Dog Tales for Second and Third Graders

Posted on August 3, 2018

by Marcia K

Enjoy these pick of the litter dog books perfect for second and third graders – and if you have a young reader at home who loves dogs, consider attending one of our ongoing Sit, Stay, Read programs!

Children’s Books Featuring Dogs

Big Dog and Little Dog Wearing Sweaters by Dav Pilkey

“Big Dog and Little Dog Wearing Sweaters” by Dav Pilkey

Easy Reader

Wanting to wear a cozy sweater just like Little Dog, Big Dog tears up his person’s bedroom and finds just the right sweater before enlisting Little Dog’s help putting it on.

Buddy and Earl by Maureen Fergus

“Buddy and Earl” by Maureen Fergus

Picture Book | eBook

Buddy does not know what is in the box that Meredith carries into the living room. But when the small, prickly creature says he is a pirate — and that Buddy is a pirate too — the two mismatched friends are off on a grand adventure.

Charlie the Ranch Dog by Ree Drummond ; illustrated by Diane deGroat

“Charlie the Ranch Dog” by Ree Drummond

Picture Book | eAudiobook

While Charlie, a sleepy basset hound, tells about the busy life of a ranch dog, his best friend Suzie, a Jack Russell terrier, is getting the work done.

Charlie the ranch dog : Rock star / Ree Drummond and Diane de Groat

“Charlie the Ranch Dog : Rock Star” by Ree Drummond

Easy Reader | eAudiobook

Charlie the irrepressible basset hound embarks on the life of famous rock-and-roll star before discovering that he misses the ranch.

Dog and Bear : Two Friends, Three Stories by Laura Vaccaro Seeger

“Dog and Bear : Two Friends, Three Stories” by Laura Vaccaro Seeger

Picture Book | Easy Reader

Simple, engaging text and bright, colorful pictures follow a frisky dachshund and a slightly timid stuffed bear who share in fun, friendship, and adventure.

Dog on Board : The True Story of Eclipse, the Bus-Riding Dog by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent and Jeffrey Young ; photographs by William Muñoz

“Dog on Board : The True Story of Eclipse, the Bus-Riding Dog” by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent and Jeffrey Young

Nonfiction Children’s Book

An adorable and informative photo-essay about Eclipse, a dog who rides the bus to the dog park herself, became a viral sensation on social media and TV, and has become the mascot for the Seattle Transit Authority.

Drop It, Rocket! by Tad Hills

“Drop It, Rocket” by Tad Hills

Easy Reader | eBook

Rocket loves to collect words for his word tree with his teacher, the little yellow bird. Watch as the pup finds new words like leaf, hat, star, boot, and many more.

Gaston - words by Kelly DiPucchio ; pictures by Christian Robinson

“Gaston” by Kelly Dipucchio

Picture Book | eBook

A proper bulldog raised in a poodle family and a tough poodle raised in a bulldog family meet one day in the park.

Puppy Parade by Jill Abramson and Jane O'Connor ; illustrated by Deborah Melmon

“Puppy Parade” by Jill Abramson and Jane O’Connor

Easy Reader | eBook

Participating in a parade with other puppies, Scout hopes to win one of the most important ribbons of the day and imagines herself as the best behaved, most beautiful, and friendliest puppy until the ribbon she actually receives proves to be both surprising and amusing.

Rocket's 100th Day of School by Tad Hills

“Rocket’s 100th Day of School” by Tad Hills

Easy Reader | eBook

Rocket the dog is excited about the 100th day of school and enlists the help of his friends to collect one hundred special things to bring to class, from heart-shaped stones found with Mr. Barker to feathers Owl provides, but will he find enough items in time?

Stella : The Dog With the Big Heart by Thea Feldman ; illustrated by Chris Danger

“Stella : The Dog With the Big Heart” by Thea Feldman

Easy Reader

A skill-building reader based on the life of an American Humane Association Hero Dog Award-winning canine describes the contributions of therapy dog Stella, who brings love and companionship to children with special needs.

The Long Dog by Eric Seltzer

“The Long Dog” by Eric Seltzer

Easy Reader | eBook

Pairs skill-building text with whimsical illustrations in an introduction to opposite words that features dirty and clean dogs, mean and nice dogs and other wacky canines.

This book just ate my dog! by Richard Byrne

“This Book Just Ate My Dog!” by Richard Byrne

Picture Book

When her dog disappears into the gutter of a book, Bella calls for help, but when the helpers disappear too, Bella realizes it will take more than a tug on the leash to put things right!

Woof! : 100 fun facts about dogs / Elizabeth Carney

“Woof! : 100 Fun Facts About Dogs” by Elizabeth Carney

Nonfiction Children’s Book

Kids will dig learning all about dogs in this new National Geographic Kids Reader. The level 3 text provides accessible yet wide-ranging information for fluent readers. Plus, the book includes 100 fun facts for quick and quirky information on all kinds of dogs, from tiny Chihuahuas to gargantuan Great Danes!


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