Picture Books About Dogs
Halfway through Book Week!
One of our favourite picture books on this year’s CBCA Short List is “Pig the Pug” by Aaron Blabey.
(I have admitted previously to being a massive Blabey fangirl.)
Pig the Pug joins a distinguished crowd of picture book canines.
Here are some of our favourites.Pig the PugPig the Pug by Aaron Blabey
Pig refuses to share his toys with Trevor the sausage dog.
(He reminds me of my Toddler, crying out “It’s MINE! MINE MINE! MINE!)
Told in rhyming verse, this book hilariously illustrates the importance of sharing.
For ages: 3 – 5

Pig the FibberPig the Fibber by Aaron Blabey
In this sequel, we find Pig telling big, fat lies and blaming Trevor for all his misdeeds.
Once again, Pig gets his comeuppance in a most hilarious way.
A fantastic book about the importance of telling the truth.
For ages: 3 – 5

Oh No, George!Oh No, George, by Chris Haughton
This is a book we borrowed from the library that I shall have to add to our home collection.
My Toddler still requests it.
I wrote about it here.
For ages: 0 – 3
Dashing DogDashing Dog by Margaret Mahy and Donovan Bixley
Told in rhyming verse, this books contains magnificent vocabulary- perambulate! curlicued!
We follow the adventures of a family who have just picked their dog up from the pet salon.
They take their dapper dog for a stroll along the beach where he gets up to all sorts of trouble.
For ages: 5 – 8
Good Dog Hank
Good Dog Hank by Jackie French and Nina Rycroft
Hank is a lovable oaf of a dog.
He thinks that he is obeying his family’s rules, but is really interpreting them in his own way.
Dog-owners will giggle along as they recognise the way Hank bends the rules.
For ages: 3 – 5
The Trouble with DogsThe Trouble With Dogs by Bob Graham
Dave is an exuberant pup with a few discipline issues.
So the family call in Pup Breakers to help.
Will the tough love approach advocated by the Brigadier be what Dave needs?
This sequel to “Let’s Get a Pup” beautifully illustrates the (slightly exasperating) joy of being a dog-owner.
For ages: 5 – 8
The Ugliest Dog in the WorldThe Ugliest Dog in the World by Bruce Whatley
Simple text paired with hilarious illustrations that show how a Boxer is viewed by different people.
From grandma, to the butcher, to the postman.
Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder.
For ages: 3 – 8
classics
These are oldies but goldies.
The Spot series by Eric Hill
You can’t beat a lift-the-flap book!
For ages: 1 – 3

The Hairy Maclary series by Lynley Dodd
These rhyming books are a joy to read aloud detailing the adventures of a ragtag crew of canines.
We’re big Hairy Maclary fans in this house!
For ages: 3 – 7

The Harry series by Gene Zion
Harry is a lovable mutt who always seems to find mischief.
For ages: 5 – 8

Any other books you would add to this list?