Summer Reading Is Fun!

Summer is finally here, and it's the perfect time to sit back, relax, and get lost in a great book! It's even better when that book features some of our own favorite furry friends.

Here are some books you can throw into your beach bag!

Of course, our favorite canine classic is Be Like Bud!

This precious picture book proves that Bud and his Roxy friends are no ordinary dogs! For children of all ages, Be Like Bud offers inspiring messages of support and comfort. It showcases the Roxy Therapy Dogs' undeniable ability to comfort and connect with children. It also details the dogs' favorite foods, games, and other traits that make the dogs so special!

Other Recommended Reading For Dog Lovers

We are grateful to our friends at the Doylestown Bookshop for compiling the following list of dog-related books. Books can be purchased online at www.doylestownbookshop.com or in stores.

Picture books

  • Madeline Finn and the Library Dog - Lisa Papp

  • Rescue and Jessica - Jessica Kensky

  • Harry the Dirty Dog - Gene Zion

  • How Rocket learned to Read - Tad Hills

  • May I Pet Your Dog - Stephanie Calmenson

  • Tails Are Not for Pulling - Elizabeth Verdick

  • Gaston - Kelly DiPucchio

  • Antoinette - Kelly DiPucchio

2-3rd grade

  • Animal Inn (series) - Paul DuBois Jacobs and Jennifer Swender

  • Dog Diaries (series) - Kate Klimo and Tim Jessell

  • Critter Club (series) - Callie Barkley

  • The Chocolate Lab (series) - Eric Luper

  • Vet Volunteers (series) - Laurie Halse Anderson

  • Rider Woofson (series) - Walker Styles and Ben Whitehouse

  • Ranger in Time (series) - Kate Messner and Kelley McMorris

  • Pug Pals (series) - Flora Ahn

4-6th Grade

  • Love That Dog - Sharon Creech

  • The Inquisitor’s Tale - Adam Gidwitz

  • Bunnicula - Deborah and James Howe

  • Because of Winn Dixie - Kate DiCamillo

  • Survivors (series) - Erin Hunter

Young Adult

  • Edge of Nowhere - Jon Smelcer

Adult

  • The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon

  • The Art of Racing in the Rain - Garth Stein

  • A Dog’s Purpose - W. Bruce Cameron

  • The Dogs of Babel - Carolyn Parkhurst

  • The Story of Edgar Sawtelle - David Wroblewski

Non-fiction

  • Marley and Me - James Grogan

  • Travels with Charley: In Search of America - John Steinbeck

  • Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know - Alexandra Horowitz

  • The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs - Patricia B. McConnell

  • A Three Dog Life - Abigail Thomas

Encourage Summer Reading!

Children’s learning doesn’t end just because school’s out for the summer! In fact, summer provides many opportunities for children to learn – such as travel, camps, and summer reading. Summer reading is critical to continued learning, because it helps children keep up their skills and increase their vocabulary. It also promotes the formation of a life-long habit of reading for pleasure.   

What are some ways to encourage your child to read over the summer?

  • Create tech-free times in your home. Set aside at least one hour of ‘tech free’ time every day. That means no TV, iPads, iPhones, computers, etc. This time can be used for creative play, or READING – either silently, or aloud.

  • Have a weekly contest to see which family member can read the most books/pages per week. Decide on some prizes for the winner (a favorite dessert?) to provide some additional incentives.

  • Have your child read to his/her pet. Yes, even Roxy Therapy Dogs go on vacation! So, if they can’t read to a Roxy dog, encourage your child to cuddle up with their own pet and read their favorite story.

  • Don’t have a pet? Have your child read to their stuffed animals! If you’re looking for that perfect stuffed reading companion, please visit Roxy Gear & Gifts page, and for a small donation to benefit Roxy Therapy Dogs, your child can select from the many plush GUND puppies – who are all waiting to hear a great summer story!!

Stacy Donnelly