All About The Dogs

You all know that I paint pet portraits.  Did you also know that I'm a writer/illustrator?  This means that I practice the skills needed to be successful in children's books, but that I also READ a lot of children's books.   As my teen and tween children say, "You're never too old for a bedtime story."  In honor of school starting up again, here is a list of my favorite children's books all about dogs.

Hondo & Fabian by Peter McCarty - I love the illustrations.  They're soft and nostalgic-feeling.

Say Hello To Zorro! by Carter Goodrich - Goodrich is one of the best character designers in the business.  And these character designs will have you giggling.

Underwater Dogs by Seth Casteel - Who knew when this pet photographer started taking underwater photos of pooches that they would eventually be compiled into a book.  Seems like a no-brainer, and this book is sure to bring lots of smiles. 

 Wiener Wolf by Jeff Crosby - When this bored Dachshund gets a taste of the great outdoors, he might never go back!

Ball by Mary Sullivan - Couldn't find a cover for this one, but it's a delightful monosyllabic story told in pictures and word from a dog's point of view.

Black Dog by Levi Pinfold - This book is just gorgeous, with beautiful and highly detailed illustrations rendered in acrylic paint and a sweet story about bravery and hope.

Boot & Shoe by Marla Frazee - Boot and Shoe spend every moment together, but when a mischievous squirrel splits them up, they don't know what to do.

Go, Dog. Go! by P.D. Eastman - This was a favorite of my oldest daughter when she was a toddler.  Plenty of humorous drawings and fun rhyming.

Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion - A classic.

How Do Dinosaurs Love Their Dogs? by Jane Yolen - There is a whole series of these "How Do Dinosaurs. . ." books.  I have the first one memorized.  Mark Teague's playful illustrations make the clever text come to life.

Dear Mrs. Larue: Letters From Obedience School by Mark Teague - This tongue-in-cheek correspondence is entertaining for children and grown-ups alike.

The Poky Little Puppy by Janette Sebring Lowrey - Another classic.

Ribsy by Beverly Cleary - I read this as a kid.  I clearly remember the great drawings.

Puppies by William Wegman - Another photo book.  These Weimaraner puppies just melt your heart.

The Curious Incident of The Dog In The Night-time by Mark Haddon - This book isn't about dogs, but a dog figures in the reason the main character starts on his adventure.  This novel is young adult fiction, probably recommended for ages 14 and up.  The protagonist is a teen, but this book is a very good read for grown-ups too.

Santa Pups by Jerry Polatta - This book isn't out yet, but my hero Will Terry did the illustrations.  Here's a sneak peek of some concept drawings.  Will Terry specializes in brightly colored and vibrant illustrations featuring animals.  So keep an eye out for it.  It's sure to be great fun.

The Wolves In The Walls by Neil Gaiman - Okay, so this book is technically about wolves, but they're similar, right?  As a writer, my favorite overall writer is Neil Gaiman, so I am very happy whenever he releases a children's book.  This book is dark and a little creepy, but overall very funny.  The illustrator Dave McKean uses his collage/digital/painterly style to great effect.

I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen - This book isn't about dogs at all.  It's about a bear looking for his hat.  But it's fantastic.  I had a laughing fit when I read it in the bookstore and I've read it to lots of people, most of them grown ups.

What are your favorite books about dogs?