9 Inspiring Therapy Dog Stories for Kids
/Over the past few months, I’ve read several picture books about dogs. While these children’s books about dogs spanned a variety of themes, I gravitated toward the picture books about therapy dogs.
These top 9 inspiring therapy dog books make an ideal list for any therapy dog team who might want to bring some dog stories for kids to their library or school visits.
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Heartwarming stories to introduce the idea of therapy dogs
These two illustrated books are ideal for helping younger children understand who therapy dogs are, and what they do. While both dogs are fictional, both authors were inspired by their interactions with real therapy dogs.
Both stories are beautifully illustrated with engaging text appropriate for lower elementary.
Grades K-2
32 pages
fiction
Madeline Finn is back for the third installment in this series celebrating the magic between dogs and people.
This time around Madeline has been working with her dog Star on greeting people, remaining neutral around other dogs, and ignoring distractions in general. When they make three visits to a local retirement home for the final steps in their therapy dog certification, Madeline finds skills that she and Star should work on.
Not only do I love that Madeline is the handler in this therapy dog team, I also truly appreciate how much time she devotes to practicing with her dog. This delightful story makes it clear that becoming a therapy dog team requires training and patience.
Thank you to Peachtree Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I loved this book so much, I purchased a physical copy.
If you’re a fan of Madeline Finn, be sure to download Read On! An activity kit for Madeline Finn from Peachtree Publishing.
Grades K-2
38 pages
fiction
Tilly’s life turns around when an older woman rescues her during a scary thunderstorm. During her first months with Florence, Tilly learns about hope, love, beauty, joy, and miracles. Together they train to become a therapy dog team.
When Tilly visits the children’s hospital she recognizes the hope, love, beauty, joy, and miracles around her. In each illustration you see Tilly interacting with a variety of people and providing them with plenty of opportunities for pets and comfort.
This touching story may bring a tear to your eye. Tilly reminds children that no matter who you are, your life is full of beauty and value.
Educational and engaging books for developing readers
These picture books about dogs focus on telling the full story of life with three different therapy dogs. While each story imparts how important therapy dog work is, they also give interesting details about other aspects of each dog’s life.
Grades K-3
48 pages
non-fiction
The photographs in this National Geographic Kids book are gorgeous! Readers follow rescued greyhound Willow as she visits a hospital, a school, a home for retired veterans, and a library.
While it’s unlikely that a therapy dog would make four visits in one day, the day-in-the-life device effectively illustrates how much love, comfort, and support therapy dogs can spread.
Grades: 4-5
56 pages
non-fiction; biography
Smiley’s incredible story will inspire any dog lover. After being born blind along with dwarfism in a puppy mill, Golden Retriever puppy Smiley was rescued by a veterinary technician in Ontario.
While Smiley had several challenges to overcome, he does become a famous therapy dog. The captivating narrative and touching photos of Smiley will keep kids hooked. Motivational quotes sprinkled though the book tie in thematically with each section.
If you’re an elementary teacher looking to expand your selection of biographies, Smiley’s story should make your list.
Grades 3-5
55 pages
fiction
If you’re looking for a book that lays out the steps to follow to get a therapy dog registered, this book does a thorough job. The story opens with Ted E. Bear explaining how he was adopted by Professor T, and sharing details about his breed and dog sports.
When Professor T brings home a third Great Pyrenees named Daisy, Ted E. Bear walks her through the process of how she will become a therapy dog. Ted E. Bear makes sure to explain the differences between therapy dogs and service dogs.
This story is full of fun details about visiting libraries, colleges, hospitals, and senior citizen centers along with other dog activities Ted E. Bear and his two siblings enjoy. At the end of the book, there are 15 suggested discussion questions, and other suggested resources for learning more about therapy dogs, Great Pyrenees, and dog safety.
Stories with themes of perseverance and acceptance
All of these stories feature the differently-abled. Most of the stories involve humans, but in one of the stories, the future therapy dog puppy has a club paw.
Grades K-2
32 pages
fiction
The story opens with Boomer getting ready to graduate from service dog school. Unfortunately, things don’t go as planned. Boomer finds himself trying to help others, but consistently making poor decisions where he’s shooed away.
Then Boomer meets a crying lost kitten, who he promptly befriends. Boomer returns Kitty to Cecilia, a little girl in a wheelchair, who adopts Boomer into her family. Boomer has finally found his perfect family and loves being a therapy dog at the children’s hospital.
At the end of the book, the author includes several notes about service dogs, including a child’s guide to the do’s and don’ts of service dogs.
Grades K-2
40 pages
fiction
Moose is one sweet loyal dog. Whenever his girl Zara goes to school, Moose finds a way to sneak into the school. Since dogs are not allowed at school, Moose gets sent back home time and time again. She does not like goodbye.
Then Zara has a brilliant idea. She takes Moose to therapy dog school where she passes all the tests. Moose becomes the class reading dog and helps all the children.
The illustrations are beautiful. Moose’s facial expressions and body language make you fall in love with her on every page.
Grades K-2
29 pages
non-fiction
The first thing you’ll notice about this book is the collage of adorable photos of Lucky on the back cover. There are more photos at the end of the book along with more information about Lucky’s work, and veteran Christy Gardner who trained Lucky.
The story is really more of an origin story about how Lucky met Christy Gardner, a double amputee veteran who recognized that Lucky had a lot to give. When Christy and her service dog Moxie take Lucky to the park for the first time, several other dogs try to bully Lucky. Moxie steps in as an ally and Lucky shows all the bullies that he can do all the puppy things they can do.
Even though most of this story focuses on Lucky persevering and finding his purpose, the author Eileen Doyon writes, “More stories of Lucky’s journey and adventures to come…” so I’ll be watching and waiting to follow the picture books about Lucky.
Be sure to check Eileen Doyon’s website Unforgettable Faces & Stories for updates.
Grades K-2
30 pages
non-fiction
Told in verse by Pepper herself, she remembers how scared she was when she had no food or shelter.
After being adopted by a teacher, Pepper learns new skills, and becomes a therapy dog. She accompanies her Dad to school to listen to the students, comfort them, and help them overcome their fears no matter how different they may feel.
The illustrations almost look like a coloring book. A very nicely, stayed-in-the-lines kind of coloring book. The chalk font adds the final touch of whimsy to this short colorful picture book about an amazing therapy dog!
