Here are 10 books for kids about pets (suggested reading ages are indicated for each book). Most offer some valuable life lessons about pets and are also entertaining (even for closet adult readers):
1. "Harry the Dirty Dog," by Gene Zion, pictures by Margaret Bloy Graham (HarperCollins Children's Books, $15.99). Ages 3 to 8. The 50th-anniversary edition of this 1956 classic tells the story of a lovable dog who much prefers staying dirty to taking a bath. Before the bath, he is a black dog with white spots. After the bath, it turns out Harry is really a white dog with black spots.
2. "A Labrador's Tale: An Eye for Heroism," by Craig Pierce, illustrated by Tony Santiago (Ideate Prairie, $15). Ages 4 to 10. The book begins, "Roy Cook tells family and everyone he knows, 'My eyes have four legs and a cold, wet nose … and doggie breath, too!' " This is the heartwarming story of a guide dog named Specs. It teaches kids what guide dogs can do. A poster of Specs is included.
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3. "A Greyhound's Tail: Running for Glory, Walking for Home," by Craig Pierce, illustrated by Tony Santiago (Ideate Prairie, $15). Ages 4 to 10. Illustrations and words bring the characters to life; this is an astonishing book that shouldn't be lost on adults, either. There is a happy ending, but at the point where it didn't seem likely. I challenge any reader not to be touched. Beware of kids' asking to adopt a greyhound after reading this book.
4. "Tails Are Not for Pulling," by Elizabeth Verdick, illustrated by Marieka Heinlen (Free Spirit Publishing, $11.95). Ages 4 to 7. "Fur is for petting, not grabbing" is one of the many messages, all teaching kindness to animals. The message written specifically for parents says it all: " 'Tails Are Not for Pulling' can help children understand that although animals may not have words, they communicate." This is a good book to read before buying a first pet of any kind, from a fish to a dog.
5. "The Cat Who Wouldn't Come Inside," written and illustrated by Cynthia von Buhler (Houghton Mifflin, $16). Ages 2 to 5. According to press materials, illustrations from this book have won awards, and it's not surprising. It's as if they're somehow three-dimensional. The tale (a true story) begins, "On a cold winter day, I looked out my window, and on my porch sat a cat with snow on his back. I said, 'Come inside Kitty.' And the cat ran away." An author's note for adults offers information on how to bring outdoor cats inside.
6. "Barkley: A Dog's Journey," by Al Martinez (Angel City Press, $14.95). Ages 11 to 18, also for adults. The author is a Pulitzer Prize-winning Los Angeles Times columnist. It's interesting that when given a chance to write about whatever they want, so many established writers say, "Let me write about my pet." Martinez and his wife, Cinelli, tote their beloved Barkley on a road trip, just after the dog is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Yes, the story is bittersweet but also darn funny.
7. "The New Adventures of Curious George," by Margret and H.A. Rey (Houghton Mifflin, $10.99). Ages 4 to 8 (and all ages). No, monkeys aren't pets, but this book is entertaining, even for parents and grandparents who are kids at heart. There are eight chapters, including "Curious George and the Puppies." Of course, George creates chaos as he "accidentally" lets all the puppies out of their cages to run amok around a shelter. All are recovered except one. Don't worry, though. (Spoiler alert!) The missing puppy is discovered in a closet and all ends well.
8. "Rotten Ralph," by Jack Gantos, illustrated by Nicole Rubel (Houghton Mifflin, $7.95). Ages 4 to 8. This is the 30th-anniversary edition story of a cat whose adventures are not dated, whether off-the-wall Ralph is riding a bicycle in the dining room or creating havoc at the circus. This isn't one of those books with a great lesson for kids; it's just fun.
9. "Pug in a Truck," by Nancy Coffelt (Houghton Mifflin, $12.95). Ages 2 to 5. You apparently haven't lived until you've driven a truck with a pug riding beside you. Not only will young kids enjoy this book, but truck drivers who travel with pugs (and they're out there) will relate.
10. "Jamaica's Fund," by Juanita Havill, illustrated by Anne Sibley O'Brien (Houghton Mifflin, $5.95). Ages 4 to 7. This is the 20th-anniversary edition of the story of a little girl who finds a dog — not a real dog but a plush dog. The lesson is clear about the love of a dog and working to find the owner of the lost pet.
