Storybooks for children with dogs and cats in?

[RedwingWinter]

Does anyone know of any story books or picture books for children that feature dogs and/or cats in a way that shows knowledge of how to interact with pets? I know there are various resources aimed at teaching children, but I'm looking for something that is actually fiction, i.e. puts a story first, but happens to do a good job of depicting relationships with animals? Not something that shows a romantic view of kids hugging dogs (since most dogs don't like that). Any ideas?

All the Mog books would be a good start. Mog's bad thing can always raise a laugh and ultimately Goodbye dear Mog.

Thank you, that's a good suggestion.

Any other ideas? Keep them coming!

Some dogs do

Spot?

Have a look at Mutt Dog perhaps? I couldn't answer if it was exactly what you were looking for, but it's not romantic particularly. It's about a family taking in a stray.

More excellent suggestions, thanks! I especially like the sound of Mutt Dog.

I particularly liked the 100 mph dog series - incredibly funny, our nephews recommended them and I was laughing out loud as so many of the criminal enterprises were very familiar

The RGT do a nice little series of books about a greyhound called Speedy - very nicely illustrated, not very expensive here - would be a very good stocking filler for a slightly younger child.

I would be in bits having to read Goodbye Mog to a child

I wouldn't recommend Born to run by M Morpurgo - I don't like his books particularly, and that one has a lot of stuff that I think is unsuitable for DC and that many would find v upsetting.

My favourite fictional dog is Jumble in the William books - one of our dogs growing up was just as I imagined him, a mischievous terrier mongrel who could get into all sorts of mischief and was a wonderful companion and partner in crime.

Thanks Scuttle!

And you are right, books for stocking fillers are exactly what I am looking for.

For what age group Redwing? My DCs love Hairy Maclary and friends. Slinki Malinki (also by lynley dodd) is my DDs current favourite.

Assorted ages - large family - but all under 11.

I second Lynley Dodd books- animals are the core characters and the stories are fab.

Thanks everyone. I've got lots of great ideas for books for my nephews and nieces now :)