Can We Keep Him?
9 Books About Pet Adoption for Kids
by Dena McMurdie
My children have adopted several pets over the last few years (mostly hamsters and fish), and we’ve learned a lot from the experience. My girls have learned responsibility, how to care for a living creature, and how to treat animals. Over time, they’ve developed a strong bond with their pets and come to see them as part of the family.
If you’re on the hunt for a new pet or want to introduce your child to the concept of pet adoption or animal rescue, here are nine books to read together.
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Can I Be Your Dog?
Available from:In a desperate attempt to find a loving family, a homeless dog named Arfy writes letters to everyone on his street, letting them know he’d make a good pet. This heartfelt story is an appeal to both pet adoption and the lost art of letter writing.
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Polly and Her Duck Costume
Polly is a little blind goat that only feels safe when she's wrapped in something warm and snuggly, so her new mom gives her a duck costume to wear. This is a true story about a blind goat and the young woman who gave her a home.
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My Pillow Keeps Moving
Available from:A little dog poses as a pillow, a coat, and a footstool, eventually earning himself a new home. Told mostly through pictures, this smile-inducing story about a dog’s determination to get adopted will make your child squeal with laughter.
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Found Dogs
Count all the furry and friendly dogs hoping to get adopted, then count down again as the dogs find new homes. With super cute illustrations and simple, rhyming text, this book is perfect for teaching young readers about pet adoption.
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Ladybug Girl and The Rescue Dogs
Available from:Ladybug Girl decides to help out at the pet adoption fair at her farmer’s market. She can’t take any of the pets home, but through persistence and creativity, Ladybug Girl helps the rescue dog effort.
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My Name is Bob
When his owner gets sick, Bob is left on his own. He spends a long, lonely winter on the street before a musician finds him and takes him in. This heartwarming tale is inspired by the true story of James Bowen and the cat he adopted.
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What Pet Should I Get?
Available from:With so many pets to choose from, how can a brother and sister pick just one? This delightful tale depicting the childhood task of choosing a pet is captured with Dr. Seuss’s signature rhyme and zany illustrations.
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The True Adventures of Esther the Wonder Pig
When Esther turns out to be a not-so-mini pig, her adoptive dads decide to leave their tiny apartment in the city for a farm that eventually becomes home to all types of rescue animals. Based on the true story of internet celeb Esther the Wonder Pig.
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Before You Were Mine
Both heartbreaking and uplifting, this book makes a case for adopting older pets. It’s a heartfelt look at pet adoption and a gentle introduction to young pet owners about the importance of treating animals with kindness.
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What books would you add to this list? Share with us in the comments below.