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TOP TEN BOOKS TO GET A NEW PAW-SPECTIVE BY MARGIE MYERS-CULVER AND VICTORIA J. COE
As a librarian and an author, the two of us have bonded over a mutual love of books. Or more accurately, a love of books and DOGS. And of course, dog books!
We’re both crazy for dog books — stories that make us laugh, tug at our heartstrings, or let us consider life from the other end of the leash. We could easily make an endless list of tail-wagging titles!
But in honor of National Pet Month this May, we decided to create a list of very particular dog books – those that help us better understand our canine companions.
These books – both fiction and non-fiction – show us how dogs experience everyday life. They are books that allow us to become more compassionate toward dogs, other animals, and the rest of the natural world.
We believe that reading books from or about a dog’s perspective can even help us be better friends. Because when we realize there are at least two sides to every story, we can be more open to others. We become better listeners. We are more curious to hear each other’s views.
No bones about it, dogs have so much to teach us. Check out one or all ten of these titles and get a new paw-spective!
Picture Books
Non-fiction
If You Were a Dog: How Dogs Think, Feel, and Experience the World by Clare Hibbert
This user-friendly picture book allows the reader to imagine life as a dog – how you’d think, how you’d experience the world around you, and how you’d communicate. Each spread features adorable doggy photos, colorful text boxes, and Q & A bubbles that make learning about a dog’s point of view fun and accessible.
It’s a Dog’s Life: How Man’s Best Friend Sees, Hears, and Smells the World
by Susan E. Goodman with illustrations by David Slonim
Facts about the ins and outs of dogs’ history, how they see, hear, smell, taste or convey moods and messages are woven into the text in a confiding tone as if your true-blue canine companion has decided to let you in on the scoop of the century. Humorous undertones and comic images add tail-waggin’ goodness to the straightforward, no-nonsense delivery. At the end, five pages include a human viewpoint, an author’s note, and a bibliography of selected author favorite titles.
Fiction
How to Be a Dog written and illustrated by Jo Williamson
This humorous “how to” teaches readers the finer points of doggy etiquette, such as greeting your human by knocking him over and slobbering him silly, and welcoming visitors with a nose to the crotch. It also offers great tips on training (manipulating) your human by pretending you haven’t been fed and/or by learning tricks! And most important of all is the assurance that it’s fun to be a dog, especially when you have a human best friend to love.
I’m My Own Dog written and illustrated by David Ezra Stein
This picture book starts with one confident canine who’s happily independent. Until a human happens along right when his itchy back is in desperate need of a scratch! Soon, the dog teaches this new human how to behave and (spoiler alert) he grows “attached to the little fella.” I’m My Own Dog is an engaging look at the dog’s side of the adoption story.
Ragweed’s Farm Dog Handbook written and illustrated by Anne Vittur Kennedy
With liberal doses of hilarity, a dog’s point of view is portrayed with absolute clarity by none other than master rule-bender Ragweed. As each animal on the farm is discussed along with their duties, dogs are encouraged not to partake in the same actions. On the other paw, Ragweed, constant seeker of biscuits, has learned (and earned) the results if proper decorum is not followed. The use of repetition invites readers and listeners to participate.
Spike: Ugliest Dog in the Universe written and illustrated by Debra Frasier
Can you imagine being entered in an Ugliest Dog in the Universe contest and winning? Spike suffers this humiliation as well as being tied to his porch and abandoned by his humans. Thankfully, the boy next door takes him in, but the boy’s mom believes Spike should be taken to the shelter. Spike’s voice gets to the heart of a dog’s place in our lives, especially the beauty of canine adoption.
Middle Grade
Non-fiction
Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know (Young Readers Edition) by Alexandra Horowitz
This book is the ultimate resource for middle grade readers on the science of dogs –what they know, how they think, and how they communicate. Each chapter opens with a loving anecdote about the author’s own dog and then discusses the science behind that particular behavior. Loaded with amazing scientific information, the book is also infused with Dr. Horowitz’s obvious passion and respect for our canine best friends.
My Dog!: A Kids’ Guide To Keeping A Happy & Healthy Pet
by Michael J. Rosen with veterinary consultant Dr. John Gordon, DVM
You will have to look hard and long to find a better book on everything about dogs. This guide offers easy-to-understand explanations on the topics All About Dogs, Training Center, Doggy Care (example chapter headings of Your Well-Socialized Dog, Exercise, Tricks, and Play, Chow Time for Chow Hounds, Your Clean, Well-Groomed, Well-Handled Dog, Your Safe and Healthy Dog) Field Guide, and Reference, as if in one-on-one conversations with the reader. There are Words for the WISE DOG in small circular asides, bulleted lists, Ask Your K-9 Coach (with spot-on questions and answers), framed column insets, and lots of realistic and comical illustrations. This is a must have for all library, classroom, and personal collections; it’s Margie’s new canine bible.
Fiction
Ribsy by Beverly Cleary
The trusty sidekick of Henry Huggins, Ribsy is just the average well-adjusted pooch – until he gets his own book! We feel Ribsy’s torment over an annoying flea, we cheer his strategy for getting rid of Ramona, and we share his worry that his family will drive away without him in the brand-new station wagon. Suddenly, the average well-adjusted pooch is a real, three-dimensional character we love and appreciate for his unique perspective and endearing personality.
Spunky Tells All by Ann Cameron with illustrations by Caldecott Honor winner Lauren Castillo
Spunky’s life couldn’t be better living with the Bates family, especially his best friend, Huey. As Spunky explains his own outstanding attributes (which are not always understood), he forgives the humans for not speaking DOG, in exchange for a shared love. When a misunderstanding leads to the acquisition of a new family member, nothing in Spunky’s life is the same.
And because Margie insists that every “Top Ten” should include a bonus title…
Fenway and Hattie by Victoria J. Coe
This book reads with such an astute compassion for and comprehension about dogs, Victoria must be part canine. Fetch Man, Food Lady and Hattie, Fenway’s human family, move from the city to the suburbs. At their new home, the Dog Park (fenced-in backyard) is full of Evil Squirrels instead of dogs, the Eating Place floor is wickedly slippery, and worst of all, Hattie prefers playing with her new human companion. Fenway is baffled, but he is on the job to make things right – a true professional until the final page.
Victoria J. Coe is a voracious reader, writing teacher, and author of the middle grade novel Fenway and Hattie (Putnam/Penguin, February 2016). She lives with her family on the outskirts of Boston where she and her dog are always on the lookout for delivery trucks. And squirrels. Follow her on Twitter @victoriajcoe.
Margie Myers-Culver was born holding a book, following a way of life as a certified teacher librarian fostering life-long reading and an adept gathering and use of information for her students and staff. She currently resides in Missoula, Montana, but her heart still remains in her home state of Michigan where she lived for more than sixty years. She was happy to call Xena her chocolate Labrador retriever best friend for more than fifteen years. Follow her on Twitter @Loveofxena.
Canine lover here! So many great titles to read. I LOVE Ragweed. That was so hilarious with a perfect voice :).
So glad that you found great titles here. I LOVE Ragweed too. And when laughter is involved it’s a whole lot better.
Great list! I recently read Ragweed’s Guide and it was SO FUNNY! Wolf Camp, which just came out last week, is another funny, honest depiction of dog antics.
Thank you Jess. We had a lot of fun working on this project. I’m glad you enjoyed Ragweed too. I have Wolf Camp on order. I am looking forward to reading it and laughing.
What a great list, including several that are new to me. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Thank you Joanne! I hope you are able to get the titles that are new to you. And you are welcome.
LOVE this list! Two others to consider that are awesome picture books about dealing with dogs are: “Please Don’t Lick The Dog (Making Friends with Dogs)” by Wendy Wahman, and “Hannah and Sugar” by Kate Berube. Both are beautifully illustrated and give a little gentle guidance about meeting and interacting with our canine friends!
Thank you, Elizabeth! We found so many amazing PBs, it was nearly impossible to choose. Will definitely check out your suggestions!
Hello Beth~
Thank you for your recommendations. I did a post on Hannah and Sugar yesterday and I completely agree. The other title is new to me. Hooray for another dog book!
I like this list
Many thanks!
It’s a pleasure
Thank you! We had a great time putting it together.
It’s a pleasure for me.
Yikes! I’ve only read 3 of these.
This is a true compliment! There are not many books – dog POV or otherwise – that Mr. Sharp has yet to read! Many thanks, Colby!
We will have to fix that Colby. ☺☺☺ I have more than 220 in my collection of dog books.
Great list, thank you. Don’t forget Hairy Maclary !
Thank you for this great suggestion! We could have easily included hundreds of books on this list! It was hard to decide on 10 (or 11 in Margie’s case!). We were striving for a mix of books both from or about a dog’s POV in a variety of categories.
I will definitely seek out some of these. Thanks.
Thank you for the suggestion. And thank you for reading our choices.
Wow – awesome list Margie and Vicki – two great dog lovers and dog book. readers.
So honored to have MY DOG! featured on this list! And to have it as your “must have” book for reference. I do love that book…and wish I could get it into the hands of every family adopting or rescuing a dog. I’d be happy to work with you to donate copies…draw dogs…do something to raise money, awareness—any good effort. You can always reach me at fidosopher at yahoo, MMC! MJR
Hello Michael~ Thank you for stopping by our Nerdy Club post and taking the time to leave a comment. I love the book too. It reads so well. It’s the best book about dogs I have read that can be used by all ages. I too would like to get it into the hands of more people bringing dogs into their homes. I will most definitely be reaching out to you. A plan is already blooming in my mind. Margie
When I saw that the two of you were the authors of this post, I knew it would be good, and I knew it would be about dogs. 🙂 I like the angle you took here. It would be so easy to just compile a list of good “dog books”, but choosing both fiction and nonfiction with a dog’s perspective was very clever, and I appreciate your point about how reading these books can make us more compassionate to our human and canine friends.
Lots of books here that are new to me. I look forward to reading them.