I asked animal professionals online for their suggestions of books about pets and animals—for adults and for children—that would make great gifts this holiday season.
They’ve included some exciting new books as well as some longtime favorites.
Michelle Holland (United Kingdom) Inside A Dog’s Mind: Poppy’s Purpose. From the darkness and terror of a Romanian rescue centre to the joy of the sunny south coast of England, join Poppy on her heart-rending journey. Become entranced with her story as the misery and despair she has endured is eventually replaced with fun, love and laughter as Poppy soon begins to discover how wonderful the world can really be. Brave, intelligent, and fiercely protective, might Poppy somehow now get the chance to repay her human Mum’s kindness and devotion? To find out more, read Inside A Dog’s Mind: Poppy’s Purpose today, told by the dog herself. 50% of all profits from this book will go to help with the rehabilitation of other dogs who, just like Poppy, have sadly had a traumatic start in life.
Colette Kase (Mexico) Zack & Kiki’s First Big Adventure: The Great Escape. This is a wonderful book. The next in the series is about to come out. Everyone I’ve given it to has loved it. The proceeds support the rehabilitation of trafficked endangered parrots with the aim of release in the wild.
Amy Suggars (Ohio) All books by Eric Carle, especially The Very Hungry Caterpillar and (my personal favorite) The Very Quiet Cricket [board book]. He made insects interesting instead of something to be feared!
Stephanie Nilles (Washington) Belly Rubbins For Bubbins—rescue dog education!
Kristi Cetrulo (New Mexico) Any book written by James Herriot. For horse fans, anything by Marguerite Henry or Walter Farley. Mercedes Lackey is also awesome.
Isabel Alvarez Arata (Texas) Dale Ward’s Raising the Worst Dog Ever: A Survival Guide.
(We interviewed Dale Ward about her book at https://www.fox28spokane.com/raising-the-worst-dog-ever/.)
Julie Ellingson (California) The Chronicles of the $700 Pony and The Further Adventures of the $700 Pony. Laugh-out-loud funny by Ellen Broadhurst.
Frankly, Ellen should write more. I live for her little posts and daily vignettes. Chapter book. Suitable for solid readers (I would have it enjoyed in grade school) and adults. Each chapter stands alone as a charming story.
Nyssa Gatcombe (Maine) My favorite kids’ book would be I’ll Always Love You by Hans Wilhelm. It is great for helping kids understand end-of-life issues for their dog.
Olwen Turns (United Kingdom) The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and The Horse, by Charlie Mackesy—suitable for anyone.
Stacy Braslau-Schneck (California) Laura VanArendonk Baugh’s Dragons, Unicorns, Chimeras, & Clickers: How To Train Your Fantastic Beasts
Brae Raphael (Oregon) Doggie Language by Lili Chin. The illustrations are not only bright, but simple. The expressions are helpful for anyone to see. It’s fun, quirky, and helpful all in one!
(We interviewed Lili Chin about her “new cats”! https://www.fox28spokane.com/are-you-new-to-cats/)
Alisha Ardiana (California) Meet Your Dog: The Game-Changing Guide to Understanding Your Dog’s Behavior, by Kim Brophey. This book is a fun and easy and informative read!!!
What books will you be giving as gifts this year?
We highly recommend ordering directly from the author, if possible, or from a local independent bookstore in your community—and don’t forget to check your public library’s catalog for books you can borrow to read!
