Andrew Knapp
[isbn]
I think it’s a beautiful thing to teach children that sadness is a part of life. In Find Momo Everywhere, author Andrew Knapp talks directly to children about his own experience losing a pet, rather than telling a fictional story about a theoretical pet owner. I think kids will find it more real and reassuring, like your uncle gently sitting you down and telling you about how they dealt with a difficult loss and that it’s going to be... (read more) Recommended by Sarah B.
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Lonely Planet Kids
[isbn]
Dogs! All the dogs from all the places! I’m so happy about this development! Recommended by Lucinda G.
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Christina Hunger
[isbn]
If you've ever felt like your dog is trying to tell you something — "if they only had the words" — then this book is for you! Recommended by Warren B.
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John Bradshaw and Sarah Ellis
[isbn]
Want to prove to the dog people in your life that cats can learn tricks too? This guide will explain how to train your kitty to sit, high five, take their medicine, get in their carrier, come when called, and generally impress your friends, family, and people at the local dog park with your cat on a leash. Recommended by Alice G.
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Jennifer Finney Boylan
[isbn]
Accompanying Jennifer on her journey of self-discovery through reflecting on dogs’ predominant traits — honesty, loyalty, and determination, to name just a few — we are granted insights and lessons on a life crafted alongside these experiences. That we maybe aren’t so different from our canine friends is just another rewarding takeaway from this lovely and edifying memoir. Recommended by Lucinda G.
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Carin Oliver
[isbn]
I have minimal crafting skills, and no glue gun or box cutter, but I made my cats a house (page 60). The instructions were clear, assembly was easy (even with substandard tools), and the house looks great. Most importantly, my cats love it! Recommended by Amy W.
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Alexandra Horowitz
[isbn]
In Our Dogs, Ourselves, Alexandra Horowitz takes us inside the relationship between humans and dogs, opening our eyes to the many rules and requirements that narrate our canine friends’ domestic existences. From naming them to the songs we sing to them, she shows us who we are by how we treat them, and also a better way forward for honoring the true nature of these most loyal of all companions. Recommended by Matt K.
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Garth Stein
[isbn]
Denny has dreams of becoming the world's best race car driver, but life seems to get in the way. When Denny's life careens out of control, his adorable mutt Enzo tries to be supportive. Enzo is quite ready to be human, so he deeply feels, and is frustrated by, his absence of thumbs and speech. This is a sweet, poignant, and unique book. Recommended by Dianah H.
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Lara Prior Palmer
[isbn]
Rough Magic is the extraordinary story of a 19-year-old woman who, with no formal training, ended up winning the Mongol Derby, the longest and one of the most difficult horse races in the world. Lara Prior-Palmer's memoir of her experience in the race is funny and raw; her voice is uniquely captivating, and the pace (as might be expected) is page-turning. An inspiring and enthralling tale. Recommended by Jill O.
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Hannah Shaw
[isbn]
If you’ve ever wondered what the various colors of kitten poop mean, wonder no more. Hannah Shaw has fostered hundreds of kittens, and distilled her experience into a useful guide. Solid, practical advice is punctuated by anecdotes and pictures of the adorable kittens that have passed through her capable hands. Want more Kitten Lady? You can find her on Instagram @kittenxlady and also on YouTube. Recommended by Mary Jo S.
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Elizabeth Letts
[isbn]
Full disclosure: I was "that horse girl" as a kid. Did you have that beautiful, brown Arabian Breyer horse figure, like I did? That toy was modeled after Witez, the "Prince of Poland." Learn his tale and that of other priceless horses stolen by the Nazis. Letts shows that the spirit and camaraderie of those who love horses transcends borders and politics. A gripping and heart-wrenching tale! Recommended by Lesley A.
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Brian Lies
[isbn]
What should I tell you about this wonderful, funny, touching picture book? That it's perfect for anyone who loves animals and/or just has a big heart? That it made me cry halfway through, or that I was smiling through my tears by the end? So many questions! I guess the best thing I can do is suggest you take a look at Rough Patch yourself, because it's absolutely lovely. Recommended by Bart K.
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Pauls Toutonghi
[isbn]
In 1998, a beloved family dog disappeared on the Appalachian Trail. Dog Gone tells the true story of the pet — named Gonker — and his family's desperate attempt to get him home. But it's more than a simple story of a lost pet. In a precise, moving narrative, Toutonghi recounts the tumultuous history of Gonker's family and all its laughter, sorrow, and love. Recommended by Ryan P.
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Laura Young
[isbn]
Instagram darling Pumpkin is here! Her very own book captures all the adventures of living as a dog with BFFs Toffee and Oreo. You will laugh and fall in love with the adorable and very mischievous Pumpkin. Recommended by Jessie L.
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Zachary Auburn
[isbn]
Finally! I have been wondering for years how to discuss these touchy subjects with my cat. If you want to protect your beloved feline from the temptations of contemporary life, this book has all your answers. And who knows — it might make you look at human society a little differently, too. Recommended by Ashleigh B.
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Regan, Lara Jo
[isbn]
What's better during a long and boring commute than seeing a canine with his head out the window, the breeze in his floppy ears, squinting against the wind with a big, goofy smile on his face? Lara Jo Regan documents the pure and simple joy of riding in cars with furry companions. It will make you want to stick your head out of a moving vehicle yourself (not advised)! Recommended by Kim T.
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John Bradshaw
[isbn]
Do cats only purr when they're happy? Can they develop special languages with their owners? Is getting them a companion a bad idea? This fascinating book uses behavioral science, genetics, and archeological findings to explore these questions and more. Recommended by Renee P.
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Sophie Gamand
[isbn]
What must these canines endure to ensure our love for them is absolute? Just a wholesome bath every once in a while replete with facial expressions of shock, humility, anger, and somber stoicism. Gamand's photographs showcase the amusing and endearing extent to which dogs will go and then gaze at you as if to say, "I guess I love you too." Recommended by Mark I.
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Mugumogu
[isbn]
It is embarrassing how much I've been looking forward to this book. If you're even remotely fond of cats and aren't yet familiar with Maru, you're in for a treat. His contortionist antics have delighted YouTube viewers the world over, and while some really must be seen to be believed (such as Maru attempting to wriggle/flop/propel his body into increasingly smaller boxes — with mixed results), this book is nonetheless guaranteed to make you crack... (read more) Recommended by Tove H.
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