Adventures with Pets
Pets enrich our lives, so why wouldn’t they enrich our stories, too? From the adorable to the zany to the heartfelt, these pet-centric stories are a good read for U.S. National Pet Day on April 11 or National Pet Month in May—or any time of year! Snuggle up with your pet, a treat and a library book.
By the staff of frederick county public libraries
Picture Books
“My Pet Wants a Pet”
by Elise Broach
A charming picture book by New York Times bestselling author Elise Broach that cleverly captures a universal wish—to love and care for something—and shows that you’re never too little to share in that dream.
“The Pigeon Wants a Puppy”
by Mo Willems
The pigeon really, really wants a puppy, but when a puppy arrives, the pigeon changes its mind.
Early Readers
“José and El Perro”
by Susan Rose and Silvia López
Finally, José gets el perro perfecto—the perfect dog! Follow along as José teaches his dog new words en Español, making this the perfect early reader to begin learning Spanish.
“Pets Rule: My Kingdom of Darkness”
by Susan Tan
Meet Ember, a rescue Chihuahua who thinks he is destined to rule the world! Full of humor, action and artwork, “Pets Rule” is the just-right series for emerging readers.
Middle Readers
“Allergic: A Graphic Novel”
by Megan Wagner Lloyd
Can Maggie outsmart her allergies and find the perfect pet? With illustrations by Michelle Mee Nutter, Megan Wagner Lloyd draws on her own experiences with allergies to tell a heartfelt story of family, friendship and finding a place to belong. Also available in Spanish, as a Wonderbook and as an ebook through Hoopla and Libby by Overdrive. fcpl.org/downloads/ebooks-kids
“Class Pet Surprise: Flat Stanley’s Adventures in Classroom 2E, Book 1”
by Jeff Brown
Beloved character Flat Stanley is back with a whole new set of friends in this brand-new STEM-focused chapter book series. In this first book, Stanley’s class gets an adorable class pet, plus a crash course on animal life and engineering. Also available as an ebook through Libby for Kids by Overdrive. fcpl.org/downloads/ebooks-kids
Teen Readers
“The Eyes and The Impossible”
by Dave Eggers
Explore this remarkable story about a dog named Johannes who freely runs through a park by the sea all day long. His world has structure and routine with the freedom to run, but one day his world begins to change. Suddenly, the balance of his life begins to shift as the park he loves so dearly gets smaller and smaller. Go on an adventure with Johannes as he discovers how to support himself in the ever-changing world around him in this 2024 Newberry Medal Winner. Also available as an eaudiobook and an ebook through Libby for Kids by Overdrive. fcpl.org/downloads/ebooks-kids
“Varjak Paw”
by S. F Said
Guided by the spirit of his legendary Mesopotamian ancestor, Jalal, Varjak Paw, a purebred cat, leaves his home and pampered existence and sets out to save his family from the evil Gentleman who took away his owner, the Contessa.
These titles are thoughtfully selected by Frederick County Public Libraries. You can find these books and more by visiting fcpl.org.
Looking for more? Find spring reads here.
