Dog Days
...stories about dogs
The "dog days" are the hot, muggy days that come at the end of summer. They were named for the star Sirius, called the Dog Star because it is the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major. Ancient astronomers noticed that the Dog Star rose above the horizon just ahead of the sun each morning from July to September. Minutes later the sun rose and Sirius disappeared into the sun's glare.*
Relax at the beach or in the cool shade of a tree and enjoy the "dog days"
of summer with a good book about dogs. Then come inside and surf the Web to
find all kinds of interesting facts and information about everyone's best
friend. We've even created a special tribute to our Library dogs!
* "Wonder Questions: What are the dog days?" The New Book of Knowledge. 2006. Scholastic Library Publishing.
At the Library
- Youth fiction and poetry about dogs
- Youth nonfiction books about dog including behavior, breeds, puppies, mutts, training, and working dogs
- Youth dog stories in audiobook format
- Youth videos and DVDs featuring dogs
- Encyclopedia and magazine articles about dogs
Available from home for Skokie Public Library cardholders
- Kids Search from EBSCO
Select Animals and then search by keyword for "dogs" or a specific breed to find articles about dogs of all types. Or, select Photos and then search by keyword to find dog photos from newspapers and magazines. - The New Book of Knowledge
Select Alphabetic Browse and the letter D. Then follow the link to Dogs to find an encyclopedia article about dog characteristics, breeds, care, training, and communication. A keyword search is also available. - The New Book of Popular Science
Click SciClopedia and then Animal World. Next, select The Dog Family to find an article about the evolution and types of "canids" (that is, dogs and related animals). A keyword search is also available. - Searchasaurus
Select Encyclopedia of Animals and then search by keyword for "dogs" to find encyclopedia and magazine articles about domestic and wild dogs. - World Book Online
Search by keyword for encyclopedia articles about domestic and wild dogs. Many articles include pictures, too.
On the Web
- Alaskan Sled Dog from PBS
- Use your mouse to learn about Alaskan sled dogs and what it takes to lead a dog team to victory.
- American Kennel Club Recognized Breeds
- Each entry in this A-to-Z list of dog breeds includes a general description of the dog, breed standards, and photos.
- Clifford Puppy Days from Scholastic
- Before he was a big red dog, Clifford was a small red puppy! Meet his friends, print coloring pages, and play games on Scholastic's "Clifford the Small Red Puppy" website.
- Dogs and More Dogs from PBS
- Learn about all kinds of dogs, explore their geographic origins, and get to know some working dogs and their jobs. The site includes links to related websites, books, and a teacher's guide.
- Extraordinary Dogs from PBS
- The PBS television show Nature takes a look at dogs and their amazing capacity for love and learning. Special features include canine companions, rescue and service dogs, dogs as pets, and links to related websites and books.
- Pavlov's Dog from Nobelprize.org
- See if you can train a dog to drool on command! You can also read about Ivan Petrovich Pavlov, the Russian scientist who won the Nobel Prize in 1904 for his research into the science of behavior.
- WOOF! It's a Dog's Life from PBS
- "Uncle Matty" offers training tips, questions and answers, games, and stories for you and your favorite dog. This website is the companion to the PBS television show, Woof! It's a Dog's Life.
- Working Like a Dog from National Geographic Explorer
- This feature article from the National Geographic Explorer classroom magazine introduces working dogs who have all kinds of jobs, from detective to household helper to search-and-rescue.