Top 12 Preschool Books About Pets Updated 04 /2024

Teaching about pets is one of my favorite ways to introduce young children to the world of animals. Pre-existing knowledge and experiences are essential to a good lesson. Children are familiar with pets, even if they don't have one of their own. Preschool and kindergarten children will love these books about pets. A lot of their messages are about empathy and care for others, but they can also be humorous or poignant (or even both). Even if it's for your class, this is a wonderful reason to adopt a pet. If we've missed any great picture books for preschoolers on dogs, please let us know in the comments section so that we may add them to this list.

A Pet for Fly Guy by Tedd Arnold

The plot revolves around a little boy Buzz and his pet, a flying pet... yeah, a flying pet. Because we're talking about a fly, the consequences are certain to be humorous, but in the end, they settle on whatever pet works best for them. Your children will be giggling as they read this book on friendship and the importance of caring for one's pets.

Not Norman: A Goldfish Story by Kelly Bennet

This is a story about a young boy and his fish, Norman, who are both underwhelming companions. There's always a lesson hidden somewhere in a superb children's book. There is a lesson to be learned here about the fallibility of first impressions. Even with a previously-disappointing pet fish named Norman, friendships might take time to develop but once they do, they are solid.

Pete the Cat; A Pet for Pete by James Dean

Although this is an I Can Read book, the content is basic, and the book itself is lengthier than you might anticipate for a book about getting your first pet. When it comes to free choice reading or circle time with a group that can easily sit longer than others, I think it's a good option.

Some Pets by Angela Diterlizzi

An easy-to-follow guide to the various ways pets move. You can walk around like the pets after reading it, making it a fantastic book for circle time. With such meticulously detailed pictures by Brendan Wenzel, this book has become a favorite among a single pupil. Each page is a treasure trove of information. Students in Prek or Kindergarten won't get bored, even though the book is easy enough for very young classrooms. It's a wonderful book for students of all ages.

Dog’s Colorful Dayby Ema Dodd

Our family had a great time with this when my son was younger. To him, it was fun to identify each hue that Dog was splashed with during the course of the day. As a result of my return to the classroom, my classmates like engaging in this activity as well. Not only does it have counting and colors, but the wording used as the color spots are splatting, squashing, and squashing onto his white fur makes this a wonderful book. It was a joy for the students to repeat these remarks as he pointed out how muddy poor Dog had gotten! You can't go wrong with this book; I've had it in my library for years.

Sally Goes to the Farmby Stephen Huneck Sally

Black Lab meets Molly, a Yellow Lab at the farm to learn about life on a farm. When my daughter and I read it together a few years ago, we both enjoyed it. The book's content is brief, but the images are quite stunning. Seeing the dogs sipping milk straight from a cow made us both laugh out loud. Is it possible that such a thing occurs on a farm? No idea, but it certainly got a giggle out of my 12-year-old daughter. For those who are just beginning to read, this was a great book because of the length of the text and how well the images aided it.

Pet Show! by Ezra Jack Keats

is about a pet show for youngsters in a city slum. Archie can't find his missing cat, and everyone else brings theirs. At the exhibition, pet owners bring their creatures to compete in various categories, such as the brightest goldfish, handsomest frog, and busiest ants. My favorite thing about this is that it exposes youngsters to a rich vocabulary of imaginative adjectives while they listen. In the end, Archie comes up with a novel technique to participate in this fantastic pet exhibition!

My Penguin Osbert by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel.

While writing to Santa Claus, a young boy requests the most unusual gift possible: the delivery of a real-life penguin. He soon discovers that interacting with a real-life penguin isn't as as exciting as he had hoped. However, he is a kind father who puts Osbert's needs ahead of his own. As a result, he is grateful to Santa for delivering his present in perfect condition. Then, in a subsequent letter, he clarifies that it's fine if Santa sends a different present.

I Got Two Dogs: (Book and CD)by John Lithgow

you'll be delighted with the results. I highly recommend listening to the audiobook that comes with the book. It's always a treat to hear a book read aloud by the author, but this song was especially enjoyable. As a dog lover, I can identify with the naughty but lovable canines. You don't have to be a dog lover to comprehend the message about dedication and unconditional love.

Strictly No Elephantsby Lisa Mantchev

is a priceless find. Buy it now! That's exactly what I'm trying to say. The story revolves around a little kid and his pet elephant who are expelled from their neighborhood pet club. Due to the simple fact that elephants aren't allowed. The idea that people can be excluded without good reason can be emphasized by parents and teachers alike. Because it has nothing to do with them. Excluding them is the goal. Following their expulsion from school, they form a pet club with others who have been made to feel marginalized. One that is open to everyone and their pets, regardless of their circumstances!

Lola Gets A Cat by Anna McQuinn

My then 6-year-old announced this book to be her new favorite Lola book as soon as it came at my door. You said it: "It's the best yet!" The only thing I can think of is that she, like me, loves felines and would do anything for one. That or she was pleased with how it went from research to adoption. In any case, this is an excellent resource for any family considering adding a cat to their household. It explains the process and what to expect in a clear and concise manner.

The Fintastic Fishsitter by Mo O’Hara

An adorable tale of a little sister's struggle to keep an evil cat from devouring a zombie goldfish! The cat is no match for this brave little girl who knows how to take care of business. In the end, she exceeds their expectations in terms of the work she performs.

Otto Goes to Bedby Todd Parr

really enjoyable and upbeat novel. A bath and teeth cleaning don't make Otto want to go to bed; he wants to play and chase his tail instead. Instead, he discovers that he enjoys dreaming throughout his time in bed. This book is great because it focuses on the fact that going to bed might feel like a missed opportunity for children. That's how I felt for a long time, too. If you've ever heard someone say, "Sleeping is great" or, "You have to go to bed," this book is for you. It's no surprise that this is one of my favorite Todd Parr books to read at preschool.

Dogfish by Gillian Shields

an easy-to-understand story that hits all the marks. Although a little child longs for a dog, his mother is unable to provide him with one due to financial constraints. They have a lot on their plate, are crammed into an upper floor of an apartment complex, and, besides, already own a cool goldfish! That which appears to be a charming tale is profound. Children learn how to deal with disappointment in this book, but they are not shamed into doing so. Making the most of the resources you do have is the key to success. People frequently ask me about books featuring single mothers without any context, so I thought I'd make a note of it here.

McDuff Moves In by Rosemary Wells

pulls at your heartstrings and makes your kid want for a puppy. After escaping from the vehicle of a dog catcher, McDuff sets out on his own, encountering a variety of nasty animals. After meeting Fred and Lucy, he's unsure what to make of them. For the time being, he is only staying for one night... However, who can resist this Westie?? My kid and I both enjoy this series of books. Susan Jeffers' illustrations make them calming and sweet.

The Pigeon Wants A Puppy by Mo Willems

is about the insatiable need for a puppy that so many children and, it seems, pigeons have, and there is no way to convince them otherwise. Until he encounters one, the Pigeon waxes poetic about playing with the lovely puppy and promising to take care of it (I've heard that one before). The Pigeon's feelings are relatable to children, and I enjoy using them. Even a temper tantrum can serve as a teaching tool for discussing intense feelings. This is a fantastic book to read aloud at circle time.

---