Calling all dog lovers! With National Hug Your Dog Day on April 10th, what better way to celebrate than by curling up with a good book and a furry friend (real or fictional!)? Children's literature is brimming with unforgettable canine companions who have captured our hearts. Today, we are honoring some of these iconic pups!
Toto (The Wonderful Wizard
of Oz) - Age Range: 6-10 Years Old
Dorothy's loyal little terrier,
Toto, embarks on a whirlwind adventure to the magical Land of Oz alongside his
beloved owner. Toto's bravery and unwavering companionship make him a cherished
character for young readers. Written in 1900
Buck (The Call of the Wild)
- Age Range: 10-14 Years Old
Jack London's classic tale
follows Buck, a stolen St. Bernard, as he is thrust into the harsh world of the
Alaskan gold rush. Buck's transformation from pampered pet to powerful sled dog
is a thrilling story of survival and loyalty.
Winn-Dixie (Because of
Winn-Dixie) - Age Range: 8-12 Years Old
Ten-year-old Opal rescues a
stray dog, Winn-Dixie, from the supermarket. Winn-Dixie, a silly and lovable
mutt, brings joy and unexpected friendships into Opal's lonely life. This
heartwarming story celebrates the power of connection and the unconditional
love of dogs.
Old Yeller (Old Yeller) -
Age Range: 10 and Up
Set in post-Civil War Texas,
Old Yeller is a stray “dingy” yellow dog who befriends a young boy named
Travis. Their bond deepens as they face wild animals, frontier dangers, and the
difficult realities of life on the ranch. A 1957 Newbery Honor Book.
Clifford the Big Red Dog
(Clifford the Big Red Dog series) - Age Range: 2-7 Years Old
Everyone's favorite giant red
pup, Clifford, brings chaos and endless fun to the life of his little human
Emily Elizabeth. This series of picture books is a delightful exploration of
friendship, responsibility, and the joy of having a larger-than-life canine
companion. There are over 80 Clifford
titles to read.
Ribsy (Ribsy series) - Age
Range: 4-8 Years Old
Ribsy, a rambunctious and
mischievous mutt, takes readers on a series of humorous adventures. From
getting lost to making a game-winning tackle, Ribsy's antics are sure to bring
giggles to young readers. The sixth book in the Henry Huggins series.
Gloria (Officer Buckle and
Gloria) - Age Range: 4-8 Years Old
This picture book features the
unlikely partnership between a nervous police officer and a confident police
dog named Gloria. Gloria helps Officer Buckle teach valuable lessons about safety
and the importance of following the rules... most of the time! Winner of the
Caldecott Medal in 1996.
Nana (Peter Pan) - Age
Range: 6-10 Years Old
This
classic story begins with the three Darling children being taken care of be a
nurse. Except this nurse is no ordinary nurse but a four-legged canine named
Nana. She was originally written as a Newfoundland breed but in the Disney
version Nana is a St. Bernard.
