Pet Fictions for Kids

Books about pets written for a young audience.
Updated January 16, 2023
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What pet should I get?
Seuss, Dr.
Pick a pet with Dr. Seuss with this bestselling and silly tail of cats, dogs and more! A dog or a cat? A fish or a bird? Or maybe a crazy creature straight from the mind of Dr. Seuss! Which pet would YOU get? A trip to the pet store turns into a hilarious struggle when two kids...
Pigeon wants a puppy!
Willems, Mo.
He really, really, REALLY wants one. He'll take really good care of it! What's the matter--don't you want him to be happy? The latest book in the best-selling Pigeon series is the funniest one yet.
Lola gets a cat
McQuinn, Anna
In this Lola Reads picture book, Lola learns about caring for a pet in this simple and sweet story about welcoming a new kitty. Lola wants a cat, but Mommy says taking care of a pet is a lot of work. So Lola does her homework. At the library she finds books about cats and pet...
Can I be your dog?
Cummings, Troy
The New York Times bestseller featured on THE TODAY SHOW! A heart-tugging dog adoption story told through letters--deeply sincere and almost desperate pleas for a forever home--from the dog, himself! This picture book shares the tale of Arfy, a homeless mutt...
I don't know what to call my cat
Philip, Simon, 1988-
When a cat unexpectedly arrives at her house, a little girl takes him in and tries to find the perfect name. Kitty? Rambo? Mr. Maestro? None of these is quite right. Catowning is harder than she imagined, and then the cat disappears! Good thing her next pet arrives so unexpectedly--and he's easy...
No more bows
Cotterill, Samantha
Milly loves Hugo. Hugo loves Milly. Milly LOVES dressing up Hugo in bows. Hugo does NOT like wearing bows. Not frilly ones or sparkly ones or bows with jewels. Finally, Hugo can't take it anymore, and he runs away! But life is...
Charlotte and the rock
Martin, Stephen W., 1960-
An unexpected friendship forms between a girl and her pet rock in this charming story that's perfect for fans of What Pet Should I Get? Charlotte has always really wanted a pet, so when her parents present her with one for her birthday she expects a cat, dog, or maybe a...
Perfect dog
O'Malley, Kevin, 1961-
A vibrant picture book following one girl's quest to find the perfect dog. When your parents say you can get a dog, you feel so LUCKY. And after you finally figure out what kind of dog you want, that feels even LUCKIER. But when the perfect dog chooses you --...
Otter what pet is best
Garton, Sam
On her next adventure, Otter--the irrepressible character sure to be adored by fans of Llama Llama--tries to choose the perfect pet for her and Teddy. Otter: What Pet Is Best is a My First I Can Read book, which means it's perfect for shared reading with a child. Read...
National Geographic kids Everything pets
Spears, James
Let the fur fly with tons of photos and facts about our animal friends. Did you know that a cat's top speed is about 31 miles per hour, that a dog can make about 100 different facial expressions, or that many birds' feathers weigh more than their bones? Find out everything you ever wanted to know...
Everything book of cats & kittens
Mills, Andrea
Everything a child wants to know about cats and kittens, from breeds, features, pet care, and grooming, to discovering how their cats communicate with us and one another. This book is for anyone who loves cats and kittens, whether they're cat owners or want-to-be owners. Learn...
I wish I had a pet
Rudy, Maggie.
Smartly dressed mice give sage advice on all elements of proper pet care in this photographic picture book. Who hasn't yearned for the perfect pet? The mice in this book--hand-sewn and inhabiting enchanting, diorama-style scenes--know all about critter care, and they're here to...
This is Gus
Chatterton, Chris
"A surefire hit for all picture-book collections." --Booklist "Give grumpy Gus and his positive puppy pal another sausage and invite them back for a sequel." --Kirkus Meet Gus. He is one grumpy dog who doesn't like much of anything, especially making new...
This moose belongs to me
Jeffers, Oliver.
From the illustrator of the #1 smash hit The Day the Crayons Quit comes the age-old tale of a boy and his moose . . . Wilfred is a boy with rules. He lives a very orderly life. It's fortunate, then, that he has a pet who abides by rules, such as not making noise while...
You don't want a unicorn!
Dyckman, Ame
Be careful what pet you wish for in this hilarious picture book from New York Times bestselling author Ame Dyckman and beloved illustrator Liz Climo. When a little boy throws a coin in a well asking for a pet unicorn, he has no idea what kind of trouble he's in for....
I do not like Al's hat
McGill, Erin
When Herb, a magician's rabbit, gets sick and tired of being pulled out of Abracadabra Al's hat, he quits and sets out to find a new job. A funny and irreverent picture book about standing up for yourself, complete with bright collage art and a healthy dose of friendship. "What a...
Miss Hazeltine's home for shy and fearful cats
Potter, Alicia
A tale with many tails, perfect for cat lovers everywhere!   Miss Hazeltine is opening a very special school for shy and fearful cats.  They come from all over, and Miss Hazeltine gives them lessons in everything, from "Bird Basics" to "How Not to Fear the Broom." ...
Princess and the pony
Beaton, Kate, 1983-
Introducing Kate Beaton, a major new picture book talent, and author/illustrator of #1 New York Times bestseller Hark! A Vagrant!Princess Pinecone knows exactly what she wants for her birthday this year. A BIG horse. A STRONG horse. A horse fit for a WARRIOR PRINCESS! But when the day...
Pirate's perfect pet
Ferry, Beth
Ahoy! Pirates, pets, and puns run amok as a swaggering, softhearted captain takes off on a mad search for the perfect animal sidekick. Big, brave Captain Crave can check off most items on the handy Be Your Best Buccaneer checklist. He has a pirate ship, an eye patch...
Melissa's octopus and other unsuitable pets
Voake, Charlotte
Melissa, Thomas, Betty, and Arthur have one thing in common: extremely unsuitable pets! An exuberant book packed with visual humor. There are certain animals that make suitable pets, like a cat, a dog, or a guinea pig. Then there are others that make, well, unusual pets,...
Bob not Bob!
Scanlon, Liz Garton
From the Caldecott Award-winning and bestselling team of Audrey Vernick, Liz Garton Scanlon, and Matthew Cordell comes a hilarious sick-day read-aloud! Little Louie is stuck in bed with a bad cold. His nose is clogged, his ears are crackling, and his brain feels full. All he...

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