Best Iditarod & Dog-Sledding Books of 2026

The book "Mental Exercise for Dogs" is a comprehensive guide to keeping your furry friend active, engaged, and stimulated. It provides a variety of fun and non-trivial exercises that can be done at home, even in an apartment without a garden. The book emphasizes the importance of both physical and mental exercise for dogs and how it impacts their behavior and well-being. It also includes ideas for using simple toys in creative ways and teaching children how to interact with dogs safely. The book offers a wide range of indoor and outdoor games and exercises, including hunting, scent, agility, focus, impulse control, and water games. Overall, it's an excellent resource for strengthening the bond between you and your furry companion while having fun together.

Will to Wild by Shelby Stanger is a guidebook that encourages readers to embrace adventures, big or small, and pursue their wild ideas. The author, an experienced adventurer, shares her insights and inspiration gleaned from years of covering adventurers. The book includes practical tips and tactics from world-famous rock climbers, ultra-runners, and even a suburban mom who started teaching women to scale frozen waterfalls in her mid-fifties. With a mix of personal stories and practical advice, Will to Wild is an excellent motivational read for those looking to break out of their comfort zones and bring their own wild ideas to life.

Woodsong by Gary Paulsen is a captivating nonfiction book that narrates the author's life experiences that inspired his renowned novels. The book features his incredible adventures, including flying off a dogsled and leading a team of sled dogs in the grueling 1,180-mile Iditarod race. The author's writing style is vivid and descriptive, making the reader feel as if they are part of the adventure. Woodsong is an excellent read for anyone interested in dog-sledding and the Alaskan wilderness. Overall, this book is a must-read for adventure enthusiasts and young readers who want to learn more about the author's life and how it influenced his writing.

My Little Golden Book About Dogs is an informative and delightful book that introduces children to the world of dogs. The book covers a wide range of topics, from the different breeds of dogs to their history and how to choose the right dog. The colorful illustrations and engaging descriptions are sure to capture the attention of young readers. The author, Lori Haskins Houran, and illustrator, Jess Golden, have created a fun and educational book that is perfect for children who love dogs. Overall, this Little Golden Book is an excellent addition to any children's book collection.

The book "God Makes My Little Tail Wiggle" is a heartwarming read that teaches valuable life lessons through the eyes of a dog named Cody. The author, Bob, shares his personal experiences with Cody, who he considers his angel, and how their bond has impacted his life. The book is a reminder that dogs are not just pets, but companions that bring joy, love, and happiness to our lives. The review praises the book for its remarkable content that inspires readers to never give up and help others along the way, making them want to be alive and do all they can to succeed. Overall, "God Makes My Little Tail Wiggle" is a unique and touching read that will leave readers feeling grateful for the dogs in their lives.

The Little Golden Book About Balto is a thrilling biography for preschoolers that introduces them to the brave sled dog Balto. The book takes readers on a journey through frozen Alaska in 1925 as Balto races to deliver lifesaving medicine. With engaging artwork and little-known facts, this book is sure to be a hit with young boys and girls. Chip Lovitt, the author of more than three dozen children's books, and award-winning illustrator Sophie Allsopp make an excellent team in bringing Balto's story to life. This Little Golden Book is a must-read for any child who loves dogs, adventure, and true heroes.

The Cruelest Miles is a gripping account of the heroic dog teams that delivered lifesaving serum during a deadly diphtheria epidemic in Nome, Alaska, in 1925. The book recounts the incredible bond between man and beast and the harrowing journey through the Alaskan wilderness. The Salisburys have meticulously researched and brilliantly written a story that is both a classic tale of man against nature and a moving tribute to the importance of our furry companions. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in U.S. state and local history or simply looking for an inspiring tale of courage and survival.

Togo and Balto: The Dogs Who Saved a Town (Animalographies) is a children's dog book that narrates the incredible story of two Siberian huskies who took part in a relay race to bring life-saving medicine to children in Nome, Alaska, during the 1925 diptheria pandemic. The book highlights the bravery and determination of these dogs as they battled below-freezing temperatures and a blizzard to complete their mission. Published by Albert Whitman & Co, this book is a great addition to any child's library, combining history, adventure, and animal stories in an engaging way.

If You Were a Kid at the Iditarod (If You Were a Kid) is a great book for children who are fascinated by sled dog racing. The book follows the journey of Maggie and Alex, two young relatives of an Iditarod musher, as they learn about the history, rules, and strategies of the race. The book is well-written and engaging, with plenty of colorful illustrations to keep young readers interested. It's a great way to introduce children to the world of sled dog racing and the unique culture of Alaska. Overall, If You Were a Kid at the Iditarod is an excellent addition to any children's book collection.

The book "Balto (Animals to the Rescue #1)" is a gripping and heartwarming retelling of the true story of a heroic sled dog who helped save the children of Nome, Alaska during a deadly epidemic in 1925. The nonfiction chapter book series is perfect for young readers who love animals and action-packed adventure stories. With black-and-white illustrations throughout, the book vividly brings to life the journey of the sled dogs and the incredible courage of Balto. Overall, this book is a great addition to any children's bookshelf and a must-read for animal lovers.