Essential Dog Books to Add to Your Fall Reading List
The summer heat is still blazing, but my mind has already shifted to cozy autumn days with a good book in hand.
With both kids now in school full-time, I suddenly have something I haven’t experienced in years: uninterrupted reading time! And thanks to some generous publishers, I’ve been able to preview several exceptional dog books—both newly released and upcoming titles—that deserve a spot on your fall reading list.
Let me share the must-read dog books that will make your autumn complete.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
You Can Never Die by Harry Bliss
This stunning graphic memoir from renowned New Yorker cover artist Harry Bliss combines his distinctive comic illustrations with deeply personal life stories.
The narrative begins with the passing of Penny, Bliss’s cherished companion of nearly twenty years, then follows his journey through grief while searching for meaning in everyday moments.
In the epilogue, Bliss describes creating “a curated journey of writings, drawings, and cartoons—threaded together to connect me to you.” Fans of his artwork will treasure the exclusive, never-before-seen pieces and intimate sketchbook excerpts throughout the book. Many illustrations feature canine subjects, particularly inspired by his beloved Penny.
What surprised me most: This book exceeded my expectations based on the cover and description. It offers unexpected depth, humor, and emotional resonance. The chapter titled “Dogs” particularly moved me—the accompanying watercolor literally brought tears to my eyes.
Perfect for: Anyone seeking a thoughtful, heartfelt exploration of life’s beautiful and painful moments.
Find it on Amazon and Bookshop.org.
Dog Parenting by Amy Pike, Elizabeth Mullen, and Tara Murtagh
Bottom line: Every dog lover needs this book on their shelf.
Seriously, that could be my entire review! But here’s why this October release is exceptional:
The format is genius: Unlike overwhelming, dense training manuals, this pocket-sized guide presents information in digestible chunks that are easy to absorb and implement immediately.
The illustrations are outstanding: Fin Kendall’s charming drawings aren’t just cute—they effectively demonstrate training concepts in action.
The approach is compassionate: The training methods are research-based, positive reinforcement techniques that prioritize the human-dog bond.
One note: The guide emphasizes verbal markers like “YES!” for marking behaviors. Adapt these to your situation—my deaf dogs Penny and Stola respond to a thumbs-up instead.
Perfect for: New and experienced dog parents alike who want effective, compassionate training guidance.
Available for pre-order on Amazon and Bookshop.org.
A Frenchie Life, A Golden Life, and A Labrador Life by Sara Weiss
These breed-specific books are absolutely gorgeous—the kind you’ll want to display prominently on your bookshelf!
Each beautifully designed volume includes:
- Comprehensive breed information and characteristics
- Fascinating breed history and origins
- Heartwarming stories featuring representative dogs
- Adorable illustrations throughout
- Breed-appropriate name suggestions
- Resources for adoption, purchasing, and care
Perfect for: Breed enthusiasts, general dog lovers, or anyone who recently welcomed one of these breeds into their family. These make exceptional gifts!
If additional breeds are released in this series, I’m collecting them all.
Available on Amazon and Bookshop.org.
For the Love of Dog by Maggie Marton
Yes, I’m including my own book—and I make no apologies because I’m incredibly excited to share it with you!
Releasing September 16 (available for pre-order now), this book explores my journey with rescue dogs through the lens of 20,000 years of human-canine evolution.
It’s where science meets storytelling. Personal anecdotes about my dogs illustrate cutting-edge research from leading canine cognition laboratories worldwide.
My goal? To scientifically prove what dog lovers instinctively understand: our bond with dogs transcends a simple leash connection.
Available on Amazon and Bookshop.org.
Fun fact: Pre-orders significantly impact a book’s success, so I’m tremendously grateful for your support!
Additional Recommendations
A few more titles arrived for consideration that I haven’t read yet but wanted to mention:
- My Cat’s Plans for World Domination by Sam Hart (My daughter Violet has already read this multiple times and absolutely loves it!)
- The Love Language of Dogs by Sam Hart
Your Turn: What Dog Books Are You Reading This Fall?
I’d love to hear what’s on your autumn reading list! Share your dog book recommendations in the comments below.
Looking for more dog-related content? Check out our related articles below.
