Here are some book ideas for kids about pets. Most offer some valuable life lessons about pets and are also entertaining (even for closet adult readers):

¢ “Harry the Dirty Dog,” by Gene Zion, pictures by Margaret Bloy Graham (HarperCollins Children’s Books, New York, NY, 2006: $15.99). Ages 3 to 8. The 50th anniversary edition of this 1956 classic tells the story of a lovable dog who much prefers staying dirty to taking a bath. Before the bath, he is a black dog with white spots. After the bath, it turns out Harry is really a white dog with black spots.

¢ “A Labrador’s Tale: An Eye for Heroism,” by Craig Pierce, illustrated by Tony Santiago (Ideate Prairie, Mount Carroll, IL, 2006; $15). Ages 4 to 10. The book begins, “Roy Cook tells family and everyone he knows, ‘My eyes have four legs and a cold, wet nose … and doggie breath, too!”‘ This is the heartwarming story of a guide dog named Specs. It teaches kids what guide dogs are able to do and is just superb. A poster of Specs is included.

¢ “A Greyhound’s Tail: Running For Glory, Walking for Home,” by Craig Pierce, illustrated by Tony Santiago (Ideate Prairie, Mount Carroll, IL, 2006; $15). Ages 4 to 10. Illustrations and words bring the characters to life; this is an astonishing book which shouldn’t be lost on adults, either. There is a happy ending but at the point where it didn’t seem likely. Beware of kids asking to adopt a greyhound after reading this book.

¢ “Tails Are Not For Pulling,” by Elizabeth Verdick, illustrated by Marieka Heinlen (Free Spirit Publishing, Minneapolis, 2006; $11.95). Ages 4 to 7. “Fur is for petting, not grabbing” is one of the many messages, all teaching kindness to animals. The message written specifically for parents says it all: “‘Tails Are Not For Pulling’ can help children understand that although animals may not have words, they communicate.” This is a good book to read before buying a first pet of any kind, from a fish to a dog.

¢ “The Cat Who Wouldn’t Come Inside,” written and illustrated by Cynthia von Buhler (Houghton Mifflin, New York, NY, 2006; $16). Ages 2 to 5. According to press materials, illustrations from this book have won awards, and it’s not surprising. It’s as if they’re somehow three-dimensional. The tale (a true story) begins, “On a cold winter day, I looked out my window, and on my porch sat a cat with snow on his back. I said, ‘Come inside Kitty.’ And the cat ran away.” An author’s note for adults offers information on how to bring outdoor cats inside.

¢ “Rotten Ralph,” by Jack Gantos, illustrated by Nicole Rubel (Houghton Mifflin, Boston, 2006; $7.95). Ages 4 to 8. This is the 30th-anniversary edition story of a cat whose adventures are not dated, whether off-the-wall Ralph is riding a bicycle in the dining room or creating havoc at the circus. This isn’t one of those books with a great lesson for kids; it’s just plain fun.

¢ “Pug in a Truck,” by Nancy Coffelt (Houghton Mifflin, Boston, MA, 2006; $12.95). Ages 2 to 5. You apparently haven’t lived until you’ve driven a truck with a pug riding beside you.