Story reading to service dogs, often called Paws to Read, is a growing activity at many libraries. Geared for first graders, children read to the dogs to get practice in a relaxing atmosphere. Having a preschool storytime on dogs can get children acclimated to the idea of dogs in the library, with fun stories and crafts. Paperbag dog puppets are an easy craft.
Bridwell, Norman. CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG. Now a TV series, this classic concerns a big red dog and his owner Emily Elizabeth.
Dodd, Emma. DOG’S NOISY DAY. Also look for DOG’S COLORFUL DAY. In both books, a simple concept is described with humor.
Feiffer, Jules. BARK, GEORGE. Children can repeat the animal sounds while listening to this hilarious story, of a dog that makes a variety of noises but doesn’t bark!
Fuge, Charles. YIP! SNAP! YAP! The audience will call out the variety of noises dogs make in this comical book.
Graham, Bob. “THE TROUBLE WITH DOGS,” SAID DAD. A trainer is brought in to teach Dave the Dog new tricks.
Hayes, Sarah. DOG DAY. Ben and Ellie have a new teacher – a dog named Riff!
Hurd, Thacher. ART DOG. Art Dog solves crimes at night in the city, while driving his race car.
Inkpen, Mick. KIPPER. Kipper is a British dog – now a popular TV series.
Masurel, Claire. TEN DOGS IN THE WINDOW. In this participation story, dogs are purchased by humans who resemble them. Kids can count along and repeat the phrases.
Parr, Todd. OTTO series. With charmingly bold illustrations, Otto the dog goes to the beach, goes camping, and does other activities kids can relate to.
Pilkey, Dav. DOG BREATH. Hally Tosis, a dog with horrible green breath, helps catch two robbers.
Also see the previous Dogs storytime ideas page from June 2000.