Carl

Good Dog Carl

By: Alexandra Day
Genre: Fiction
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
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

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! (Recommended by David)

Henry and Mudge: The First Book

Henry and Mudge: The First Book

By: Cynthia Rylant
Illustrated by: Sucie Stevenson
Genre: Fiction
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
Genre: Fiction
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
Genre: Fiction
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
Genre: Fiction
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. 

The Great Gracie Chase

The Great Gracie Chase

By: Cynthia Rylant
Illustrated by: Mark Teague
Genre: Fiction
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
Genre: Fiction
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.

Proceeds from the sale of books purchased at Bookshop.org and Amazon.com help support the Reading Rockets project. Thank you!

We Are Storytellers promo

 

Space Rangers

Start with a Book: Read. Talk. Explore.

Sign up for our free newsletters about reading

Our Literacy Blogs

"Children are made readers on the laps of their parents." — Emilie Buchwald