The books Southern indie booksellers are recommending to readers everywhere!

Dogs

The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan by Jasmine Warga

A delightful tale of rescue dog Finnegan and cheetah cub Chase. Finnegan’s new family includes zookeeper Basma. When she needs a friend for the cheetah cub she’s training, Finnegan accompanies her to the zoo, finding friendship in an unlikely place. This is a story of soaring hope and kindness.

The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan by Jasmine Warga, (List Price: $18.99, Balzer + Bray, 9781250387189, March 2026)

Reviewed by Rae Ann, Parnassus Books in Nashville, Tennessee

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If We Were Dogs by Sophie Blackall

This book is a celebration of creativity when the narrator imagines what life would be like as a dog. It’s a delightful romp as well as a display of acceptance of other ideas.

If We Were Dogs by Sophie Blackall, (List Price: $18.99, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 9780316581721, September 2025)

Reviewed by Rae Ann Parker, Parnassus Books in Nashville, Tennessee

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Dog Show: Poems by Billy Collins

The poetry of Billy Collins never disappoints! A must read this holiday season. Even though I’m a cat person, I couldn’t put this book down. Readers will savor each and every poem along with the dog illustrations by Pamela Sztybel. A joyful read about man’s best friend.

Dog Show: Poems by Billy Collins, (List Price: $20, Random House, 9780593979419, November 2025)

Reviewed by Sheri Bancroft, novel. in Memphis, Tennessee

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Open Me…I’m a Dog by Art Spiegelman

Is this really a book, or is it actually a dog? Find out what happens when a dog chases a rabbit, gets lost in the woods, and is cursed by a witch. For kids who love dog stories and adventure and for parents who love adult humor in children’s books.

Open Me…I’m a Dog by Art Spiegelman, (List Price: $18.99, TOON Books, 9781662665486, October 2024)

Reviewed by Jenny Gilroy, E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia

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Puppy Talk by Penelope Dullaghan

Kids raised with pets in the home just instinctively know how to interact with animals. For others, there’s a bit of a learning curve, and this fabulous new book is simple enough for the youngest readers while detailed enough to remind anyone that animals DO talk, if people know how to listen.

Puppy Talk by Penelope Dullaghan, (List Price: $14.99, Nosy Crow, 9798887771021, September 2024)

Reviewed by Angie Tally, The Country Bookshop in Southern Pines, North Carolina

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They Call Me No Sam! by Drew Daywalt

This middle-grade debut from the author of The Day The Crayons Quit will captivate and delight readers. Sam is an adorable pug who takes protecting his new family very seriously. Things take a hilarious turn when Sam mistakes the neighbor for Medusa and the garbage men for pirates! Ultimately, Sam’s heart leads him in the right direction in this laugh-out-loud tale that gives readers a dog’s eye view of the world. For fans of The Eyes and the Impossible and Dog Squad.

They Call Me No Sam! by Drew Daywalt, (List Price: $15.99, Clarion Books, 9780358612902, June 2024)

Reviewed by Monie Henderson, Square Books in Oxford, Mississippi

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I Want 100 Dogs by Stacy McAnulty

Getting a new pet is always a delicate negotiation between the pet want-er and the ultimate pet-care-for-er. This delightful new tail tale from kids nonfiction genius Stacy McAnulty hilariously yet poignantly digs into the how, what, when, and why of pet ownership. Fun for anyone considering adding a furry family member.

I Want 100 Dogs by Stacy McAnulty, (List Price: $17.99, Chronicle Books, 9781797214405, October 2023)

Reviewed by Angie Tally, The Country Bookshop in Southern Pines, North Carolina

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Dogtown by Katherine Applegate

My eight-year-old daughter and I are savoring this sweet book. What a lovely tale of friendship triumphing in the face of competition for scarce resources. Very short chapters, and adorable characters, make this a great confidence booster for a reluctant reader. Wonderful messages about adopting animals into family for life as well.

Dogtown by Katherine Applegate, (List Price: 17.99, Feiwel & Friends, 9781250811608, September 2023)

Reviewed by Alissa Redmond, South Main Book Company in Salisbury, North Carolina

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A First Guide to Dogs: Understanding Your Very Best Friend by John Bradshaw

This is a fantastic book to give to a young reader who’s about to get their first dog! This book follows a day in the life of a terrier named Rusty, explaining how dogs live in the World of Smells, how dogs like to greet each other, how they communicate with us, and why they don’t like to be left alone. It’s very cute and fun to read and packed with important information!

A First Guide to Dogs: Understanding Your Very Best Friend by John Bradshaw, (List Price: 7.99, Penguin Workshop, 9780593521830, June 2023)

Reviewed by Kate Storhoff, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

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The Eyes and the Impossible by Dave Eggers

This is the story of Johannes, a wild dog who lives in the park. He runs his round because he is the Eyes for the keeper of the Equilibrium. He decides one day to gain a greater purpose and free his friends the bison. Though for children, I think this story would be enjoyed by anyone who has ever run and felt faster than the sun. Johannes is absolutely endearing, arrogant, feral, and free. Above all else, he’s free and wonderful. I found myself elated with every triumph and breathless with every close call. I loved it and was in tears by the beauty of the writing at the end. I absolutely cannot wait to recommend this to everyone I know. "To be alive is to go forth. So we go forth." Don’t let Johannes slip by you! He’s faster than light, so it might be hard.

The Eyes and the Impossible by Dave Eggers, (List Price: $18.99, Knopf Books for Young Readers, 9781524764203, May 2023)

Reviewed by Katlin Kerrison, Story On the Square in McDonough, Georgia

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Simon and the Better Bone by Corey R. Tabor

Just like Tabor’s wonderful Mel Fell, his newest picture book Simon and the Better Bone is a delight that plays with the very format of a book itself. A whimsical retelling of an Aesop fable, Simon gets into an argument with his reflection and soon learns where jealousy can lead. Vibrantly illustrated and simply told, Simon and the Better Bone is a perfect read-a-loud book!

Simon and the Better Bone by Corey R. Tabor, (List Price: 19.99, Balzer + Bray, 9780063275553, May 2023)

Reviewed by Caleb Masters, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

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Best Day Ever! by Marilyn Singer, Leah Nixon (Illus.)

Very sweet boy-and-puppy friendship story. Great gift for any child who’s just gotten a puppy.

Best Day Ever! by Marilyn Singer, Leah Nixon (Illus.) (List Price: $17.99, Clarion Books, 9781328987839, 5/25/2021)

Reviewed by Jill Hendrix, Fiction Addiction in Greenville, South Carolina

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Madeline Finn and the Therapy Dog by Lisa Papp

With beautiful illustrations and a sweet message about patience and caring, Madeline Finn and the Therapy Dog is an awesome picture book for kids 4-8 years old. This is the third “Madeline Finn” book (previous were the Library Dog and the Shelter Dog). In this one, little Madeline helps her dog train to visit nursing home residents and learns that some people need more time to make friends.

Madeline Finn and the Therapy Dog by Lisa Papp (List Price: $17.99, Peachtree Publishing Company, 9781682631492, 9/1/2020)

Reviewed by Serena Wyckoff, Copperfish Books in Punta Gorda, Florida

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Harry and the Guinea Pig by Gene Zion, Margaret Bloy Graham (illus)

This is a sweet and easy to read book, with adorable illustrations that teaches the importance of understanding jealousy.

Harry and the Guinea Pig by Gene Zion, Margaret Bloy Graham (illus) (List Price: $17.99, HarperCollins, 9780062747730, 1/5/2021)

Reviewed by Monica Hunasikatti, Fountain Bookstore in Richmond, Virginia

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