Are You Ready for Me?

By Claire Buchwald; Illustrated by Amelia Hansen

A book cover titled 'Are You Ready for Me?' featuring an illustration of two dogs, a puppy and an adult, sitting on grass in a park with trees in the background.

Are You Ready for Me? is the perfect book for every family facing the familiar question: “Can we get a dog?” Whether the answer is yes or not yet, this playful and honest picture book helps children and parents explore what life with a dog truly means, from the everyday responsibilities to the joyful companionship.

The story gently asks two children how they plan to care for their new friend. Along the way, young readers learn what it takes to welcome a pet into the family and how to build a bond based on kindness and commitment.

With charming illustrations and a thoughtful, conversational tone, this book is ideal for families preparing to adopt, as well as for teaching children about empathy and animal care. It also serves as a gentle reminder of the ongoing responsibilities of pet ownership—one that children will want to revisit again and again.

Bookshop
Amazon
Are You Ready for a Dog Kit

  • Dogs, Pets, Adoption

  • Paperback

  • 24 pages

  • 5-6 years

  • Kindergarten - 1st Grade

  • 0940719088

  • 9780940719088

A boy with short hair smiling and holding a yellow Labrador Retriever puppy.

Reviews

  • Dr. Michael W. Fox (Veterinarian, Author, and Columnist)

    "A guide to responsible care and inspiring compassion and understanding, this book will benefit all young readers—and all dogs."

  • Stanley Coren (Author of "How Dogs Think" and "Why Does My Dog Act That Way?")

    "This easy-going book tells kids what they will have to do to turn their dog into a happy and fun pet, and also how to care for it in the right way. It is a useful and pleasant 'reality check' for all kids who are begging to have a dog of their own."

Children and adults in a pet store with various puppies and dogs, some in cages and some outside, interacting with each other.
A watercolor illustration showing a girl with a purple sweater and short brown hair looking at a dog, and a boy with dark hair sitting cross-legged on the floor holding a small puppy. The girl is looking at the dog with a gentle expression, and the b
Two children walking their dogs outdoors in different weather conditions. On the left, a girl is playing with a dog in a park on a sunny day, while a boy stands nearby. On the right, a girl is walking her dog in the rain, with trees and buildings in
Children and adults at an adoption event with dogs and puppies in cages, a woman holding two puppies, and a girl reading a paper, during 'Adoption Day'