Love dogs? Know someone who does? How about reading or gifting a dog themed book? Here are ten books to check out. Woof woof…

1. A Dog’s Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron

This amazing tale chronicles a dog’s quest for meaning over the span of multiple lives. This touches on the universal search for an answer to life’s most fundamental question: Why are we here? It is more than just another endearing dog story. After a tragically brief existence as a stray mutt, Bailey is shocked to discover that he has been reborn as a boisterous golden-haired puppy. In quest of the meaning of his new life, Bailey finds it in the caring arms of 8-year-old Ethan. Throughout their numerous experiences, Bailey joyfully learns what it is to be a good dog. But Bailey’s adventure does not stop with this life as a cherished family pet. If Bailey is reborn as a puppy once more, can he ever discover his calling?

This book is not only the touching and amusing account of a dog’s many lives, but also a canine perspective commentary on human relationships and the unshakable links between man and man’s best friend. It is heartwarming, insightful, and frequently makes you laugh out loud. This tale shows us that love never dies, real friends are constantly by our sides, and every living thing has a reason for existing.

 

2. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

Boone, Christopher John Francis, is familiar with all of the world’s nations, their capitals, and all prime numbers up to 7,057. He connects well with animals but has no concept of how people feel. Being touched is intolerable to him. Moreover, he abhors the colour yellow.

Although endowed with an incredibly logical mind, fifteen-year-old Christopher finds little value in the encounters and warnings he receives on a daily basis. He relies on routines, laws, and a schematic he keeps in his pocket to survive. Then, one day, Wellington, a neighbor’s dog, is slain, posing a threat to his well ordered existence. Following in the footsteps of his favourite (logical) investigator, Sherlock Holmes, Christopher sets out to solve the crime. What happens next is a book that is amusing, moving, and fascinating in how it depicts a person whose blessing and curse are a mind that sees everything as it is.

 

3. The Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith, Michael Dooling

Missis and Pongo led great lives. They were cared for by their human owners, the Dearlys, and lived in a cosy home in London with their 15 lovely Dalmatian puppies, who were adored and admired by everyone. Particularly the Dearlys’ next-door neighbour Cruella de Vil, a fur-fancy fashion icon with patterns on the spotted coats of the Dalmatians! Pongo and Missis realise they must act independently when the puppies are kidnapped from the Dearly residence and even Scotland Yard is unable to locate them. The charming children’s classic was twice adapted for by Disney productions.

4. One Good Dog by Susan Wilson

Self-made Master of the Universe Adam March. He possesses everything: a stunning wife, a successful career, and an exclusive group of friends. However, there is a cost associated with all of these accoutrements, and the pressure is growing—until the day Adam commits a deadly error. Three words are left on his answering machine by his assistant: “Your sister called.” Nobody is aware of the fact that Adam’s sister has been missing for a long time. that she stands for the agonisingly awful history he has fled. Moreover, he has been deeply plagued by her absence for years. Adam loses it when his assistant declines his request for an explanation in favour of her more urgent personal call. The events that follow tell the tale of a man and a dog who save one another in unexpected ways.

5. Big Red by Jim Kjelgaard, Carl Pfeuffer

Danny immediately recognises Red as the right dog for him when he first sees the stunning Irish setter. Danny just wants Red as his companion since he is swift, intelligent, strong, and honourable. Soon, neither the dog nor the boy can tolerate being apart. The harsh Wintapi forest, where Danny and Red call home, presents a number of threats to their relationship. The greatest test of their bravery and friendship, however, will come from a foe more cunning than any they have faced before—a bear known as Old Majesty who is a ferocious killer and the uncontested monarch of the woods.

 

6. Love That Dog by Sharon Creech

A narrative told by Sharon Creech has a lot of heart. Love That Dog, a collection of free-verse poetry written from Jack’s perspective, demonstrates how one youngster discovers his own voice with the aid of a teacher, a writer, a pencil, some yellow paper, and, of course, a dog. This is the ideal teaching and learning tool because it includes classic poetry in the back matter.

 

7. Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion, Margaret Bloy Graham

Commemorating the 50th anniversary of this endearing white dog with black spots (or black dog with white spots) by publishing this anniversary edition. This beloved childhood book is ideal for reading aloud before bed or skipping a bath.

8. Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

Marty Preston falls in love at first sight—and into serious trouble—when he discovers a young beagle in the hills behind his house. As it turns out, Judd Travers, who abuses his dogs and drinks too much, owns the dog, which Marty names Shiloh. Shiloh must therefore be hidden and kept safe by Marty when he flees to him from Judd. Marty’s secret, however, grows too enormous for him to keep to himself, and it makes his entire family vulnerable to Judd’s wrath. How far will Marty go to claim Shiloh as his own?

 

9. A Dog’s Life: The Autobiography of a Stray by Ann M. Martin, Matt Mahurin

Living in a toolshed behind a vacation home at first, Squirrel and her brother Bone. The various skills they will need to live as stray dogs are taught to them by their mother, who also nurses them. However, the puppies are left on their own to navigate the world after their mother is abruptly and unjustly snatched from them. They must contend with kind and cruel people, congested roads, other animals, and the cyclical nature of the seasons. When Squirrel and Bone are split up, she is left to fend for herself and makes two pals who, in very different ways, determine her future.

 

10. The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford

They knew instinctively that the route back home was to the west. The chubby young Labrador dog, the brazen bull terrier, and the unflappable Siamese then started out through the Canadian wilderness. Separately, they would have perished soon. But in order to get home to their beloved family, the three house dogs had to overcome dangers including famine, exposure, and wild beasts in the forest. One of the greatest children’s stories of all time, The Incredible Journey has had success since its release in 1961.