They are man’s best friend and no arguing that they are your kiddo’s besties too. Pups! Even if you don’t have a furry friend in your house, we’re betting you have one or all of these nine fictional dogs on your bookshelf. Scroll down to see our favorite, just in time for National #Puppy Day.
photo: patrick.fitzpatrick8523 via flickr
1. Clifford the Big Red Dog
This giant lovable dog is now the star of a series of books and a cartoon, but we first got to know him the original story Clifford the Big Red Dog. Re-introduce yourself to Clifford and Emily Elizabeth with the classic book that started it all.
Ages: 4-8
2. Harry the Dirty Dog
When a dog gets so dirty his own family can’t recognize him, it’s definitely time for a bath. Harry, a white dog with black spots, transforms into a very dirty dog as he explores the city in this children’s classic that has endured for more than 50 years.
Ages: 4-8 years
photo: Quinn Dombrowski via flickr
3. Spot
This beloved doggie is a childhood staple and with the entire series available in board book form, Spot has helped thousands of kids learn to read! Spot Goes to the Park and Spot Loves His Mommy are super popular but we can’t stop loving on the original, Where’s Spot?
Ages: 1-3
photo: Lea Ann Belter via flickr
4. Lady and the Tramp
If you and the kiddos have already watched this film on repeat you be sure and the Little Golden Book edition is like the Cliffsnote version perfect for bedtime. Sweet Lady Dog and scampy Tramp are a match made in heaven, just like your kiddos and this book.
Ages: 3-7
photo: Cesar Ojeda via flickr
5. The Poky Little Puppy
Little puppies who dig holes under fences do not get dessert: except one. The Poky Little Puppy’s lagtime rewards him with leftover sweets for days in a row, until it finally doesn’t. This charming Little Golden Book belongs on every child’s shelf.
Ages: 2-5
photo: Adam Tuttle via flickr
6. Walter the Farting Dog
Walter is such a good dog, except for one problem. He has terrible gas. This story will crack you and the kiddos up, because you know what are funny? Farts.
Ages: 5-9 years
photo: Jeremy Wong via flickr
7. Pluto
Mickey’s faithful companion has been around since 1930 and graces the screen of many a Disney film. He also makes cameos in the picture-book adaptations of popular movies like The Prince and the Pauper as well as any of the books based on Mickey Mouse’s Clubhouse, like Pluto’s Best.
Ages: 3-5
8. Snoopy
Or should we say, the Red Baron? While you and the kiddos might know him best from the latest Peanuts movie or the classics like It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, Snoopy was the co-star of the Peanuts comic strip for years before his animation debut. He also stars in a ton of books including Snoopy Takes Off and the collection of Snoopy-isms and favorite cartoons by Charles Schulz, Keep Calm and Do the Snoopy Dance.
Ages: 5 and up
photo: Alpha via flickr
9. Paw Patrol Pups
Whether your kiddo is into Marshall, Chase, Skye or one of the other canine crew of Paw Patrol, the popular cartoon has also been turned into many books including an early reader phonics series (Paw Patrol Step into Reading) which is available as a box set.
Ages: 3-7
Who is your favorite storybook pup? Tell us in the comments below.
