20 Great Toddler Books About Pets

Are you doing a toddler or preschool topic about Pets? These great toddler pet books will go perfectly with that theme.

Who doesn’t love a good story about furry friends and feathery pals? If your little one is crazy about animals, you’ll both adore these 20 great toddler books about pets!

These simple early learning books are a great way to introduct your toddler to the joys of having a pet.

Whether you already have a family pet or are just dreaming of one, these books will spark their imagination and fill their hearts with love for all creatures big and small.

20 Great Toddler Books About Pets Pinterest Image

Pet Books for Toddlers

Get ready to snuggle up and dive into a world where every page is filled with paws, whiskers, and happy adventures!

Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin

Join Pete the Cat as he strolls down the street in his brand-new white shoes, only to have them change color with every step he takes! With its catchy songs and vibrant illustrations, Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin is a delightful story that teaches toddlers to embrace change with a smile and a positive attitude.

Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion

Harry, a white dog with black spots, hates baths. After getting dirty during his adventures, he becomes unrecognizable, and his family doesn’t know who he is. This classic story humorously explores a dog’s playful nature and the love between pets and their families.

The Pigeon Wants a Puppy! by Mo Willems

The pigeon has his heart set on getting a puppy, but he quickly realizes that owning one might not be as easy as he thought. With Mo Willems' signature humor and expressive illustrations, this book is a fun way to introduce kids to the responsibilities of pet ownership.

If You Give a Cat a Cupcake by Laura Numeroff

In this tale, giving a cat a cupcake leads to a series of unexpected events, with each request leading to another fun adventure. The whimsical story and vibrant illustrations make it a delightful read about the unpredictable nature of pets.

What Pet Should I Get? by Dr. Seuss

A brother and sister visit a pet store to pick a new pet but can’t decide which one to take home. The rhyming text and colorful illustrations capture the excitement and challenges of choosing a pet, encouraging kids to think about what pet might be best for them.

Can I Be Your Dog? by Troy Cummings

A stray dog named Arfy writes letters to residents of Butternut Street, hoping to find a forever home. This heartwarming story, told through Arfy’s letters, teaches children about compassion, adoption, and the importance of finding the right home for a pet.

Dog's Colorful Day by Emma Dodd

Dog starts the day with one black spot on his fur, but as he goes about his adventures, he accumulates more colorful spots from various messes. The book combines counting, colors, and a playful narrative, making it educational and fun for young readers.

Clark the Shark by Bruce Hale

Clark is a fun-loving shark with trouble controlling his enthusiasm, often overwhelming his friends. Through Clark’s journey of learning to be mindful of others, the book subtly teaches lessons about social behavior, making it relatable to children with pets or classmates.

Slinky Malinki by Lynley Dodd

Slinky Malinki is a mischievous cat who sneaks out at night to steal various items from his neighbors. The rhyming text and expressive illustrations capture the playful nature of cats, making it a charming story about a pet with a little naughty side.

The Berenstain Bears' New Pup by Stan and Jan Berenstain

The Bear family adopts a new puppy, and the cubs learn about the responsibilities and joys of having a pet. This book highlights the importance of taking care of pets, with relatable experiences that teach young readers about the work and rewards of pet ownership.

Kitten’s First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes

A curious kitten mistakes the full moon for a bowl of milk and embarks on a journey to reach it. The simple, black-and-white illustrations paired with the gentle story capture the innocence and determination of a young kitten exploring the world.

Grumpy Cat by Britta Teckentrup

Grumpy Cat lives alone and likes it that way, but when a cheerful kitten arrives, things start to change. The story explores themes of friendship, change, and opening up to new experiences, with vibrant illustrations that bring the characters to life.

Norman the Slug with the Silly Shell by Sue Hendra

Norman the slug dreams of having a shell like a snail, so he improvises with various objects to fit in. This humorous and creative story encourages children to embrace their unique qualities, with playful illustrations that make Norman an endearing character.

Lulu and the Duck in the Park by Hilary McKay

Lulu loves animals and is always bringing them home. When she sneaks a duck egg into school, she learns about responsibility and the joys of caring for animals, making this book a perfect introduction to the joys and challenges of pet ownership.

Pig the Pug by Aaron Blabey

Pig is a greedy pug who doesn’t like to share his toys, but he learns an important lesson when his selfishness gets him into trouble. With its humorous text and exaggerated illustrations, this book teaches the value of sharing and the consequences of greed in a lighthearted way.

Memoirs of a Goldfish by Devin Scillian

A goldfish narrates his life in a fishbowl as more and more objects and fish crowd his space. The witty text and colorful illustrations offer a humorous look at life from a pet’s perspective, highlighting the importance of space and companionship.

Hello Goodbye Dog by Maria Gianferrari

Zara’s dog, Moose, loves to be with her, but he can't come to school. This touching story about the bond between a girl and her dog showcases the challenges of separation and the joy of reunions, emphasizing the special connection between children and their pets.

The Stray Dog by Marc Simont

A family finds a stray dog while on a picnic and takes him home after realizing how much they miss him. Based on a true story, the book’s gentle narrative and charming illustrations convey the importance of love and compassion in adopting a pet.

How Do Dinosaurs Love Their Cats? by Jane Yolen

This book humorously explores how different dinosaur species care for their pet cats, combining playful rhymes with educational lessons about pet care. The exaggerated dinosaur characters and their antics make it a fun and engaging read for young children.

Gaston by Kelly DiPucchio

Gaston, a bulldog raised by a family of poodles, learns about belonging and family when he meets another family. The book’s vibrant illustrations and heartwarming story about being true to oneself make it an inspiring read about love and acceptance, whether with pets or family.

These 20 great toddler books about pets are sure to become favorites in your home! As you explore these stories together, you’ll not only enjoy the joy and laughter they bring but also help nurture a love and understanding of animals.

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