WOOF! Barktastic Children's Books about Dogs

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Anybody else think dogs are magical? Dogs have the ability to lift our spirits, help us see the joy all around us, and make us feel like the most loved people in the world! This barktastic list is for all the dog lovers out there. These children's books honor the joy dogs bring along with the meaningful life lessons they teach, and the loving memories made that last a lifetime.

"Over the years I have felt the truest, purest love -- the love of God, really, I imagine that's what God's love feels like -- is the love that comes from your dog." ~ Oprah Winfrey

From Academy Award-winning Filmmaker Spike Lee and his wife, Beacon Award-winning producer Tonya Lewis Lee comes an energetic picture book full of tail-wagging fun.

Away from the gate,

puppy puppy, please, puppy.

Oh wait, puppy, wait,

please, please, please,

please...

What happens when a couple of high-energy toddlers meet their match in an adventurous pup who has no plans of letting up? Irresistible illustrations by Coretta Scott King Award winner Kadir Nelson unleash countless memorable moments of toddlerhood and puppyhood, which families with four-legged friends will enjoy over and over again.

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Throughout their father's twenty-two month campaign for president, Malia and Sasha Obama begged their parents for a dog.

Finally, when their father became the 44th President of the United States, he rewarded their patience and good behavior in his victory speech: "Malia and Sasha will get their new puppy."

Would the girls choose a Foxhound like President George Washington's? Or a chocolate Labrador Retriever like the Clintons'? Maybe a shelter dog?

Finally, on February 25, 2009, they decided to look for a Portuguese Water Dog to move into the White House. Art rendered in watercolor, gouache, and pencil.

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"An inspiring tale of compassion and perseverance." --Booklist (starred review)

Rescue thought he'd grow up to be a Seeing Eye dog, but when he gets the news that he's better suited to being a service dog, he's worried that he's not up to the task. Then he meets Jessica, a girl whose life is turning out differently than the way she'd imagined it, too. Now Jessica needs Rescue by her side to help her accomplish everyday tasks. And it turns out that Rescue can help Jessica see after all: a way forward, together, one step at a time. Based on a real-life partnership, this 2019 Schneider Family Book Award Winner features an endnote from the authors about service dogs, including their real-life best friend and black lab, Rescue.

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This winning tribute to the enduring love between dog and child celebrates animal adoption -- from the dog's point of view!

In a pitch-perfect debut, animator Michael Relth channels the voice -- and artwork! -- of a loyal pup sharing the simple, sweet, and funny rhyming story of finding a forever family. It's a clever take on a dog's journey from being lost to found -- from shelter to home.

Ideal for pet owners, animal enthusiasts and growing families, Picture Book by Dog is brimming with heart and highlights the power of belonging.

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Don't miss Harry the Dirty Dog! This funny picture book about the strong-willed dog who really doesn't want a bath stands the test of time.

Harry the Dirty Dog has been recognized by the National Education Association as an all-time top-100 children's book. It has also been welcomed by a new generation at home, as Betty White's 2020 reading of the story on StorylineOnline has been viewed more than 8 million times.

Harry is a white dog with black spots who absolutely, positively hates to take a bath. After a day of adventure, Harry gets so dirty that he no longer looks like a white dog with black spots. Now he looks like a black dog with white spots!

Harry the Dirty Dog has become a classic, entertaining young readers for decades. Perfect for young fans of dogs...especially ones who also don't always want a bath!

For more fun with Harry the Dirty Dog, don't miss No Roses for Harry! and Harry and the Lady Next Door. As Children's Books and Their Creators said about all three books: There is a droll, seemingly effortless union of art and text in the Harry stories, a delicious mastery of everyday foolishness.

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