With the gift giving season upon us, are you stumped for ideas?  If there are dog-lovers on your list, why not give them a good dog related book?  (And why not get one for yourself, too?)

We’ve put together a list of dog books with suggestions for kids and for grown-ups, too.  We’ve included some for learning, laugher and inspiration and more than a few that will touch your heart.

There are Amazon.com links for convenience. (We have no promotional relationship; the link is simply for your convenience if you are an Amazon.com shopper.)

Here are some classics, appropriate for children up to third grade:

• I’ll Teach My Dog 100 Words by Michael Frith 
• Go, Dog. Go! by P.D. Eastman
• Big Dog…Little Dog by P.D. Eastman
• The Digging-Est Dog by Al Perkins
• If I Ran the Dog Show: All About Dogs by Tish Rabe

The Henry and Mudge and Mo Willems books are great for new readers from kindergarten to 2nd grade.

• Henry and Mudge First Book by Cynthia Rylant
• Henry and Mudge and the Tall Tree House by Cynthia Rylant
• Henry and Mudge in Puddle Trouble by Cynthia Rylant
• The Pigeon Wants a Puppy by Mo Williems
• Pigeon Pack by Mo Willems

If you’re looking for educational books that teach children how to approach and relate to dogs, here are several good choices:

• May I Pet Your Dog?: The How-to Guide for Kids Meeting Dogs by Stephanie Calmenson
• Puppy Scents by Don Kaleta
• Tails are Not for Pulling by Elizabeth Verdick
• Don’t Lick the Dog: Making Friends with Dogs by Wendy Wahman
• Good Dog!  Kids Teach Kids About Dog Behavior and Training by Evelyn Pang

For the up-and-coming dog trainers in your life, why not invest in some of these dog-trick books? These will provide hours of entertainment for young and old alike:

• 101 Dog Tricks: Step by Step Activities to Engage, Challenge, and Bond with Your Dog by Kyra Sundance
• 51 Puppy Tricks: Step-by-Step Activities to Engage, Challenge, and Bond with Your Puppy by Kyra Sundance
• Brain Games for Dogs: Fun Ways to Build a Strong Bond with Your Dog and Provide It with Vital Mental Stimulation by Claire Arrowsmith
• Dog Tricks and Agility for Dummies by Sarah Hodgson
• The Only Dog Tricks Book You’ll Ever Need: Impress Friends, Family – and Other Dogs! By Gerilyn J. Bielakiewicz

Got a dog-loving baker on your gift list? These dog cookbooks, along with a dog bone-shaped cookie cutter, will be the perfect gift:

• The Ultimate Dog Treat Cookbook: Homemade Goodies for Man’s Best Friend by Liz Palika
• Three Dog Bakery Cookbook: Over 50 Recipes for All-Natural Treats for Your Dog by Mark Beckloff
• Real Food for Dogs: 50 Vet-Approved Recipes for a Healthier Dog by Arden Moore
• My Dog Says I’m a Great Cook!  By Paris Permenter and John Bigley
• The Organic Dog Biscuit Cookbook Kit by Jessica Disbrow

We all have one in the family, that person who has everything and insists you don’t need to get them anything for Christmas. We have a solution. Give them one of these great coffee table dog books:

• Underwater Dogs by Seth Casteel
• Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Dogs by Sean O’Meara and Michael Hayward
• The New Yorker Book of Dog Cartoons by New Yorker Magazine
• Dogs by Lewis Blackwell and Tim Flach
• Shelter Dogs by Traer Scott

Sometimes we just want a “good-read”.  Here are a few suggestions:

• Marley and Me: Life and Love with the World’s Worst Dog by John Grogan
• Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover’s Soul: Stories of Canine Companionship, Comedy and Courage by Jack Canfield
• Soldier Dogs by Maria Goodavage
• Hero Dog Stories: 16 True Stories of Amazing Dogs by Jennifer Ogden
• A Dog’s Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron

We hope this gives you some ideas for the dog lovers in your life. If you have other suggestions, please post your list on our Facebook page. (Thanks!)

We wish you and your family all the best this holiday season.

Featured Image: “Sylvia Whitman” by craigfinlay is licensed under CC BY 2.0.