Here's something undeniably magical about introducing babies to the joy of reading, especially through books that feature our furry friends—dogs! As a dog mom with two little ones, I’ve seen firsthand how the bond between a child and their dog can inspire curiosity, comfort, and pure delight. Among the many books we’ve explored, these dog-themed baby books have become my babies' absolute favorites. They not only captivate with their engaging content and charming illustrations but also teaches your little ones about emotions, counting, and the alphabet, all while celebrating the wonderful world of dogs. Whether you're building your baby's first library in their nursery or searching for a thoughtful gift for a little one, these are my babies' top picks!
That's Not My Puppy
By Fiona Watt
Every baby adores a touch-and-feel book—trust me on this! Even my 4-year-old still loves exploring all the textures in this one. It’s perfect for engaging little hands, with each page offering a new puppy to discover and different textures to feel, making it a great tool for sensory development.
Who's There, Spot?
By Eric Hill
A absolute classic and there's a reason for it! Lift-the-flap books are a favorite among babies (including mine!). We absolutely adore the entire Spot series—you can’t go wrong with any of them! Featuring Spot the dog, these books encourage interaction and help develop fine motor skills.
All Dogs Bark
By Catherine Meatheringham
This was my baby's favorite book when she was between 15-24 months old. She loved mimicking the sounds on each page—it’s a fantastic way to encourage language skill. The book celebrates the diversity of dogs, highlighting their unique characteristics and sounds, and fosters an appreciation for dogs from around the world from an early age.
10 Dogs: A funny furry counting book
by Emily Gravett
This is such a fun book to read to your baby, it combines counting skills with humorous illustrations of dogs, making learning numbers entertaining and memorable.
Puppy Tails
By Jellycat
My go-to book when I take my baby out for a walk or on a car ride! It's the perfect sensory book for those little hands, packed with crinkly panels, vibrant pictures, and soft, fluffy tails. This playful cloth book is ideal for keeping your baby entertained while you're on the go.
Puppy Peek-a-Boo
By Sarah Ward
Another great interactive book for your baby - A peek-a-boo book where toddlers can lift flaps to reveal puppies, fantastic for their fine motor skill. Bonus having the mirror in the end for some extra fun!
Dog's First Baby
By Natalie Nelson
A humorous and heartwarming board book exploring the relationship between a dog and a new baby in the family, making it a perfect read for dog-loving families with new little ones.
Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy
By Lynley Dodd
The rhymes in this book is everything! It’s a fun read, and my baby loves hearing all the different tones in my voice. The book follows the adventures of a mischievous dog named Hairy Maclary, filled with playful rhymes and charming illustrations that baby and toddlers will adore!
Doggie Gets Scared
By Leslie Patricelli
This one is great for little ones who starting nursery or day care. It teaches young readers about emotions and overcoming fear, using a lovable dog as the main character.
D is for Dog
By Em Lynas
There are many alphabets baby books out there and this is one of my favourite! A delightful book that introduces the alphabet in a fun and engaging way through the world of dogs. Each letter is paired with a charming dog-themed illustration and a playful description, making learning the alphabet both entertaining and relatable for young children. This book captures the attention of little ones and helps them connect each letter with a lovable dog, fostering an early love for dogs as well as reading and learning.
Whether you're looking to build your baby's first library or searching for a gift that will grow with them, these dog-themed books are a wonderful addition to any dog loving families! They offer a delightful mix of learning and play, with each turn of the page bringing the magic of dogs into your child's world. I hope this list helps spark a lifelong love of reading and a deep appreciation for the special bond between your baby and their furry friend.
Want some more ideas for dog themed items for your nursery? Check out these posts: