The Cutest Preschool Books About Pets

One little boy begs his mom for a puppy – so much so, that she finally gives in. Oh, how he loves caring for his new animal! It doesn’t take long though, before he realizes that the puppy wants something to care for too. So the puppy gets a pet of its own – a pet cat! Then the puppy realizes that the cat wants something to care for too. What happens when the pet wants a pet and then the pet’s pet wants a pet, too? This one had us giggling for days! 

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What is excellence? And how come everyone in Ed’s family is excellent — except for Ed? Poor Ed, the Ellis family dog! He wonders why he can’t sit at the table with the rest of the family, or even on the couch with the other children. Is it because he isn’t excellent like the others? This preschool book about pets presents an awesome look at sibling rivalry and is a great reminder that we are all excellent in our own special ways. It’s a fabulous children’s book about families!

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A little girl wants nothing more than a pet, but her mom isn’t so thrilled. What animal complies with her mother’s stringent requirements? A sloth, of course! The girl is thrilled when Sparky the sloth arrives in the mail, but she soon comes to realize that having a sloth is quite different than anticipated. She tries to turn the sloth into a circus show but quickly realizes you can’t impose your will and desires on others. This book wonderfully imparts to kids that the best part of friendship comes when you can truly recognize who is sitting beside you and you can embrace that special someone for everything they are — and are not.

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Truman the tiny tortoise lives with his best friend Sarah. One day, Sarah straps on her backpack, leaves her home, and boards the number eleven bus for school! Truman is distraught, and after waiting for what seems like forever for Sarah’s return, he can wait no longer. Truman sets off on a journey to find her, even though that journey seems downright impossible for a tiny tortoise. We simply adore this heartwarming preschool book about pets that beautifully conveys how the devotion we have for those we love most can help us embark on courageous feats we never knew we were brave enough to undertake.

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I absolutely adore this wordless picture book, and I dare you to read it one time through without immediately going back for a reread! Illustrated like a wordless movie, this is the story of Spencer, a devoted owner to his pet dog. Except, his pet dog is actually a red balloon animal! While walking through the park, Spencer knows he must be very careful to keep his pup safe, and that means keeping him away from all sharp objects, especially those found at birthday parties — especially from those kids playing pin the tail on the donkey. Uh oh. This one has an ending you won’t see coming, one that will delight and amaze children and have them clamoring for more!

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In one of our all-time favorite board books, the premise is simple: a boy writes to the zoo and asks for a pet. The zoo proceeds to send him lots of animals that, for various reasons, don’t make the cut, until, of course, they send the perfect one. This book enhances toddler development in numerous ways. It gives little fingers various flaps to open, encourages them to learn the sounds and noises each animal makes, and provides loads of repetition which is a fabulous way to promote early literacy. You can’t beat this one, and we have a full review of Dear Zoo right here!

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A little boy and his pet elephant are banned from the local Pet Club Day meeting via a crude sign hanging on the door: Strictly No Elephants. When the boy meets another child who has also been turned away from the club with her pet skunk, the two decide to make a club of their own. They go to the park, draw up a sign, and open their gathering to all, inviting everyone — no matter what kind of animals they choose as pets — via the most beautiful sign. What does it say? Three simple words: “All are welcome.” For our full review of Strictly No Elephants, click here!

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For more than fifty years, this book about a strong-willed dog who refuses to get a bath has stood the test of time! Readers have been forever charmed by the story of Harry, a white dog with Black spots, who hates nothing more than bathtime. In an effort to evade his bath, Harry goes on a day of adventure and becomes so filthy that he transforms from a white dog with black spots to a black dog with white spots. But what happens when Harry finally returns to his home and his family doesn’t recognize him? Your kids will love this delightful story – and you will, too! 

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Charlotte wants a pet. She really, really wants a pet. So when her parents gift her one for her birthday, she’s quite excited. Except for one thing – her new pet is more rock than animal, and what do you do with a pet rock anyway?! Nonetheless, Charlotte loves her rock. And when her rock suddenly cracks, she is in for a whole lot more than she bargained for. This book is laugh-out-loud fun, and kids absolutely love this charming story! For more hilarious books about eggs, click here!

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Nia loves her pet turtle, but sometimes she grows frustrated. After all, he can’t talk or do any tricks. But on the night before her birthday, Nia discovers Alfie has gone missing. Did he run away? This innovative book switches perspective mid-way through to show readers how Alfie the turtle didn’t run away at all. Instead, he’s searching for Nia’s perfect birthday present! A fabulous and fun look at point of view, and the sweetest picture book about pets!

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Kids just adore books about unicorns! In this hilarious story, a boy throws a coin into a wishing well, and he wishes for a pet unicorn, of course. But when his wish is granted, chaos ensues! Unicorns are a lot of work. Their horns poke holes in the ceilings! They shed! And they certainly can’t be house-trained. This one is a riot and is guaranteed to make your little ones erupt in laughter!

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A young girl named Hannah has a big fear of dogs. She’s so scared of them, in fact, that she never says hello or even pets, her friends’s dog, Sugar. But what will happen when Sugar goes missing, and Hannah is the one to find her? This book has such a simple concept, and it is phenomenal! Sometimes, just closing our eyes, taking a deep breath, and reaching out a hand is all we need to do to take the first step toward overcoming a terrifying feeling. And this book displays that concept so, so beautifully. Hannah and Sugar has a permanent spot on my big one’s nightstand, and we reread it constantly (and by constantly I mean at least once a week!) See our full review of Hannah and Sugar, here.

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Are you ready for the pet show? One lucky pet is going to take home the coveted best-in-show ribbon, but who will it be? Whether the pet sits or stays, fetches or plays, all are welcome to compete. We love this darling story that celebrates all kinds of animals and their humans. The illustrations are top-notch, the rhyme is simple and perfect, and it is sure to get kids talking all about their own special pets and companions!

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Poor Arfy is a homeless dog who lives alone in an alley. All he wants is a human, so he writes letters to everyone that walks down Butternut Street. Arfy promises he’s adaptable, housebroken, and can even play well with cats, but why won’t anyone adopt him? This is a darling story of one little dog looking for someone to love, and it’s perfect for any child hoping for their first pet. We also love Arfy’s adorable letters- letter writing is a lost art these days, but this book encourages kids to get pen to paper!

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