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    Everything You Need to Know About Life You Can Learn from a Dog

    Author Bruce Littlefield
    Illustrated by Maribel Lechuga
    Hardcover
    $18.99 US
    Penguin Young Readers | Nancy Paulsen Books
    8-1/2"W x 11"H | 20 oz | 24 per carton
    On sale Jul 07, 2026 | 32 Pages | 9780593698013
    Age 3-7 years | Preschool - 2
    Reading Level: Lexile AD550L
    Add to cart Add to list Exam Copies

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    Want to learn how to live your best doggone life? Ask a dog!

    In case you haven’t noticed, dogs have life figured out. They wake up each day looking to make the best of every moment. They understand what’s important. They get over things quickly. They love a good walk. And they certainly know how to relax! Whether young or old, we can all learn a few tricks from dogs. So, sit, put your paws up, and delight in the wisdom of dogs!
    “Dogs have so much to teach us about how to really enjoy the things life has to offer. Even if you don’t have a dog, this book reminds us to embrace the simpler things. My kids love it!” —Amanda Seyfried, Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning actress

    “I aspire to be as happy and as present as my dog, Birdie, is. This book offers some doggone good advice to help do that. So, ‘Sit!’ ‘Stay!’ ‘Read!’ You’ll be happier for it.” —Gus Kenworthy, four-time Olympian, Silver Medalist

    “Dogs are masters of fun. This sweet book distills that simple lesson into a memorable read—perfect for dog lovers and the humans who need them. My granddog Winnie loves it just as much as my grandkids.” —Barbara Corcoran, Shark Tank star

    “This book is a guaranteed win: charming, smart, and laugh-out-loud true. It’s the perfect gift for any dog lover—especially the client you want to remember you forever.” —Fredrik Eklund, star of Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing

    “Loved it! Tried to read it to my schnauzers, Max and Ollie, but they only speak German.” —Elvis Duran, American radio personality, host of Elvis Duran and the Morning Show

    “A dog takes the lead in this cheerful, confidence-boosting picture book that delivers life lessons with a wagging tail and zero pretension. Structured as a series of short, punchy lessons . . . this breezy, conversational book directly addresses readers as fellow members of the pack. One standout spread pairs the lesson ‘You’re cute just as you are’ with a bustling city sidewalk crowded with an irresistible parade of dogs in many shapes, sizes, and coat patterns . . . each one strutting alongside an equally diverse cast of humans. Lechuga’s colorful and friendly illustrations . . . have a warmth that feels distinctly tactile, and her particular gift for rendering hair—whether a child’s tight curls, a sheepdog’s cascading mop, or a golden retriever’s silky ears—gives every page a satisfying richness. The wide variety of children and families depicted ensures that most readers will find someone similar to themselves somewhere on these pages. The lessons themselves are simple and earnest, delivered without moralizing, and the cumulative effect is genuinely uplifting. A buoyant celebration of self-acceptance and joyful living; readers of all ages will linger over every dog-filled page.” —Kirkus Reviews
    Bruce Littlefield (BruceLittlefield.com) is the bestselling author of The Bedtime Book for Dogs as well as Use What You’ve Got (with Barbara Corcoran). Hailed as a “lifestyle authority” by The New York Times and a “modern day Erma Bombeck” by NPR, he has appeared on Good Morning America, The View, and The Today Show. He’s been blessed with wonderful dogs who’ve brought him joy and taught him how to live in the present, love unconditionally, and give each day his all.

    Maribel Lechuga (MaribelLechuga.com) is a freelance illustrator from Madrid, Spain. Her previous picture books include Penny Lu Porcupine (by Katie Gilstrap), Ten Beautiful Things (by Molly Beth Griffin), Pepita meets Bebita (by Ruth Behar and Gabriel Frye-Behar), and Black Beach (by Shaunna and John Stith). She loves nature, animal watching, hiking, and a good conversation.
    Bruce Littlefield View titles by Bruce Littlefield
    Maribel Lechuga View titles by Maribel Lechuga

    Photos

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    About

    Want to learn how to live your best doggone life? Ask a dog!

    In case you haven’t noticed, dogs have life figured out. They wake up each day looking to make the best of every moment. They understand what’s important. They get over things quickly. They love a good walk. And they certainly know how to relax! Whether young or old, we can all learn a few tricks from dogs. So, sit, put your paws up, and delight in the wisdom of dogs!

    Praise

    “Dogs have so much to teach us about how to really enjoy the things life has to offer. Even if you don’t have a dog, this book reminds us to embrace the simpler things. My kids love it!” —Amanda Seyfried, Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning actress

    “I aspire to be as happy and as present as my dog, Birdie, is. This book offers some doggone good advice to help do that. So, ‘Sit!’ ‘Stay!’ ‘Read!’ You’ll be happier for it.” —Gus Kenworthy, four-time Olympian, Silver Medalist

    “Dogs are masters of fun. This sweet book distills that simple lesson into a memorable read—perfect for dog lovers and the humans who need them. My granddog Winnie loves it just as much as my grandkids.” —Barbara Corcoran, Shark Tank star

    “This book is a guaranteed win: charming, smart, and laugh-out-loud true. It’s the perfect gift for any dog lover—especially the client you want to remember you forever.” —Fredrik Eklund, star of Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing

    “Loved it! Tried to read it to my schnauzers, Max and Ollie, but they only speak German.” —Elvis Duran, American radio personality, host of Elvis Duran and the Morning Show

    “A dog takes the lead in this cheerful, confidence-boosting picture book that delivers life lessons with a wagging tail and zero pretension. Structured as a series of short, punchy lessons . . . this breezy, conversational book directly addresses readers as fellow members of the pack. One standout spread pairs the lesson ‘You’re cute just as you are’ with a bustling city sidewalk crowded with an irresistible parade of dogs in many shapes, sizes, and coat patterns . . . each one strutting alongside an equally diverse cast of humans. Lechuga’s colorful and friendly illustrations . . . have a warmth that feels distinctly tactile, and her particular gift for rendering hair—whether a child’s tight curls, a sheepdog’s cascading mop, or a golden retriever’s silky ears—gives every page a satisfying richness. The wide variety of children and families depicted ensures that most readers will find someone similar to themselves somewhere on these pages. The lessons themselves are simple and earnest, delivered without moralizing, and the cumulative effect is genuinely uplifting. A buoyant celebration of self-acceptance and joyful living; readers of all ages will linger over every dog-filled page.” —Kirkus Reviews

    Author

    Bruce Littlefield (BruceLittlefield.com) is the bestselling author of The Bedtime Book for Dogs as well as Use What You’ve Got (with Barbara Corcoran). Hailed as a “lifestyle authority” by The New York Times and a “modern day Erma Bombeck” by NPR, he has appeared on Good Morning America, The View, and The Today Show. He’s been blessed with wonderful dogs who’ve brought him joy and taught him how to live in the present, love unconditionally, and give each day his all.

    Maribel Lechuga (MaribelLechuga.com) is a freelance illustrator from Madrid, Spain. Her previous picture books include Penny Lu Porcupine (by Katie Gilstrap), Ten Beautiful Things (by Molly Beth Griffin), Pepita meets Bebita (by Ruth Behar and Gabriel Frye-Behar), and Black Beach (by Shaunna and John Stith). She loves nature, animal watching, hiking, and a good conversation.
    Bruce Littlefield View titles by Bruce Littlefield
    Maribel Lechuga View titles by Maribel Lechuga

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