Dogs are amazing creatures they are friendly and are extremely fun to hang out with. Children love dogs. They are normally there with them trying to lick them and protect them. Dog stories are one of the best books for children out there, probably because dogs and children get along well together. It’s so cute and pleasant watching them together.
Below is a list of a few dog story books that children will enjoy reading:-
1. The Call of The Wild by Jack London
Ages 9 and up
128 pages
Buck’s a big powerful dog, who’s a cross between a St. Bernard and a Scottish Shepherd Dog. He has a great life in California where he lives in an comfortable house with kind owners. Then all of a sudden, things take an unexpected turn. He’s kidnapped by the gardener’s assistant and sold. From there on his hardships start, as he’s shipped off to Alaska to pull heavy sleds, in the biting cold and an adventure lies ahead of him.
One of the best children’s dog stories out there. Children will really enjoy reading this one. Jack London’s got a great writing style and he does a great job describing the beauty of Alaska and the gold rush that effected dogs the dogs that pulled the sled. Every kid should read this book.
2. White Fang by Jack London
Ages 10 and up
Pages 271
White Fang is a 3/4th wolf and 1/4th dog. Initially he’s born in the forest and he grows up there with his mother, who teaches him how to hunt and survive in the forest. After that he’s found by humans. First he seems to like it, but then he’s sold to a mean and cruel owner and his hardships begin. But eventually, he finds one of the best and friendliest owners in the world.
Another great book by Jack London, many people argue whether this book or the first book “The Call of The Wild” is better. Jack London uses his unique style of writing in this book too. This book shows a wolf dog trying to fit into a human society, from the point of view of the wolf dog. It also shows us that human beings can be both mean and cruel. You should read this.
3. Lassie Come Home by Eric Knight
Ages 9 and up
256 Pages
Joe’s got an amazing Collie named Lassie. They’re so close that Lassie goes to the school gates every day and waits for him to come out when school finishes. One day when Joes comes out of school, Lassie isn’t waiting at the gates for him. He goes home to find out that his father had to sell her to the rich Duke, as the family had no money.
Despite being sold she still loves Joe and she escapes from the Duke a few times and waits for Joe by the gate. Then comes the time when the Duke takes her far away to Scotland. Lassie doesn’t understand what is happening, so she escapes and begins her long journey back home.
Eric Knight has written a wonderful book. Children and adults will really enjoy reading this one, it’s very well written. The book shows the strong bond humans can have with their dogs and how unbreakable it is once it is formed. It’s a journey through betrayal, friendship, love and adventure.
4. The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford
Ages 9 and Up
160 pages
Luath a young Labrador, Tao a Siamese cat and Bodger an old bull terrier are left by their owners with their friend Longbridge, as they are away on a trip. Longbridge decides to take a trip too and he goes away fishing and leaves the pets to the care of his servants. The animals don’t wait for him and they take matters into their own paws and they begin their journey back home to their real owners.
This book is great, it has got everything; friendship, danger, love, loneliness and adventure. It’s also been made into a movie which has done really well. Both the book and the movie are entertaining and should be read and watched. Sheila Burnford did a great job in writing this wonderful book.
5. Marley and Me by John Grogan
Ages 8 and up
304 pages
Marley is John Grogan’s powerful, misbehaving, energy filled and uncontrollable Labrador retriever. He’s always hungry and always doing something wrong and unapproved, but his family still loves him and he loves them back. In between all his childish antics, sometimes he acts very mature and interacts with his family at a very emotional and loving level.
This book is a true story. Marley was John Grogan (the author’s) misbehaving pet and both of them did love each other. The book is very entertaining, all the troubles they faced have been written in a hilarious, easy to read manner. Both children and adults will really enjoyed reading this book. It might also remind you of your dog.
Have you read any of the books above? Which one is your favourite dog story book?