Must-Read Book List for Dog and Cat Lovers

We love cats and dogs at Hillrose Pet Resort and love it when they are included in books that we find. So we’re calling all dog and cat-loving bookworms! Check out this list of must-read, paw-some books purr-fect for every age group.

Little Bookworms and Beginning Readers (ages 2-8)

• If You Give a Dog a Donut and If You Give a Cat a Cupcake by Laura Numeroff: These are silly stories, but it’s a guaranteed giggle for young children. The adorable illustrations and predictable cause-and-effect cycle will keep your little one entertained.
• Cookie’s Week by Cindy Ward: Follow along as Cookie, a curious black and white cat, goes through his week and gets into a bit of mischief.
• The Little Kitten by Judy Dunn: This photographic picture book is a delightful introduction to the world of kittens. This sweet story features a young kitten named Pickles, who explores his surroundings with curiosity and playful energy.
• Go, Dog. Go! by P.D. Eastman: This Beginner Book® is a classic dog-themed read that features lots of dogs in various forms of transportation as they all head to a dog party.
• Can I Be Your Dog? by Troy Cummings: Arfy is a homeless dog that writes letters about himself while looking for an adoptive home on Butternut Street. Will he find a home?
• I Want a Dog by Jon Agee: This book is a funny story about the excitement of wanting a pet and finding the perfect dog at an animal shelter.
• “Olivia the Pig” series by Ian Falconer: These books are a great choice for both dog and cat lovers! Though the star is a sassy pig named Olivia, her adventures with furry friends are relatable and funny.

Tween and Teen Readers (ages 8 and up)

• The Secret Life of Pets by Callie Brynn Burton: This book (also a popular movie) dives into the secret lives of pets and the hilarious situations they get into when their humans are away.
• Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo: This heartwarming story follows a lonely young girl named Opal who finds an unexpected friend in a scruffy dog named Winn Dixie.
• “Warriors” series by Erin Hunter: Dive into the world of feral cats with this epic fantasy series! Each book follows different clans and allegiances, filled with adventure, danger, and the unwavering loyalty between cats.
• The Call of the Wild by Jack London is a classic book about a dog named Buck who is kidnapped from his home and sold to work in the Alaskan Gold Rush. Buck grows wilder, and his instincts take over as he fights for survival.

There are lots of pet-themed books published for kids, but don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about adult readers. Here are some dog and cat-related book recommendations for adult readers.

Adult Readers

• The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein: This book is told from the perspective of Enzo, a golden retriever who dreams of being human. It’s a funny, moving story about love, loss, and the special connection between humans and their furry friends.
• All Creatures Great and Small by James Harriot: A collection of classic stories from a country veterinarian in England featuring many lovable animals, including dogs and cats.
• Dewey: The Small Town Library Cat by Vicki Myron: This book is based on a true story about a stray cat who wins the hearts of a small town.
• Marley and Me by John Grogan – This is a heartwarming story about a loyal and loving dog and his family
• Cujo by Stephen King: Fans of the horror genre will enjoy this book about a loving dog’s transformation into a rabid beast that terrorizes his owner and her son.
• A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles—This bestselling novel is about a man confined to a hotel in Moscow. While not solely cat-focused, this book does include a stray cat character who befriends the title character. It has also been adapted into a television series.
• The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa: This is a heartwarming book about a cat who travels with his owner as he visits old friends. The story highlights the bond humans have with animals and the power of even small things to transform lives.
• The Midnight Library by Matt Haig: This book is a story of a woman searching for meaning and has alternate reality experiences, including one featuring a ginger cat named Dewey.
• The Cat Who Could Read Backwards by Lilian Jackson Braun: This mystery includes Koko, a clever Siamese cat, who helps a journalist investigate a suspicious death using a special talent.

It’s always fun to find animals included in stories because even if you don’t have a cat or dog at home, you can still have adventures with them as you read. If you do have a pet at home, let us know when you’re heading out of town and need boarding services. We offer clean, safe accommodations for dogs, cats, and even exotic animals like lizards. Happy Reading!