7 Books for the Dog Days of Summer
The temperatures are soaring, which means it’s officially the dog days of summer. August also offers plenty of reasons to celebrate our four-legged friends, from the universal birthday for shelter and rescue dogs on Aug. 1 to National Dog Day on Aug. 26. What better excuse to curl up with a great book about dogs?
From silly stories about sausage-obsessed pups to Aztec mythology about the first dog, these seven books offer something for dog lovers of all ages.
Elvis & Romeo by David Soman
Elvis loves to sleep and doesn’t like running around or playing hide and seek. He can’t wait to go to the dog park and have a nice, quiet nap. Romeo loves to rush and race around, howl and fetch sticks. He can’t wait to go to the dog park and make a new friend. Elvis and Romeo’s burgeoning friendship doesn’t exactly get off to the most promising start when they meet. But little by little, these polar-opposite pooches may just become the closest of canines after all.
Dogs at Work: Good Dogs, Real Jobs by Margaret Cardillo
This clever picture book describes all the real jobs that dogs do. From a therapy dog to a mayor dog and even a lobster-diving dog, the possibilities will surprise you!
Xolo: How One Good Dog Saved Humankind by Donna Barba Higuera
Inspired by Aztec mythology, this beautifully illustrated story follows Xolotl, the often-overlooked twin brother of Quetzalcoatl, as he plays a heroic role in bringing humankind into the world.
If We Were Dogs by Sophie Blackall
Two friends imagine life as dogs, exploring friendship, play and imagination through a series of delightful “what if” adventures.
10 Dogs by Emily Gravett
From dachshund to dalmatian, every dog wants a piece of the prize. Follow this high-stakes adventure as the scales tip from one dog with all the sausages and nine dogs with none to nine dogs with all the sausages and one dog with none. Will 10 hungry dogs ever find a way to share 10 tasty treats?
Tails Are Not for Pulling = La cola de las mascotas no es para jalarla by Elizabeth Verdick
A bilingual book that teaches young children how to treat their furry friends with respect and kindness.
The Best Beginner’s Guide to Dogs and Puppies for Kids: Everything You Need to Know About Breeds, Training, Safety, and More! by Lynn Guelzow
Thinking about adding a puppy to the family? This kid-friendly guide covers dog breeds, training, safety and pet care with colorful photos, fun facts and practical advice for young animal lovers.
PAWS for Reading
Want to help your child become a more confident reader? The Tulsa City-County Library’s PAWS for Reading program gives children the chance to read aloud to trained therapy dogs in a relaxed, encouraging environment. Research suggests reading to dogs can improve fluency, build confidence and make reading feel less intimidating for beginning readers.
PAWS for Reading is offered at select library locations throughout the year through the support of the Tulsa Library Trust. Learn more at tulsalibrary.org/kids/paws-for-reading.
Kristina Acosta, MLIS, is the Children’s Services Coordinator for Tulsa City-County Library.
