Tails and Tales: Dogs

I am the Longest Dog written and illustrated by Avery Monsen

Lucy introduces herself as the longest dog, displaying a gentle sense of humor but great self-confidence despite the fact that being extremely long is not easy.

Roy Digs Dirt written and illustrated by David Shannon

Roy is a West Highland terrier who loves to dig in the dirt and mud; sometimes he buries things, and sometimes he finds things, but mostly he just likes to dig–even though he does not like the bath that may follow the digging.

This Old Dog written by Martha Brockenbrough

A baby comes into the house and leaves the old dog feeling kind of lonely and left out, but when the girl starts learning to walk, he has a companion who likes to explore the world at his pace.

Two Dogs on a Trike written by Gabrielle Snyder

When the gate is left open, one dog escapes the yard for an adventure on tricycles, trolleys, and trains. This hilarious story counts up to ten and back down again as more pups join the fun–and one very determined cat goes on the chase!

Up on Bob written and illustrated by Mary Sullivan

Bob the dog works hard to make the bed perfect for sleeping all day but as soon as he settles down, he senses the cat watching him.

Vamos! Let’s go eat! written and illustrated by Raúl the Third

Little Lobo, a Mexican American, and Bernabé, his dog, gather tacos, frutas picadas, cuernos, and more and deliver them to los luchadores preparing for Lucha Libre 5000.

Hurry up! a book about slowing down written by Kate Dopirak

A busy boy and his dog learn to slow down and enjoy life together.

Lone Wolf written and illustrated by Sarah Kurpiel

So many people think Akela is a wolf that she starts to believe them, but after exploring the world outside her home, she returns to her pack–the Parker family.

Ollie and Augustus written and illustrated by Gabriel Evans

Ollie and his dog, Augustus, do almost everything together: painting, riding bikes, digging (Ollie’s favorite), and collecting sticks (Augustus’s favorite). So as Ollie is getting ready to start school, he’s a little worried. Won’t Augustus be lonely during the day? Ollie has just the idea: a sign that reads Wanted: Friend for Augustus. But good friends, as it turns out, are hard to find. Luckily, Ollie and Augustus aren’t just any kind of friends — they’re best friends, and nothing will ever change that. Endearingly illustrated with scratch-scratchy appeal, this is a tale for animal lovers and new school-goers alike.

Nonfiction

A dog can be a human’s best friend, but taking care of a canine buddy is a lot of work. This expert guide teaches readers everything they need to know about caring for their furry best friend. They’ll learn all about different breeds of dogs through stunning full-color photographs and discover which one is perfect for their home and lifestyle. They’ll also learn important information about dog behavior, and what to do if their dog gets sick.

Wash the dog sensory activity: https://www.pre-kpages.com/pet-sensory-activity-wash-dog/

Dog mask printable: https://simplemomproject.com/dog-masks/

Easy dog and puppy origami: https://www.redtedart.com/easy-origami-dog-puppy/

https://simplemomproject.com/dog-masks/

Tails and Tales: Kids and Critters

A Family for Faru written by Anitha Rao-Robinson

Tetenya is looking for a family of rhinos to take in an orphan named Faru, but he can see poachers nearby. He stains Faru’s horn pink with berry juice, making it useless to the poachers. At last they find a herd protected by a ranger, and Faru is safe.

Over the Moon written by James Proimos

Two wolves find a baby girl floating down the river and take her home to raise her and teach her about good and evil, light and dark, right and wrong (although wolf two thinks of dinner); but when she grows up she is drawn to the human world–although the wolves are waiting to take her home each night.

The Old Man and the Penguin: a true story of true friendship written by Julie Abery

This heartwarming picture book tells the true story of João Pereira de Souza, who found a Magellanic penguin covered in oil and starving near his home on an island off the coast of Rio de Janeiro. João spent a week cleaning the creature’s tarred feathers and feeding him a daily diet of fish before taking him back to the sea to let him go. But the penguin wouldn’t leave! He stayed with João for eleven months until finally disappearing. Now, every June, Dindim returns to de Souza’s home by the sea and stays until February — and every year he becomes more affectionate and appears even happier to see his human friend

Bear Island written and illustrated by Matthew Cordell

Louise and her family are sad over the loss of their beloved dog, Charlie. “Life will not be the same,” Louise says, as she visits a little island that Charlie loved. But on a visit to the island after Charlie’s death, something strange happens: She meets a bear. At first, she’s afraid, but soon she realizes that the bear is sad, too. As Louise visits more often, she realizes that getting over loss takes time. And just when she starts to feel better, it’s time for Bear to bed down for the winter. Once again, Louise believes that life will not be the same. But sometimes, things can change for the better, and on the first warm day of spring, her family welcomes a new member.

The Same but Different Too by Karl Newson

These children and animals are all very different to each other. Some are big, some are small. Some are gentle, some are rough. Everyone is playful, but who’s the best at hiding? But one thing’s certain: they all love a good bedtime story! The perfect picture book for little ones who are just beginning to make sense of their place in the world.

On My Mountain written by François Aubineau

In this deft, dual-perspective story, a wolf and a shepherd each describe the mountain they both call home. This, here, is my mountain, the wolf begins, where, through the seasons, it finds food, enjoys the landscape’s beauty, and raises its young. Although potential dangers exist along with the Other, the shepherd, who passes by holding a rifle the mountain is where the wolf feels safe and happy. An imaginative, cleverly designed two-page spread at the center cues readers to flip the book over, and, using the same text as wolf’s narrative, the story begins again from the shepherd’s point of view.

Becoming a Good Creature written by Sy Montgomery

School is not the only place to find a teacher. In this beautiful picture book learn the many surprising lessons animals have to teach us about friendship, compassion, and how to be a better creature in the world.