A purrfect list of picture books for kids
Editor’s note: In this reading (or shall we say, viewing?) picture book list for kids, Anannya has outdone herself with the cuteness. Delightful, devastating, and downright adorable—these books also speak big feelings to children in simple ways.
Written by: Anannya is an educator, librarian, activist, social justice worker and writer. In her free time, she runs a small book review page called @anyahkuttythings on Instagram where she recommends her favourite books, and writes about her reading experiences.
There’s something disarming about animal stories—especially the ones written for children. Maybe it’s the way a dog or tortoise or stray cat can be used to explain things that are otherwise hard to name: love, grief and vulnerability.
You should read these books not only because they are delightful and devastating in equal measure, but because they’re precise in how they make emotion legible to young minds—and to older ones that need a reminder.
Black Dog by Levi Pinfold: A looming, spectral dog haunts the front yard—massive, unnamed, and terrifying. But as the smallest member of the family ventures outside to face it, the beast shrinks, frame by frame. This is a gorgeously illustrated, slightly spooky, and wonderfully affirming book about how fears tend to shrink when we face them—and how courage often comes in surprisingly small packages.
Rodney Was a Tortoise by Nan Forler: Rodney didn’t fetch or purr or do tricks. But he was Bernadette’s best friend. When Rodney dies, Bernadette finds that no one seems to understand how sad she is. Until one quiet classmate finally does. A soft, lovely story about loss, friendship, and how the smallest acts—like sitting beside someone—can mean everything.
Stormy by Guojing: This wordless book is filled with pages of glowing, cinematic illustrations. The story follows a girl who spots a stray dog in the rain, and little by little earns its trust. The pacing is patient, the artwork full of longing and tenderness. It’s about second chances, and how connection sometimes takes time. A perfect read for kids who feel everything deeply.
Stay by Kate Klise: Astrid notices her dog, Eli, is getting older—slower, sleepier, not quite the same. So she makes a bucket list: such as eating with him in a restaurant, and taking him down a slide at the playground. This is a soft, layered book about pre-grief: about what it means to know something is slipping away, and still find joy in the days left.
May I Pet Your Dog? by Stephanie Calmenson: Told as a dialogue between a child and an extremely civil dachshund named Harry, this is the rare etiquette book that’s also charming. It gives children a practical and respectful script for approaching dogs—while quietly modeling consent and empathy. A must-have for classrooms, playdates, and any kid who’s ever sprinted toward a stranger’s dog yelling “CAN I PET IT!?”
Sparky! by Jenny Offill: Sparky doesn’t do tricks. He doesn’t move much. Honestly, he naps a lot. This deadpan, hilarious book is for anyone who’s ever had a pet that didn’t quite live up to expectations—and loved them anyway.
Lost and Found Cat by Doug Kuntz & Amy Shrodes: Based on a true story, this book follows a refugee family fleeing Iraq with their beloved cat, Kunkush—only to lose him en route. Volunteers across continents work to bring them back together. This is a powerful story about love that crosses borders, and the way strangers can come together to make something beautiful happen.
Dugga by Rajiv Eipe: Dugga’s days are full of exciting things to see and incredible things to sniff. She sleeps, eats and plays as only a happy dog can. Until, one day, her life is turned upside down. This is the story of how, with the help of humour, empathy and care—her own as well as that of other kind souls—Dugga finds her way back to love.
Symphony of Whales by Steve Schuch: Set in Siberia and based on a true story, this book follows a young girl who uses music to help guide a pod of trapped beluga whales to safety. The art is sweeping, the emotion grand, but what lingers is the message: that empathy requires imagination.
Lucky Dogs: A Story About Fostering Pups by Joowon Oh: This gentle story follows a girl who learns how to foster dogs—caring for them, loving them, and then saying goodbye when it’s time. It’s a beautiful introduction to the idea that letting go can be part of kindness, that sometimes love is temporary, and that’s okay too.
