Families who loved Champ and Major: First Dogs by Joy McCullough often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child is facing a major life transition, such as moving to a new house or welcoming a new sibling into the family. It uses the true story of the Biden family dogs to explore how change can be both intimidating and exciting. While the setting is the White House, the heart of the story is the bond between an older, experienced dog and his younger, energetic brother. It is a gentle tool for modeling mentorship and patience. Through the eyes of Champ and Major, children see that having a job to do, like being a good friend or a helpful guide, can make new environments feel like home. The book is perfectly calibrated for the preschool and early elementary years, offering a soft introduction to themes of adoption and public service without feeling like a history lesson. It is a reassuring choice for building confidence during times of family growth.