Stella and Charlie, Friends Forever
by Bernadette Peters
In this companion title to Peters' New York Times bestsellers Broadway Barks and Stella Is a Star, the beloved canine heroine Stella finds herself alone. Her "mom" (who looks a lot like Bernadette Peters) goes on a journey to bring a shelter dog named Charlie to live with them. After a car ride with stops in Oklahoma and St. Louis, Charlie arrives in what Stella thinks of as her territory! At first, Stella is jealous of all the attention Charlie gets. But when she's hurt and needs a friend, Charlie shows her that he can be just that. In the end, Stella dances and Charlie yodels while Mom plays piano and sings.
The Hound from the Pound
by Jessica Swaim
Lonely Miss Mary longs for a four-legged friend. After she adopts the untrained basset hound Blue, a pack leader from the pound, his furry friends follow in dogged pursuit in this rhythmical romp. Blue howls AH-ROOoooooo! and Miss Mary's house quickly goes to the dogs! Dalmatians and dachshunds, sheepdogs and setters, poodles and pups of all spots are ruling the roost. Can Sam the canine trainer teach this menagerie some pawsitive tricks?
You?
by Vladimir Radunsky
For a charming girl and an endearing mutt, friendship is just around the . . . hedge. These two lonely souls sit just opposite each other: She pining after a parade of passing dogs, he pining after a parade of passing owners. Until--finally--the girl and the mutt spot each other. You? they ask. You! they shout.
Oh, The Pets You Can Get!
by Tish Rabe
The Cat and Co. take off to the faraway land of Gerpletz where they know quite a lot about caring for pets—especially cats, dogs, guinea pigs, birds, and bunnies! From the food, shelter, exercise, and medical care they need to the love and companionship they crave, the Cat teaches beginning readers how to keep their pets (and themselves!) healthy, safe, and happy.
Always Blue for Chicu
by Karen Dugan
This beautiful book tells the story of Chicu, who was captured by smugglers as a young bird. Chicu frees himself from a market-place cage, is befriended by a kindly sailor, Big Blue, and goes to sea, where he finds a new flock in the sailors on board. When Big Blue goes back to sea, friends agree to care for Chicu. Over many long years, Chicu is handed off from one owner to another until he is brought to a parrot sanctuary where, after a long search, Big Blue finds him again in a heart-warming finale. Chicu's story is similar to that of thousands of other exotic birds that are trapped, smuggled, and sold into lives of captivity. Parrots are long-living birds who flourish in flocks with mates and families, flying freely and happily through the treetops; in their captive existence—which may be fifty or sixty years, or longer—they often endure isolation and a tedious, neglected life without proper care or human attention. Through more than seventy striking, full-color illustrations, Chicu’s story opens a window into the life of these exotic birds whose very beauty leads to their imprisonment, birds whose unique qualities call out for understanding and care.
According to the National Federation for the Blind, only five percent of published books ever become available in braille.
Pete the Cat Saves Christmas
by Eric Litwin
'Twas the day before Christmas and Santa was ill.
In the cold winter wind he had caught a bad chill.
Will Christmas be canceled? Will it come to that?
"Never!" cried Santa.
"Let's call Pete the Cat!"
In this rockin' new spin on the traditional tale The Night Before Christmas, Pete the Cat proves that giving your all in the spirit of Christmas is the totally groovy thing to do.
The Forgotten Rabbit
by Nancy Furstinger
The Forgotten Rabbit tells the tale of Bella the rabbit as she makes a giant leap from neglected Easter bunny to cherished animal companion. A baby rabbit is chosen as an Easter present, but is soon forgotten by the family’s children as they pursue other activities. Her cage is moved outside, and she is rarely tended. As winter comes, she grows weak with hunger and curls into herself to disappear. Then, one night a girl called Rosalita takes her out of her cage, telling her that she has a new home, one in which she will never again be forgotten. Enjoying love, care, and a new name—Bella—she takes to the fun of agility lessons. Bella wins first prize in a rabbit agility contest—jumping with joy into the always-loving arms of Rosalita. This is a wonderful book that reminds children and adults alike that bunnies and rabbits are not just Easter novelties-they are companion animals that need years of care and attention.
KokoCat, Inside and Out
by Lynda Graham-Barber
KokoCat, a well-loved housecat, has seen the world only from the safety of her windows. One day, she takes advantage of an open door and runs away to explore. Once outside, she finds that life is more complicated and less enjoyable than she bargained for. Hungry, lost, and alone, KokoCat takes shelter under a trash bin, dreaming of her former life and the people who care about her.
It's Raining Cats and Cats
by Jeanne Prevost
When Jim and his mom return home from the vet with Molly the cat after her surgery, Jim asks, “Why did we keep Molly from having kittens? I like kittens!” In this delightfully illustrated imagined journey into the future, Jim’s mom shows the many ways that Molly’s (and her kittens’) potential for multiplying would change their lives—and not for the better! It’s Raining Cats—and Cats! will appeal to kids and adults with its delightful, detailed art that encourages looking through the book many times. This is the first children’s picture book to show, vividly and humorously, the importance of spay/neuter.
Broadway Barks
by Bernadette Peters
Broadway Barks is heartwarming story about a lonely dog living in a New York City park who is suddenly rescued and finds a new home. The story teaches readers about animal adoption, animal homelessness, and responsible pet ownership. The book also contains an audio CD with author Bernadette Peters reading the book and singing an original song written for the book.
"Let's Get a Pup!" Said Kate
by Bob Graham
There are lots of dogs of all shapes and sizes at the animal shelter. But Kate and her mom and dad know they want Dave the moment they see him. He’s small and cute and a perfect fit for the end of Kate’s bed. But then they see Rosy, who is old and gray and broad as a table. How can they take home just one dog when there are so many wonderful animals who need a home? Bob Graham creates an original, endearing family in a touching story that will appeal to animal lovers everywhere.
JJ The American Street Dog and How He Came to Live in Our House
by Diane Rose-Solomon
Maya has wanted a dog for as long as she can remember. Just when her parents decide to buy her one, her Uncle Jerry finds a homeless puppy that he can't keep. Although Mom is skeptical about keeping a dog from the street, she agrees to take in the pup and they name him JJ. Before long, JJ warms his way into their hearts, and Maya and her family learn about homeless animals and how they can be a part of the solution to end pet over-population.
Tails Are Not for Pulling
by Elizabeth Verdick
This sweet board book teaches children that it's OK to scratch, nuzzle, or cuddle an animal, but not to squeeze, tease, or pull tails. The book also advises them to watch and listen for warning signals when an animal might be saying, "hands off". This simple book teaches the basics of kindness to animals: careful handling, awareness, safety, and respect. It also includes helpful tips for parents and caregivers.
A Home for Dixie
by Emma Jackson
This is the true story of a puppy that did not have a permanent home and a young girl named Emma who desperately wanted a puppy of her own to love. Happily for both, Emma adopts the little puppy, names her Dixie, and in each other they find the companionship they've been looking for. With bonus information on how to support your local animal shelter—and even adopt a rescued dog of your own—this uplifting story, with adorable photographs, is the perfect companion for any dog-loving family.
I'll Always Love You
by Hans Wilhelm
In this gentle, moving story, Elfie, a dachshund, and her special boy progress happily through life together. When she is young, Elfie is full of pep and pranks; but as her master grows taller and taller, Elfie grows fatter and slower. One morning Elfie does not wake up. The family grieves and buries her, and the boy refuses a new puppy. He is not yet ready for another pet; but when he is, he will tell that one, as he told Elfie every night, "I'll always love you." The watercolor illustrations, tender and warm in color and mood and cozily rounded in form, suit the simple text perfectly. Elfie's gradual change from a lively mischief-maker to a portly old dog is treated with a sweet humor. Anyone who has or ever had an old dog in the family will be especially touched by this book.
Stella Is a Star!
by Bernadette Peters
Stella Is a Star! is an inspiring story about a pit bull puppy who wishes she were a pig so people would like her. The story uses the elegant backdrop of ballet to teach readers about self-acceptance, following one’s dreams, and not judging a book by its cover.
Maggie's Second Chance
by Nancy Furstinger
Maggie's Second Chance is a moving book based on a true story. Maggie, a pregnant Lab mix, is left behind in an empty house when she is discovered by a Realtor. Maggie is brought to the animal control facility, where her puppies are born. When Jeff, a fourth grader, reads a newspaper story about Maggie's puppies being adopted while Maggie is not, he learns from a teacher that Maggie will be euthanized if no one adopts her. This knowledge galvanizes Jeff and his classmates to successfully plan and petition their town council to build an animal shelter. Maggie is given her second chance--taken to the new town shelter, where she is eventually adopted.
Skippyjon Jones, Class Action
by Judy Schachner
Skippyjon Jones really wants to go to school. School is for dogs, his mama tells him. It's where they go to get trained. But nothing can stop Skippy-once inside his closet, he finds himself on the playground of his imagination, surrounded by dogs of all kinds. He bays with the beagles, learns French with the poodles, and checks out a Chihuahua book from the library. And when a bully starts sending shiver-itos down the spines of the little yippers, Skippy saves the day and earns the biggest gold star.
The Dog Who Belonged to No One
by Amy Hest
In this wonderful story no one takes notice of a small dog with crooked ears who doesn’t have a home. He explores the narrow streets and wide boulevards every day, while across town a little girl named Lia pedals on her bicycle alone, delivering breads and cakes. Both dream of finding a friend, until fate brings them together.
Please Take Me for a Walk
by Susan Gal
This book stars a very persuasive pup pleading with his best friend—the reader!—to take him for a walk. He recounts all the fun things they can see and do: chase squirrels in the yard, greet neighbors on their block, visit the shopkeepers downtown, swing by the schoolyard, and then run and play in the park. The dog run at the park is filled with all kinds of amazing purebreds and mutts, and our puppy wants them all to see "my best friend and me." The book captures the magical way the people of a community can be brought together through their pets. Happy walking, everyone!
A Home for Dakota
by Jan Zita Grover
Dog No. 241 lives in a crate in a cold, dark barn that is stacked with hundreds of other caged dogs in a puppy mill breeding operation. She has never known human companionship, exercise, or decent care. One night, rescuers arrive and take her and the other dogs away to lead new and happier lives. Soon, despite her fears, she finds herself in a warm, secure foster home, being bathed and groomed and loved by a young woman named Emma. At first, she is too frightened to respond; all she wants is to return to the familiar dark. Eventually renamed Dakota, she learns to love and trust Emma, and her foster home becomes a friendly haven. But then a new challenge arrives in the person of a young girl, Sweetie, who is recovering from a misfortune as deep as Dakota’s own. Sweetie and her parents come to look at Dakota as a possible pet. Initially, Sweetie rejects hairless little Dakota, but later she returns to offer Dakota a home, and Emma recommends her for adoption. With Emma’s reassurances, Dakota goes to her forever home to become Sweetie’s true partner in recovery.
Jack & Jill
by Jill Rappaport
This is the true story of Jack, an abandoned puppy that was rescued by NBC's Today show correspondent Jill Rappaport. Life with Jill was grand until one day Jack's leg started to hurt. When Jill took him to the vet, she received bad news. Jack had bone cancer. In order to beat the disease, Jack's hurt leg had to be removed. Jack & Jill is the story of a brave dog and his loving owner making it up the hill together.
500 Cats
by Jill Rappaport
The cat sanctuary and adoption center known as "The Cat House on the Kings" is the largest in California and has been home, over the years, to thousands of cats and dogs rescued from abuse and abandonment. When Jill Rappaport, Emmy-nominated animal welfare and entertainment correspondent for NBC′s Today show, found out about it, she was inspired to write the story of one little kitten who was rescued and brought to live with five hundred cats!