Furry Friends: Our Favourite Cat and Dog Books for Kids

Whether you’re a dog person, a cat person, or a how-could-I-possibly-choose person, there’s no denying that furry friends make for fun fictional characters! Here are eight of our favourite reads featuring dogs and cats for young readers of all ages…

Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy by Lynley Dodd

The iconic first Hairy Maclary book, which introduces Hercules Morse, Bitzer Maloney, Muffin McLay, Bottomley Potts, Schnitzel von Krumm and of course the famous Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy.

Ages 0+.

Funny Kid #11: Catastrophe by Matt Stanton

A new pet purchase becomes CATASTROPHIC. Every kid wants to laugh, but Max is the boy who can make it happen. He’s also the boy who absolutely, definitely, does not under any circumstances want a cat. So why did Mum and Dad just bring one home?

Ages 7+.

Catvinkle and the Missing Tulips by Elliot Perlman, Illustrated by Laura Stitzel

Award-winning novelist Elliot Perlman’s second book of Catvinkle’s adventures is a wise, wonderful and warm-hearted tale. When best friends Catvinkle and Ula are asked to defend two sheep accused of eating Amsterdam’s tulips, they’re not sure what to believe…

Ages 9+.

The Dog Squad #1: The Newshound by Clara Vulliamy

Three budding journalist friends and their faithful hound uncover top local news stories in this delightful new series about family, friends and DOGS! With non-binary representation within the cast of characters, join Eva and her friends at the Newshound as they solve exciting new mysteries…

Ages 7+.

Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

One summer’s day, ten-year-old India Opal Buloni goes down to the local supermarket for some groceries – and comes home with a dog. But Winn-Dixie is no ordinary dog…

Ages 9+.

The Detective Dog Julia Donaldson, Illustrated by Sara Ogilvieby

Peter’s dog Nell has an amazing sense of smell. Whether it’s finding a lost shoe or discovering who did a poo on the new gravel path, her ever-sniffing nose is always hard at work. A fast-paced celebration of books, reading, libraries, and the relationship between a little boy and his rather special dog…

Ages 3+.

The Girl, the Dog and the Writer in Lucerne by Katrina Nannestad

All will be revealed in the girl, the dog and the writer’s final adventure by award-winning Australian author Katrina Nannestad. If you’re new to the trilogy, go back to the start with The Girl, the Dog and the Writer in Rome!

Ages 10+.

Kimmi: Queen of the Dingoes by Favel Parrett

A tale of incredible courage and survival, this is the true story of Kimmi, Queen of the Dingoes, told with passion and heart by one of Australia’s most beloved storytellers and dingo advocates.

Ages 8+.