Pets can be your child’s first friends, and their bonds can make for great stories. This list of new children’s books about pets are full of fun stories about cats, dogs, and more pets, as well as handy nonfiction texts to help kids to care for their beloved animals.

Standard Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission from purchases you make through the links in this post. I received copies of these books in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I Take Care of My Puppy

Written by Michael Slack

This interactive board book teaches little ones how to care for a new puppy. The text encourages the reader to interact with the puppy in the illustrations, as it shares the things that you need to do with a new dog. Kids will love playing with the interactive elements in the illustrations. The back of the book also includes a checklist allowing kids to keep track of how often they care for their puppy.

I Take Care of My Kitten

Written by Michael Slack

This interactive board book teaches young kids how to care for a kitten, through simple text and colorful illustrations. Kids will love interacting with the illustrations and caring for the kitten with the help of the encouraging text. The back of the book includes a checklist allowing them to keep track of how often they care for the kitten in the book.

Not That Pet!

Written by Smriti Prasadam-Halls and illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw

Mabel’s family is getting a pet, and they have decided to let her choose. She wants to pick the perfect pet, so she tries out all kinds of animals and creatures. The rhyming text is paired with hilarious illustrations showing the chaos that ensues when Mabel brings home everything from an elephant to a skunk. Kids will love seeing all of the ridiculous pets she brings home and the funny ending.

Related Post: New Children’s Books about Dogs

The Surprise

Written by Zadie Smith and Nick Laird and illustrated by Magenta Fox

When a little guinea pig named Maud is gifted to a young girl named Kit, she struggles to fit in with Kit’s other pets. But when she goes on a bit of an adventure and meets a new friend, she learns that being herself is the best way to be. Kids will love the sweet story and the funny illustrations, and may find reassurance in Maud’s journey of self discovery as well!

Luna’s Green Pet

Written by Kirsten Pendreigh and illustrated by Carmen Mok

Luna is a young girl who wants a pet, but is unable to have one because of the rules of her apartment building. When she finds a wilted plant in the garbage, she decides to make it her pet and nurse it back to health. This sweet story is perfect for those who want a pet to care for, but cannot have one. The back of the book even includes tips for taking care of your own houseplant pet.

Related Post: Children’s Books about Seeds, Plants & Trees

The Pumpernickel-Daffodil

Written by Galia Bernstein

Wodehouse Chili Pepper Pumpernickel the Third comes from a family of show dogs. When he gets his own human and starts training for his first dog show, they are both unsure if they have what it takes to be perfect. This hilarious story celebrates the friendship between child and dog, and the importance of being true to yourself. Kids will love seeing Izzy and Chili do things their own way.

Patch of Sky

Written by Nic Yulo

This adorable story follows a young girl named Pia and her pet pig Patches. When Pia learns that pigs can’t see the sky, she goes on a mission to help Patches get a glimpse of the beautiful sky. Kids will love the funny ways that Pia tries to help, and the smart solution she finds in the end, as well as the brightly colored illustrations.

Roxie Loves Adventure

Written by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen and illustrated by Leeza Hernandez

This fun rhyming story follows Roxie, a pampered little pug who finds herself locked out of the house after rushing outside to go to the bathroom while her humans are sleeping. She worries how she will survive without all the luxuries that she is used to, and tries to come up with a plan to get back inside. Kids will enjoy the peppy rhyming text and the funny plans that Roxie comes up.

Everywhere with You

Written by Carlie Sorosiak and illustrated by Devon Holzwarth

This beautiful story celebrates the power of stories and friendship as it follows a young girl as she befriends the dog next door. Every night, the girl sits next to the fence and reads stories out loud to the lonely dog. Together they go on all kinds of journeys through her books, and escape their loneliness together. Kids will love seeing the girl and dog form a bond, and will appreciate the heartwarming ending.

Related Post: New Children’s Books about Cats

I Have Seven Dogs

Written by Molly Horan and illustrated by Dana Wulfekotte

Not everyone can have a pet, and this sweet story follows a young animal lover who cannot have a pet of her own. Zoe loves befriending all of the dogs in her neighborhood. Even though she can’t have one of her own, she is inspired to come up with a creative solution. Kids will love the way that Zoe comes up with a plan to spend time with her dog friends, and the sweet ending to the story.

I Am Cat!

Written by Peter Bently and illustrated by Chris Chatterton

This funny book follows a sassy cat as she goes about her busy day. Cat’s days are very full. Whether she is waking up her human to get food, playing with the little human, or fighting with the dog next door. Kids will love the snappy rhythmic text and the vibrantly colored illustrations.

Can’t Get Enough Dog Stuff

Written by Moira Rose Donohue and Stephanie Gibeault

This nonfiction guide to dogs is packed with interesting facts, fun quizzes, and funny jokes. The brightly colored pages are full of large, detailed photographs and with lots of captions, facts, and statistics sprinkled throughout. Kids will love taking the various quizzes and learning all kinds of interesting facts about dogs. The book includes a table of contents and index to help readers navigate, as well as a breed pronunciation guide to help decipher the difficult names in the book.

What are your favorite new children’s books about pets? Share them in the comments below!

More Posts You May Enjoy: