Do you love dogs? We do! Dogs are very fun and loyal companions. On this special day, take time to appreciate the love and friendship that dogs bring to our daily lives.
To celebrate these special friends, we put together a list of beautifully illustrated books for children that celebrate these canines.
A heartwarming story about family and belonging
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, Barnes & Noble, IndieBook or your local bookstore.
Sam in Winter
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.
Purchase Sam in Winter at Amazon, Christianbook.com, Eerdmans, Barnes & Noble, IndieBook or your local bookstore. or your local bookstore.
Do You Have a Dog?
Purchase Do You Have a Dog at Amazon, Christianbook.com, Eerdmans, IndieBook or your local bookstore. or your local bookstore.
Scout’s Heaven
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.
This powerful story will resonate with any reader who has loved and lost a pet.
Purchase Scout’s Heaven at Amazon, Christianbook.com, Eerdmans, Barnes & Noble, IndieBook or your local bookstore. or your local bookstore.
The Dog That Nino Didn’t Have
By: Edward van de Vendel & Anton Van Hertbruggen
A beautiful exploration of happiness and hope
Nino doesn’t have a dog, but he likes to imagine that he does. His imaginary dog chases squirrels and plays in the lake with him. His imaginary dog licks the tears off Nino’s face and helps Nino feel less lonely while his dad is traveling. But when Nino gets a real dog, it’s not quite what he expected. As he spends more time with his dog, though, Nino learns how to be content with what he has, but that doesn’t stop him from continuing to dream.
This award-winning book beautifully depicts the art of finding a balance between imagination and reality.
Purchase The Dog that Nino Didn’t Have at Amazon, Christianbook.com, Eerdmans, or your local bookstore.
The Story of Bodri
Hédi spends her days playing with her dog Bodri in the park, but her quiet world starts to crumble the day she hears Adolf Hitler on the radio. Germany’s leader hates her and her family, just because they are Jewish. And Hitler doesn’t even know them—it doesn’t make any sense. Soon Nazi Germany invades Hédi’s country, and her life changes forever.
Inspired by the author’s experiences, this book is a thoughtful introduction to the Holocaust for young readers. Strikingly honest prose and illustrations share an unforgettable story about a faithful dog, a family in danger, and the power of hope in unimaginable circumstances.
Purchase The Story of Bodri at Amazon, Christianbook.com, Eerdmans, IndieBook or your local bookstore. or your local bookstore.
