Dogs Are Great But - (It's Great to Have a Pet) by Stepanka Sekaninova (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

The Paw-some Guide to Dog Ownership--with a Twist!

Dogs are loyal, loving, and full of energy--but they also come with a few surprises! Dogs Are Great BUT is a playful and honest look at what it really means to care for a canine companion. Perfect for kids ages 6-9, this graphic-novel-style nonfiction book explores the joys and challenges of dog ownership through fun illustrations and real-life scenarios.

From muddy paws to chewed-up shoes, this book doesn't shy away from the messy bits--but it also celebrates the incredible bond between kids and their furry best friends. With engaging lessons and relatable situations, young readers learn how to care for dogs responsibly while having fun along the way.

Whether your child is begging for a puppy or already has one, this book is a must-have for building empathy, responsibility, and a lifelong love of animals.

• Real-Life Pet Lessons - Covers the ups and downs of dog care in a kid-friendly, honest way that encourages thoughtful pet ownership and empathy.


• Graphic Novel Style - Fun, visual storytelling keeps young readers engaged and entertained.


• Perfect for First-Time Pet Owners - Helps kids understand what to expect before adopting a dog.


• CBC Recognition - Selected for the Children's Book Council's "Hot Off the Press" Reading List (May 2024).


• Part of a Trusted Series - From the It's Great to Have a Pet collection by Albatros Media.

For over 75 years, Albatros Media has been crafting original and innovative children's books that are both playful and educational, fostering curiosity and a thirst for knowledge in young minds. We deliver the highest quality children's books from novelty, picture, pop-up, and how-to books, to non-fiction, and fairy tale books.

Review Quotes

"A wonderful introductory guide to dog ownership that is educational and heartwarming. The fun comic-style illustrations support a question and answer format, filled with lots of great information on the pros and cons of dog care for young children. Every kid who has wanted a dog will connect with this story and that is how it begins. End pages include funny detailed illustrations on canine communication that are sure to be read over and over." --Julie Durmis, Youth Services Book Review

"This helpful book takes a realistic look at all of the different chores and problems that a pet can create, but offers constructive information. The book doesn't dissuade young readers, but rather prepares them for the reality of taking care of a dog. The pictures are amusing but also realistic, and are particularly helpful when showing games that you can play with your pet (like encouraging the idea of object permanence by hiding an object under a blanket), and demonstrating how to walk with your dog on a leash. This is a fantastic book to have for elementary readers who really want to adopt a dog, and is a great companion to Sekaninova and Wolf's Cats Are Great BUT." --Karen Yingling, YA Books Central

"Ah. File these two little books into the Why Didn't I Think of That? category. These books are all about what taking care of a pet entails. The various responsibilities are the name of the game, covering the bad, sure, but also the good. The message they're drilling into young readers? Taking care of a pet isn't always easy. Nonfiction like this is such a good idea. I tip my hat to the creators." --A fuse 8 production

"A wonderful introduction to dog ownership that is written in a way children will understand. Dogs are wonderful faaaamily member that like humans have their own personalities. Wonderful teaching tool to read as a family." --NetGalley-Educator

"Are you wanting to own a dog? For kids, its a great way to learn responsibility, but it often comes with a time commitment that many are not willing to put in. Here, in this book, you can get a look at the ups and downs of dog ownership and what to expect. Different breeds have various needs, so depending on what you are looking for, you might want to research what type of breed best fits your lifestyle. Fun read, and full of great information." --Rebecca Hill, Blogger

About the Author

Stepanka Sekaninova used to work as a TV reporter and in the production of children's programs. Now she is a writer and an editor-in-chief, living in the Czech Republic.

Adam Wolf is a self-taught artist with a wide range of artistic skills including analog and digital photography, tattooing, digital and classical illustration, and canvas painting. Having been interested in various creative activities since his early years, he studied photography at the Prague School of Photography, and these days he enjoys illustrating children's books. He was born in Pardubice, Czech Republic in 1981.