There are many great dogs & cats books on the market right now. And they make lovely gifts for animal fans. If you’re looking for the perfect gift for animal lovers, or for yourself you’ll love these ten books!

1- A Dog Like Sam

A Dog Like Sam Edward Van de Vendel — A heartwarming story about family and belonging

By: Edward Van De Vendel & hilip Hopman

When a big white dog turns up unexpectedly in their front yard, Kix and Emilia immediately want to adopt him. They name the dog Sam, and even though their parents say they can’t take him in, it isn’t long before Sam becomes a part of the family. But when Sam’s original owner comes looking for him, Kix realizes that deciding where Sam belongs is anything but simple.

Emotional and gripping, this book will be an instant favorite with any reader who has a soft spot for animals.

Purchase A Dog Like Sam at Amazon, Christianbook.com, Eerdmans, or your local bookstore.

2- Do you Have a Dog?

By: Eileen Spinelli & Geraldo Valério

This follow-up to Do You Have a Cat? introduces readers to a whole new collection of historical figures-Admiral Richard Byrd, Jackson Pollack, Annie Oakley, and more! Eileen Spinelli’s whimsical, rhyming text and the colorful and energetic paintings of Geraldo Valerio help bring these dog owners to life.

Purchase Do You Have a Dog? at Amazon, Christianbook.com, Eerdmans, or your local bookstore.

3- Klimt and His Cat

klimt and his cat children book kids — Follow me into Gustav’s studio — it is alive with color! Look at the paintbrushes, the reds and blues and colorful hues that spill onto the table. Smell the scent of paint, of oil, of canvas. . .

By: Berenice Capatti & Octavia Monaco

Katze, the loyal cat of Gustav Klimt, takes readers on an exciting journey into the world of the famous Viennese painter. From distracting Gustav’s models to tagging along with Gustav on vacations, Katze always provides keen insight about the artist’s work and thoughts.

Enchanting illustrations, suggestive of Gustav Klimt’s own style and enlivened by the lovable and curious Katze, make Klimt and His Cat a book for readers of all ages. This book not only teaches about the artwork of the Secessionist artist, but also suggests the importance of hard work, dedication, and being true to oneself.

AWARDS and RECOGNITION

Society of Illustrators, The Original Art Annual Exhibition (2005)
Bank Street College, Best Children’s Books of the Year (2006)

Purchase Klimt and His Cat at Amazon, Christianbook.com, Eerdmans, or your local bookstore.

4- My Wild Cat

My Wild Cat Isabelle Simler children book kids — From beloved creator Isabelle Simler comes a sly, hilarious read sure to delight cat lovers of all ages.

Written and Illustrated by Isabelle Simler

A merciless hunter, an unrivaled expert in stealth and deception—a cat is no ordinary pet! Sure, he may look harmless as he snoozes on the sofa, or under the rug, or on top of the radiator. Sure, he may seem sweet as he snuggles a stuffed animal, but don’t let that fool you! When you least expect it, he’ll pounce…

Purchase My Wild Cat at Amazon, Christianbook.com, Eerdmans, or your local bookstore.

5- Piper

Piper Emma Chichester Clark children books kids — “It will take a hard heart indeed to resist this story of a sweet-natured hound who finally finds the owner he deserves. . . Clark’s brisk storytelling keeps the story from sagging into a soap opera, and offers just enough twists (and even a chuckle or two) to keep readers turning the pages.” **– Publishers Weekly**

By: Emma Chichester Clark

Piper is a gentle dog, courageous and anxious to please. His mother told him to always obey his master, and he does his best to follow her advice. But when his grim new master treats Piper badly, he is terrified and runs away. Will his humble, quiet courage be better appreciated in the big city?

This story, written and illustrated by award-winning author and illustrator Emma Chichester Clark, will inspire young readers to stand up for themselves. And the lovable Piper is sure to capture their hearts.

Purchase Piper at Amazon, Christianbook.com, Eerdmans, or your local bookstore.

6- Plume

Plume Isabelle Simler children's books kids — “A black cat sneaks its way onto each spread of this lovely look at birds and their unique feathers. A nose here, a bit of tail there—the artfully concealed cat is a clever detail that will keep kids interested in this avian study….Delicately textured and detailed, these illustrations show the patterns, colors, and beauty present in every plume, and readers will appreciate how no two are alike. The large-scale illustrations make this book well suited for group sharing, though the feathers will warrant a closer look, and the mix of new and familiar birds will keep youngsters engaged.” **– Booklist**

By: Isabelle Simler

In this lovely book, young readers are introduced to a variety of beautiful birds, from the familiar chicken to the exotic ibis. But lurking in the background of every page is a cat, who also seems very interested in the birds.

With its funny illustrations and engaging concepts, this clever counting book will invite readers to linger over every page.

Purchase Plume at Amazon, Christianbook.com, Eerdmans, or your local bookstore.

7- Sam in Winter

Sam in Winter childrens books kids books — “For pet lovers who have experienced that special relationship with an animal, this emotionally charged story will be memorable. . . . Highly Recommended.” – Canadian Review of Materials

By: Edward Van De Vendel & Philip Hopman

The compelling sequel to A Dog Like Sam

Sam, the mysterious dog Kix met last summer, is now a part of the family. But Sam has been acting strange lately, and even Kix can’t ignore the fact that his beloved dog is getting old. Still, Kix isn’t worried—until the day Sam disappears and doesn’t return.

As winter sets in, Kix becomes desperate to find Sam, so desperate that he decides to turn to an old enemy for help. Will they be able to rescue Sam before it’s too late?

Edward van de Vendel once again delivers a deeply affecting story that will stay with readers long after they turn the final page.

AWARDS and RECOGNITION

2018 Paterson Prize for Books for Young People Honor Book

Purchase Sam in Winter at Amazon, Christianbook.com, Eerdmans, or your local bookstore.

8- Scout’s Heaven

Scout's Heaven childrens books kids books — This powerful story will resonate with any reader who has loved and lost a pet.

By: Annemarie Van Haeringen & Bibi Dumon Tak

A sensitive book about mourning the loss of a pet

In this poignant story, a family grieves the loss of their beloved dog, Scout. There’s pouring rain when Scout dies, and the sky looks like it’s never seen the sun. Even so, Scout’s family begins the terrible task of burying her. Then Little Brother hears the thunder rumble and realizes it sounds just like Scout growling at the mail carrier. He starts wondering where Scout is now—if she has food to eat, pigeons to chase, sticks to fetch. And his search for answers helps the whole family find a sense of peace.

Purchase Scout’s Heaven at Amazon, Christianbook.com, Eerdmans, or your local bookstore.

9- The Best Cat in the World

The Best Cat in the World childrens book kids book — “Newman captures the conflicting emotions of losing a cherished pet and then learning to love a new one in this warmly reassuring tale. . . Touching in its depiction of the carefully crafted bonds between a boy and his furry companions. . . A fitting read for any youngster facing the loss of a pet.” – ***Publishers Weekly***

By: Leslea Newman & Ronald Himler

Even the best cat in the world doesn’t live forever, and Victor is very sad when his beloved cat, Charlie, dies. His mother suggests getting a new cat, but Victor isn’t so sure. Finally, when the vet tells Victor she has another cat that really needs a home, Victor agrees to give the new cat a chance.

But the new cat, Shelley, isn’t like Charlie. She doesn’t look like Charlie, or act like Charlie, or like to do the things Charlie used to do. With all these differences, is there any chance that Victor can learn to accept and love Shelley?

Leslea Newman’s gentle story honors the full range of a child’s feelings after losing a favorite pet, while Ron Himler’s soft pencil and watercolor illustrations capture Victor’s poignant emotions as well as the playful antics of his new kitten.

AWARDS and RECOGNITION

Cat Writers’ Association, Muse Medallion (2004)
International Reading Association-Children’s Book Council Joint Committee, Children’s Choices (2005)
Cooperative Children’s Book Center, CCBC Choices (2005)
Bank Street College, Best Children’s Books of the Year (2005)
Missouri Association of School Libraries, Show Me Readers Award Master List (2006)

Purchase The Best Cat in the World at Amazon, Christianbook.com, Eerdmans, or your local bookstore.

10- The Secret Cat

The Secret Cat childrens books kids book — “Swedish artist Strömgård illustrates her tale with intricately drafted pen-and-ink figures. . . . Her visions are beautifully developed, portraying the narrator and the other pet owners as distinct and engaging individuals. And a dramatic confrontation and a nick-of-time rescue conjure just enough excitement for bedtime.” – ***Publishers Weekly***

By: Katarina Strömgård

An imaginative book for anyone who’s ever wanted a pet

Lucy wants a pet more than anything, even though her mom always says no. But one night, Lucy hears a scratching sound from behind her wallpaper, and a ghostly cat named Silvring appears. Silvring takes Lucy on an adventure and introduces her to a world filled with secret pets just like hers. Not all the secret pets are as friendly as Silvring, though.

Filled with magical realism, this beautiful book will resonate with animal lovers of all ages.

Purchase The Secret Cat at Amazon, Christianbook.com, Eerdmans, or your local bookstore.