Dogs

A Pack of Your Own by Maria Nilsson Thore Read More »

This heartfelt story made for kids can easily deeply resonate with anyone who has ever felt out of place or alone. It beautifully captures the longing to find a friend, especially when you don’t quite fit into the spaces around you. It’s sweet, comforting, and visually delightful.

A Pack of Your Own by Maria Nilsson Thore, (List Price: $10.99, Pushkin Children’s Books, 9781782695325, March 2026)

Reviewed by Jess, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, NC

Wombat Waiting by Katherine Applegate

Animals, Children, Disasters, Dogs, Emotions & Feelings, Environment, Friendship, Juvenile Fiction, Nature, Science & Nature

Wombat Waiting by Katherine Applegate Read More »

Absolute perfection. I am a sucker for a novel in verse, and Katherine Applegate is a master of the genre. She packs so much action, empathy, and emotional depth into those short passages. I’m in awe. And – I’M IN LOVE WITH WOMBAT. This charming story about a stray dog, a displaced boy, a small owl, and a lonely bat is one that will absolutely win you over. It will be a great ‘bridge’ book for kids moving out of early chapter books into more robust novels.

Wombat Waiting by Katherine Applegate, (List Price: $19.99, Storytide, 9780063221178, May 2026)

Reviewed by Kate, Plaid Elephant Books in Danville, Kentucky

The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan by Jasmine Warga

Animals, Bestsellers, Children, Dogs, Juvenile Fiction

The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan by Jasmine Warga Read More »

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

Ruthie by Esmé Shapiro

Ruthie by Esmé Shapiro Read More »

Calling all royal dreamers, explorers, and butterberry pancake lovers! This whimsically illustrated picture book tells a charming tale of friendship and the cozy joys of home. Prince Ruthie leaves their beloved queen behind to explore the kingdom beyond their castle. As journeying into the unknown is not without its dangers, Ruthie soon finds themselves missing the comforts of home and mostly, their loving queen. Ruthie may just have to rely on the help of their loyal subjects (or newfound friends?) to once again return home to their queen. The gentle humor and warmth of the story shine through the softness of Shapiro’s illustrations. Share this delightful story with your favorite friend over a slice of three-year-old cake.

Ruthie by Esmé Shapiro, (List Price: $18.99, Tundra Books, 9781774885659, March 2026)

Reviewed by Laura, Bookmiser in Marietta, Georgia

If We Were Dogs by Sophie Blackall

Animals, Bestsellers, Dogs, Friendship, Imagination & Play, Juvenile Fiction

If We Were Dogs by Sophie Blackall Read More »

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

Dog Show: Poems by Billy Collins

Adult Nonfiction, American, Animals & Nature, Bestsellers, Dogs, Pets, Poetry

Dog Show: Poems by Billy Collins Read More »

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

Open Me…I’m a Dog by Art Spiegelman

Animals, Children, Dogs, Juvenile Fiction, Picture Books

Open Me…I’m a Dog by Art Spiegelman Read More »

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

Puppy Talk by Penelope Dullaghan

Animals, Childrens, Dogs, Juvenile Fiction

Puppy Talk by Penelope Dullaghan Read More »

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

They Call Me No Sam! by Drew Daywalt

Animals, Childrens, Dogs, Juvenile Fiction

They Call Me No Sam! by Drew Daywalt Read More »

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

I Want 100 Dogs by Stacy McAnulty

I Want 100 Dogs by Stacy McAnulty Read More »

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

Dogtown by Katherine Applegate

Dogtown by Katherine Applegate Read More »

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

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

Animals, Children, Dogs, Juvenile Nonfiction

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

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

The Eyes and the Impossible by Dave Eggers

Action & Adventure, Animals, Children, Dogs, Friendship, Juvenile Fiction

The Eyes and the Impossible by Dave Eggers Read More »

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

Simon and the Better Bone by Corey R. Tabor