Best Children's Dog Books
Stories of their great achievements spread throughout the region, and the combination of Old Dan’s brawn, Little Ann’s brains, and Billy’s sheer will seems unbeatable. Praise for Where the Red Fern Grows A Top 100 Children’s Novel, School Library Journal ' s A Fuse #8 Production. A Must-Read for Kids 9 to 14, NPR. Winner of Multiple State Awards. Over 7 million copies in print! Any child who doesn’t get to read this beloved and powerfully emotional book has missed out on an important piece of childhood for the last 40-plus years.” — Common Sense Media “An exciting tale of love and adventure you’ll never forget.” — School Library Journal “A book of unadorned naturalness.” — Kirkus Reviews “Written with so much feeling and sentiment that adults as well as children are drawn [in] with a passion.” — Arizona Daily Star “It’s a story about a young boy and his two hunting dogs and . When the victory over the mountain lion turns to tragedy, Billy grieves, but learns the beautiful old Native American legend of the sacred red fern that grows over the graves of his dogs. [with] careful, precise observation, all of it rightly phrased.” — The New York Times Book Review “One of the great classics of children’s literature . Any child who doesn’t get to read this beloved and powerfully emotional book has missed out on an important piece of childhood for the last 40-plus years.” — Common Sense Media “An exciting tale of love and adventure you’ll never forget.” — School Library Journal “A book of unadorned naturalness.” — Kirkus Reviews “Written with so much feeling and sentiment that adults as well as children are drawn [in] with a passion.” — Arizona Daily Star “It’s a story about a young boy and his two hunting dogs and .
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Wilson Rawls’ classic, timeless story of a young boy’s coming-of-age is heartbreaking, sentimental, and utterly charming. For two years he waits, collecting enough money doing whatever jobs he can, he finally raises enough for two puppies who are delivered via train to the town closest to where he lives. Selling skins to Sears Roebuck & Co. was enough then to fulfill that dream and then later to get him enough money to fly enough hours to be conscripted (after being declared 4F) to train pilots at Americus, Georgia."
"Every single night Billy dreams about owning two coon dogs, no boy could want them more than him. At eleven years old Billy came up with a way to get his coon dogs, he would earn the money himself."
"A few of my favorite classics are Call of the Wild, White Fang and Black Beauty and after reading this one, I must say; it’ll be named right along with the rest and best of them."
"Have to say, after reading the book again, although the movie is good, the end is so much more heart wrenching in the book."
"Must read, great family story."
"It takes a dog owner to feel what our heroine must have felt, devotion, caring, love and true devotion from mans best friend."
"My only concern was that the poor raccoons got the raw end of almost every outing."
"Couldn’t stop listening!"
Dog Man, the newest hero from the creator of Captain Underpants, is still learning a few tricks of the trade. Can Dog Man unleash justice on this ruffian in time to save the city, or will Petey get away with the purr-fect crime? Praise for Dog Man * "Pilkey... has once again fired an arrow of joy straight at the fevered childhood psyche of millions of readers. -- Publishers Weekly , starred reviewPraise for Dog Man * "Pilkey... has again fired an arrow of joy straight at the fevered childhood psyche of millions of readers.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"As soon as I took the book out of its packaging, my seven year old son grabbed the book out of my hands and ran to sit on the couch to read it."
"My seven year old absolutely loved this book."
"I love this book, there may be appropriate parts the may not, but still its a good book."
"I bought this and another for his birthday and plan to buy all that the author releases on Dog Man."
"He's read each book in this set at least twice now since Christmas and takes them on any car trip."
"Five year old son loves loves loves this."
"Worth every penny ❤️❤️😀😀❤️💛💚💙💜❤️💛💚💙💜💗💖💘💝💗💗💖💘."
One summer’s day, ten-year-old India Opal Buloni goes down to the local supermarket for some groceries – and comes home with a dog. This warm and winning book hosts an unforgettable cast of characters, including a librarian who fought off a bear with a copy of War and Peace , an ex-con pet-store clerk who plays sweet music to his animal charges, and the neighborhood "witch," a nearly blind woman who sees with her heart. "In this exquisitely crafted first novel [a Newbery Honor book], each chapter possesses an arc of its own and reads almost like a short story in its completeness," said PW in our Best Books of 2000 citation.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I originally started out with the paperback but after realizing that the hard cover had some color art work, I ordered that copy so my daughter could envision it better."
"Throughout the book, Edward learns lots of lessons from all the characters he meets (like love, caring, and kindness!). Although it may be hard to read this book for kids younger than 10, that’s OK… the book is way more fun when you read it with a whole class or a book club!"
"You don't have to have a child to read this book."
"Edward Tulane is a large porcelain bunny who belongs to a little girl who loses him on an ocean journey."
"In the beginning of the story he’s arrogant, thinking highly of himself, his fancy clothes, and his gold pocket watch. When he gets lost at sea and changes hands—living with an older couple, then a hobo and his dog, and then a dying girl and her brother—his heart breaks when he loves all of these people and is taken away from them."
"This is a book that my son read in 4th grade."
"This is a book i will read over and over."
"This is a must read!"
Best Children's Historical Action & Adventure
Stories of their great achievements spread throughout the region, and the combination of Old Dan’s brawn, Little Ann’s brains, and Billy’s sheer will seems unbeatable. Praise for Where the Red Fern Grows A Top 100 Children’s Novel, School Library Journal ' s A Fuse #8 Production. A Must-Read for Kids 9 to 14, NPR. Winner of Multiple State Awards. Over 7 million copies in print! Any child who doesn’t get to read this beloved and powerfully emotional book has missed out on an important piece of childhood for the last 40-plus years.” — Common Sense Media “An exciting tale of love and adventure you’ll never forget.” — School Library Journal “A book of unadorned naturalness.” — Kirkus Reviews “Written with so much feeling and sentiment that adults as well as children are drawn [in] with a passion.” — Arizona Daily Star “It’s a story about a young boy and his two hunting dogs and . When the victory over the mountain lion turns to tragedy, Billy grieves, but learns the beautiful old Native American legend of the sacred red fern that grows over the graves of his dogs. [with] careful, precise observation, all of it rightly phrased.” — The New York Times Book Review “One of the great classics of children’s literature . Any child who doesn’t get to read this beloved and powerfully emotional book has missed out on an important piece of childhood for the last 40-plus years.” — Common Sense Media “An exciting tale of love and adventure you’ll never forget.” — School Library Journal “A book of unadorned naturalness.” — Kirkus Reviews “Written with so much feeling and sentiment that adults as well as children are drawn [in] with a passion.” — Arizona Daily Star “It’s a story about a young boy and his two hunting dogs and .
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Wilson Rawls’ classic, timeless story of a young boy’s coming-of-age is heartbreaking, sentimental, and utterly charming. For two years he waits, collecting enough money doing whatever jobs he can, he finally raises enough for two puppies who are delivered via train to the town closest to where he lives. Selling skins to Sears Roebuck & Co. was enough then to fulfill that dream and then later to get him enough money to fly enough hours to be conscripted (after being declared 4F) to train pilots at Americus, Georgia."
"Great book, always has been and always will be."
"It takes a dog owner to feel what our heroine must have felt, devotion, caring, love and true devotion from mans best friend."
"Couldn’t stop listening!"
"My 10 yr."
"This was my favorite book of all time when I was little."
"This book has something in it for both adults and young people."
"Great story of how a young boy lived in rural OK before WWII Gift for a great grandchild."
Best Children's Cat Books
Read the book that began a phenomenon—and join the legion of fans who have made Erin Hunter’s Warriors series a #1 national bestseller. For generations, four Clans of wild cats have shared the forest according to the laws laid down by their ancestors. After rescuing Yellowfang, ex-medicine cat for the ShadowClan who has fled for her life, Firepaw and the other ThunderClan members find themselves in the middle of a turf war against the rival gang, led by the nefarious Brokenstar. Into this dangerous situation wanders a "kittypet," a young, bright orange tomcat whose courage earns him, despite objections by some, a place as an apprentice ThunderClan warrior and the new name of Firepaw. In this first spine-tingling episode in the planned Warriors series, Firepaw learns the ways of the wild life, facing many dangers and treachery both within and without his new clan. Intelligence notwithstanding, the cat characters are true to their feline nature, making this sure to appeal to fans of Clare Bell's long-popular Ratha's Creature (1983) and its sequels and also to followers of Brian Jacques' ongoing Redwall series.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This book is a must read for anyone."
"In the very beginning I had a little trouble being bombarded with all of the cat names, but once you get past that it is a nice easy read."
"Erin Hunter has written A LOT if books as big as these in the Warriors series, Survivors series, and the Seekers series."
"I love fantasy action books and I also like how precise you are with words."
"This is my favorite book out of every book I have read and trust me I have read a lot of books. You will definitely love this book and I recommend this adventures book!"
"Erin Hunter truly put her heart and compassion into these warriors."
"The fight of a youmg housecat finding his true self and fighting for what he thinks is right."
"My 8 year old daughter got this set from the Easter Bunny and she's all ready finishing the second book!"
Best Children's Bear Books
A big happy frog, a plump purple cat, a handsome blue horse, and a soft yellow duck-- all parade across the pages of this delightful bilingual edition of Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you See? So began Eric Carle's career as a children's book illustrator--along with a life-long collaborative friendship with Bill Martin Jr. Whether in a picture book or a reader, and now in eBook and audio, the same bold graphics and repetitive, rhythmic text have truly stood the test of time. Throughout Eric Carle's career, he has shown an unshakeable commitment to artistic integrity and a dedication to making art accessible to children. His skillfully designed and beautifully rendered collage art is admired by fellow artists, colleagues and fans in equal measure. The whole process felt right and I was very excited by the opportunity to work on the book with Bill, which really changed my life and set me on the true course in my career. The gentle rhyming and gorgeous, tissue-paper collage illustrations in this classic picture book make it a dog-eared favorite on many children's bookshelves.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I know it seems like a simple book, but there's a lot more depth to be uncovered on repeated readings, as I've had the luxury of experiencing every night (and sometimes multiple times during the day) for the last three months. But as it unfolds, we are... *** SPOILERS BELOW ***. ... taken through a tour of the real and familiar (brown bears, red birds) along with the fantastically surreal (blue horses, purple cats). As the pages turn, we learn that all characters are being watched: from the strong (the bear), to the useful (blue horse), to the outcast (black sheep). As the camera pulls back, we learn that each animal is merely a minor player with myopic vision. With the introduction of this (white) teacher we realize that these characters who seemed to be free, roaming in their natural habitat, are actually prisoners trapped in the hardbound confines of this book. "We see a brown bear, a red bird, a yellow duck, a blue horse, a green frog, a purple cat, a white dog, a black sheep, a goldfish, and a teacher LOOKING AT US. How tight must the children's tyrannical grip be to force an entire population into unified submissive silence? But through the bear's opening omission we learn that even he is too scared of the children to publicly acknowledge their existence. The true revelation to this book's opening question is not that the brown bear sees the red bird. I don't believe the rumors that this book originated as recruitment propaganda by US intelligence agencies to entice young children to join an elite, "all-seeing" organization that has complete control over the rest of the population, including its powerless authority figures. Instead, I like to believe that Martin wrote this book (just one year after regular US troops were deployed to Vietnam) as a subversive allegory daring to ask the question "Who watches the watchers?""
"I find this one awkward compared to the original."
"Don't hesitate to get this book----the best gift you can give your kids is a book!"
"Purchased this book for a beginning reader."
"A sweet, cute book for a toddler just happens to be this repetitive story."
"Little granddaughter coming to visit from out of state."
"Although he's not what I consider learning to read-age he memorized the book after I read it twice to him, not to mention that there are some word recognition activities after the story."
"My daughter loves it."
Best Children's Bird Books
It's Christmas Eve and Little Hoo should be sleeping. Who's There, Little Hoo? Brenda Ponnay is the author and illustrator of several children’s books including the Little Hoo series, the Time for Bunny series and the Secret Agent Josephine series.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon": Volume 3. Colorful children's story about Hoo and he's trying to figure out what the sounds are that he is hearing outside."
"What a cute little picture book."
"I chose to give this ebook for children five stars for such a sweet, cute Shute story with a great plot and characters as well as a very well illustrated children's ebook for the very young child in age or in their heart!"
"My 2 year old cannot get eneough of this book."
"Adorable."
"My little guy loves all of the Christmas sounds that Little Hoo hears."
"It has colorful pictures and short sentences to catch the child's attention."
"Really good."
Best Children's Horse Books
America’s #1 radio talk-show host and multi-million-copy #1 New York Times bestselling author presents a book for young readers with a history teacher who travels back in time to have adventures with exceptional Americans. Talk about a rock star—this guy wanted to protect young America so badly, he rode through those bumpy, cobblestone-y streets shouting “the British are coming!” On a horse. But what if you could get the real picture—by actually going back in time and seeing with your own eyes how our great country came to be? Our exceptional nation is waiting to be discovered all over again by exceptional young patriots— like you ! After offering a wide-ranging definition of American exceptionalism that begins with the statement that the U.S. is a “land built on true freedom and individual liberty, and it defends both around the world,” Limbaugh goes on to explain that the Founders believed all people were born to be “free as individuals.” Really? The book’s premise is that a substitute history teacher, Rush Revere, who dresses like his hero, Paul, along with his talking horse, Liberty, can go back in time. The text is wordy, and many of the pages are spent on the banter between Rush and Liberty, occasionally amusing but mostly just filling space, as do the tedious explanations of the way time travel works. They hadn’t been spoiled by wall-to-wall carpets, central heating and microwave ovens.” The fact that many modern-day people do experience incredible hardships, albeit different from the Pilgrims, seems not to have occurred to Limbaugh. Apparently, the turnaround for the struggling colony came “when every family was assigned its own plot of land to work.” Rush Revere drives home the point that it was after the Pilgrims stopped sharing the profits that success was ensured. Even Squanto adds, “No more slaves to the Common House.” As for factual inaccuracies, Paul Revere never said, “The British are coming!” That was Mr. Longfellow.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Great story to get your kids interested in the history of our nation."
"Does not gloss over or belittle of Pilgrims' accomplishments."
"Gift for my home-schooled granddaughter."
"My 8 yr old loves these books!"
"my grandson of 8 can't wait for the next one."
"Humor to teach US history."
"purchased copies for all the grandchildren."
Best Children's Dinosaur Books
Newly bound together, the first four books of the fan-favorite chapter-book series are the perfect introduction to the New York Times bestselling Magic Tree House series. MARY POPE OSBORNE is the author of the New York Times number one bestselling Magic Tree House series as well as coauthor of the Magic Tree House Fact Tracker series, along with her husband, Will, and her sister Natalie Pope Boyce.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I also like that the stories teach us something, and can be used with the corresponding nonfiction "fact tracker" series to learn about all sorts of interesting creatures and/or historical events. I know kids talk to each other this way, but I want to build an atmosphere of mutual respect, and some things just kind of hit me as bad examples, even if I am being a bit too picky. Honestly, I would say that I my kiddos and I enjoyed the companion Fact Tracker books a lot more than the actual Magic Tree House ones. The chapters are a little longer and there are more words on a page, but the adventures are just an interesting, the grammar is correct, and the characters are good role models."
"A great series, and one I will continue to buy for him to help him explore the world, and encourage his reading."
"My nephew loves these books."
"I bought this for me grandkids."
"Great for adults and kids to get excited about reading adventures!"
"I read these books to my older grandchildren when they were young and they wanted me to share them with the youngest grandchild."
"I loved these books when I was little, and I am excited to give the to my younger brother!"
"My kids love reading these books and we had to get the next set soon after!"
Best Children's Elephant Books
Horton is back! Surely among the most lovable of all Dr. Seuss creations, Horton the Elephant represents kindness, trustworthiness, and perseverance--all wrapped up, thank goodness, in a comical and even absurd package.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"My children loved "Horton Hears a Who!""
"(It also makes it more interesting if you read it thinking that it's a prequel to the Grinch."
"This is a sweet book."
"Another part of a Baby Shower Gift ... turns out this was the "Mom To Be's" favorite book when she was little."
"I bought this book so that my daughter can start reading to her son and he really loves sitting on the couch with this book."
"We have read this book to our children for many years along with other Dr. Seuss titles."
"love love love!"
"A wonderful classic with so much meaning."
Best Children's Fox & Wolf Books
From bestselling and award-winning author Sara Pennypacker comes a beautifully wrought, utterly compelling novel about the powerful relationship between a boy and his fox. He strikes out on his own despite the encroaching war, spurred by love, loyalty, and grief, to be reunited with his fox. Pennypacker, author of the exuberant "Clementine" series (Disney-Hyperion) and the charmingly morbid Summer of the Gypsy Moths (HarperCollins, 2012), here displays not only her formidable writing skills and a willingness to stretch her storytelling into increasingly complex narrative forms but also her ability to tackle dark and weighty themes with sensitivity and respect for the child reader. As the protagonists struggle to reunite in a world in the grip of violence and destruction, they each find helpers who assist them on their respective journeys: Peter breaks his foot and is rehabilitated by Vola, a hermit suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, while Pax is taken in by a leash of foxes who teach him the basics of foraging and hunting. Black-and-white drawings by Klassen offer a respite for readers, while adding to the haunting atmosphere.With spare, lyrical prose, Pennypacker manages to infuse this tearjerker with a tender hope, showing that peace and love can require just as much sacrifice as war. “In an exceptionally powerful, if grim story, Pennypacker does a remarkable job of conveying the gritty perspective of a sheltered animal that must instantly learn to live in the wild.” (Publishers Weekly (starred review) ).
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"It's a beautifully written story."
"Targeted at the 8 – 12 year old group, Sara Pennypacker’s latest novel “Pax” is a book that carries universal truths and one that will touch readers of any age. “…distrust is no match for kindness administered consistently and unmeasured …”. Having enlisted in the army, Peter’s father takes his son to live with his grandfather and demands that Peter release “Pax” back into the wild. A broken leg, an encounter with an amputee-veteran whose unnamed war occurred twenty years previously, and a realization – by both Peter and “Pax” – that each must be true to his own nature creates an emotional, poignant story that will touch your heart. Writing in the third person voice, Sara Pennypacker alternates the focus of “Pax” between developments affecting Peter and those in which “Pax” learns what it is to be a fox."
"A truly beautiful book however I think kids should be over 10 prior to reading it."
"Gave this to my great, great nephew who's named Paxton, but we call him Pax."
"Fabulous!"
"Touches upon deep subjects line war, ptsd, reaching a goal despite adversity."
"wonderful story."
"Such a good book!"
Best Children's Farm Animal Books
They also express the love of a girl named Fern, who saved Wilbur's life when he was born the runt of his litter. White's Newbery Honor Book is a tender novel of friendship, love, life, and death that will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come. The handsome volume sports a clothbound cover framing original jacket art; inside, Rosemary Wells adds country color to Garth Williams's original b&w illustrations. An afterword by Peter F. Neumeyer illuminates White's life and work, including photographs of the author on his farm in Maine as well as pages from the seminal manuscript.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Nice classic novel requested by my 8 year old and it came hardback and good quality cover."
"My daughter loves this story."
"I loved this book when I was a kid, so I gave this book to my niece for Christmas and i hope she loves it too."
"The book exceeded my expectations; in practically "brand-new" shape."
"It was recommended to me, I loved the movie, now I enjoy reading it."
"My students have really enjoyed hearing Charlotte's Web read to them by the author."
"So I would travel , get lost and meet new friends in the book's I read."
"An all time old favorite ."
Best More Children's Animal eBooks
Heather and Picket are extraordinary rabbits with ordinary lives until calamitous events overtake them, spilling them into a cauldron of misadventures. A captivating story with sword-bearing rabbits, daring quests, and moments of poignant beauty, The Green Ember is a tale that will delight and inspire young readers to courage and creativity. --Sarah Mackenzie, Author of Teaching From Rest, Host of The Read-Aloud Revival Podcast. S. D. Smith lives with his wife and their four kids in Grandview, West Virginia.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I was surprised to find something that reminded me, powerfully, of Edith Nesbit, CS Lewis and George MacDonald - while being something completely different at the same time. But, this, like Lewis, somehow lets us forget that Heather and Picket are animals and instead we relate to the heroes in these interesting characters. I have waited weeks to write this review because I want so badly to communicate the profound value of this humble and tender little story. Heather and Picket are unwitting participants in an adventure that transforms them into the very best versions of themselves - in the old fashioned way. Smith is the creative force behind Story Warren - a website dedicated to being the horns of Rohan in our lives as we seek stories of truth, goodness and beauty that point our children to the Maker. Stories which inform the moral imagination and continue to speak to the reader long after the book has been returned to the shelf. I think that it is fair to say that the intensity progresses as follows: Narnia. The Green Ember/The Black Star of Kingston. The Hobbit/The Wingfeather Saga. The Lord of the Rings."
"Smith's debut novel stands in stark contrast to most contemporary middle school fiction. Their journey begins as their parents are visited by mysterious strangers, and their father hints that the family history may be tinged with intrigue, betrayal, and great pain. Within the first few pages, Smith launches the reader along with Heather and Picket on a fast-paced flight away from their home and headlong toward something momentous. Along the way they meet wonderful characters like the unexpectedly capable Smalls whose own path may be more dangerous than theirs. There is the dark and mysterious Helmer whose mastery of the arts of war draw Picket out from the prison of crippling self-indulgence and sets him on a trajectory of great danger and self-sacrifice. Despite living in a blighted world surrounded by foes and treachery, Heather, Picket, and their new friends hold firmly to that hope."
"Compelling and wonderful book."
Best Children's Fish & Marine Life eBooks
Fish swims about. With his fish face stuck. In a permanent pout. The bright and bold cartoon illustrations by Dan Hanna accompany Diesen's amusing rhythmic text. —School Library Journal.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"First, that how we see ourselves can become a self-fulfilling prophesy... if we compare ourselves unfavorably to others in our circle (i.e. so-and-so can do such-and-such much better than I, such-and-such comes so easily for others but not for me, I'm not as loveable as so-and-so), and keep re-playing that tape in our heads (perhaps reinforced by how we feel others view us), then what we "see" in that mirror is who we'll end up being. The other is that we are capable of influencing others in positive ways by demonstrating simple acts of kindness and compassion, much moreso than using words to point out faults or telling people how they "should" be, "should" feel, "should" act."
"This book with its sing-song rhythm and upbeat ending is arguably my favorite children's book."
"My nephew adores this book!"
"Love this cute little book."
"Such a cute book!"
"I have bought this book for almost all of my friends’ children and for my nieces."
"Bought for a gift."
"Love reading this to my little girl!"