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Summer Learning: Celebrate Pets

With school out and time at home, what better time to celebrate summer with a furry (or sometimes not-so-furry) friend? It’s time to celebrate pets for the summer. Curl up with a good book to read about someone who may be your best friend ever! This booklist features selections for Pre-Readers (0-5) and Readers (5-10). Selected by SJPL Staff.

San José Public Library

25 items

  • An introduction for young readers on the basics of how to care for a pet hamster.
    Book, 2025[Parker, Colorado] : The Child's World, [2025] — J 636.9356 Stevens
  • Birds are beautiful, intelligent pets, but they require special care. Birds examines various bird species and their unique needs, as well as the laws, regulations, challenges, and controversies regarding owning these animals. It also looks at the…
    Book, 2024Minneapolis, Minnesota : Abdo Publishing Company, 2024. — J 636.0887 Buckey
  • Small mammals are soft, adorable pets, but they require special care. Small Mammals examines various small mammal species and their unique needs, as well as the laws, regulations, challenges, and controversies regarding owning these animals. It also…
    Book, 2024North Mankato, Minnesota : Essential Library, an imprint of Abdo Publishing, [2024] — J 636.0887 Herschba
  • Reptiles are fascinating, unique pets, but they require special care. Reptiles examines various reptile species and their unique needs, as well as the laws, regulations, challenges, and controversies regarding owning these animals. It also looks at…
    Book, 2024Minneapolis, Minnesota : Essential Library, an imprint of Abdo Publsihing, [2024] — J 636.0887 LaPierre
  • Discover fascinating information about cats and kittens--from their hair type, fur pattern, colors, and distinct personalities, to the differences and similarities that celebrate the unique identity of every feline! Children aged 5-7 can learn about…
    Book, 2023New York, NY : DK Publishing, 2023. — J 636.8 My
  • With author and vet Dr. Jess French, delve deeper into the world of pets than you ever have before! The best thing is, you don't even need a pet to enjoy them. This book provides inspiration for kids aged 7-9 who can't own pets, showing them that we…
    Book, 2023New York : DK Publishing, 2023. — J 636.0887 French
  • Dogs

    a History of Our Best Friends

    Judge, Lita,
    Of all the animals on the planet, dogs have the widest range of roles in our daily lives. They're protectors, helpers, lifesavers--but most of all, they're family. And they've taken a fascinating journey to get to this point. Long ago, early wolves…
    Book, 2023New York : Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2023. — J 636.7 Judge
  • Meet these amazing climbing lizards! This book introduces colorful geckos to elementary kids, exploring the features and behaviors of these amazing animals, including their defense against predators. A folk talk explains why Hawaii people believe…
    Book, 2023Mankato, Minnesota : The Creative Company, [2023] — J 597.952 Riggs
  • Follow different veterinarians throughout their day while they take care of sick or injured pets, farm animals, zoo animals, and ocean animals in this charming Level 1 co-reader.
    Book, 2023Washington, D.C. : National Geographic, [2023] — J 636.089 Romero
  • How to Speak Animal

    a Guide to Learning How Animals Communicate

    Andrus, Aubre,
    Have you ever wanted to speak to animals? Learn the ins and outs of the varying methods animals use to communicate, from wild animals to household pets!
    Book, 2022Washington, D.C. : National Geographic, [2022] — J 591.59 Andrus
  • While visiting a dog show, Buzz and Fly Guy learn all about man's best friend! From exploring different breeds, to famous dogs throughout history, to learning all about working dogs and more, there's plenty for the best friends to explore.
    Book, 2022New York : Scholastic Inc., 2022. — J EASY READER Arnold
  • This title gives readers a better look at camouflaging chameleons. Readers will learn about where they can find chameleons, what they look like, and how they use camouflage to survive. This is a Level 1 book written specifically for beginning…
    Book, 2022Mankato, Minnesota : Creative Education/Creative Paperbacks, [2022] — J 597.956 Bodden
  • Photographs and text explore the characteristics, habitats, and variety of fishes and other undersea life.
    Book, 2022New York, NY : DK Publishing, 2022. — J 597 Parker
  • Dog and Cat are very different from one another, but they have a few things in common.
    Book, 2022New York : Dial Books for Young Readers, 2022. — J PICTURE BOOK Singer
  • This encyclopedia highlights more than 50 different cats. Alongside colorful photographs of both adult cats and kittens, readers learn about the history, appearance, and behavior of various breeds.
    Book, 2021Minneapolis, Minnesota : Abdo Reference, an imprint of Abdo Publishing, [2021] — J 636.8 Garcia
  • This encyclopedia highlights 150 different dogs. Alongside colorful photographs of both adult dogs and puppies, readers learn about the history, appearance, and behavior of various breeds.
    Book, 2021Minneapolis, Minnesota : Abdo Reference, an imprint of Abdo Publishing, [2021] — J 636.7003 Garcia
  • Developed by literacy experts in partnership with educators for students in PreK through grade two, this book introduces beginning readers to guinea pigs through simple, predictable text and related photos.
    Book, 2021Minneapolis, MN : Bellwether Media, Inc., 2021. — J 636.9359 Leaf
  • Developed by literacy experts and educators for students in PreK through grade two, this book introduces beginning readers to pet rabbits through simple, predictable text and related photos.
    Book, 2021Minneapolis, MN : Bellwether Media, [2021] — J 632.6932 Leaf
  • Find out more than you ever thought possible about creatures both cute and weird, large and small, while discovering new stories about human history from the perspective of our animal companions.
    Book, 2021New York, NY : Little, Brown and Company, 2021. — J 590 Warner
  • Developed by literacy experts and educators for students in PreK through grade two, this book introduces beginning readers to pet lizards through simple, predictable text and related photos.
    Book, 2021Minneapolis, MN : Bellwether Media, [2021] — J 639.395 Zobel