Animal Guardian 'Book Bag'
DDAL reviews and recommends books that deal with animal issues,
both fiction and non-fiction. Browse the Adult
, Young Adult and Children's
sections for past reviews.
New!
In the Shadow of Man
Written by Jane Goodall (Mariner Books)
This classic book, originally published in 1971, follows Jane
Goodall’s early work with the chimpanzees of the Gombe
Stream Reserve in Africa. For the first time, a scientist offers
more than observations in a lab; Goodall provides a glimpse
into the real lives of these amazing animals, recognizing them
as individuals in nature. Goodall’s work stands today
as an amazing scientific achievement and makes for a fascinating
read.
New!
The
Real Food Daily Cookbook
Written by Ann Gentry (10 Speed Press)
By popular demand comes a collection of recipes from the owner
of the successful Los Angeles-based Real Food Daily restaurants.
Ann Gentry incorporates her southern roots into her love for
organic food free of animal products and offers creative, delicious
recipes that prove a vegetarian diet can be fun and interesting.
You won’t miss the meat!
New!
ER Vets
Written by Donna M. Jackson (Houghton Mifflin Company)
This interesting book offers a behind-the-scenes look at an
emergency animal hospital. In addition to real life cases of
animals saved and those who unfortunately don’t survive,
there is information on pet first aid, toxic treats and dealing
with the loss of a pet. ER Vets is great for children considering
a career in veterinary medicine or for anyone who would like
to find out more about the courageous professionals who treat
our pets in times of illness. Ages 9-12.
New!
Ice
Bear: In the Steps of the Polar Bear
Written
by Nicola Davies (Candlewick Press)
This beautifully illustrated picture book invites you into a
polar bear’s frozen world. These amazing creatures have
adapted to survive in a harsh climate, but their existence is
now threatened due to global warming. Ice Bear is filled with
interesting and realistic facts about polar bears and also serves
as an introduction to current environmental issues. It is well-suited
for classroom use. Ages 4-8.
Adult
Selections
Above All,
Be Kind: Raising a Humane Child in Challenging Times
by Zoe Weil (New Society Publishers)
A helpful, informative book for parents that gives them the
tools they need to learn how to be better role models and to
teach humane values to their children.
All for Animals:
Tips and Inspiration for Living a More Compassionate Life
by Karen Lee Stevens (Fithian Press, Daniel and Daniel Publishers)
Wondering how you can help animals? This guide is full of simple,
easy ways to adopt a cruelty-free lifestyle. You’ll learn
to love and appreciate your companion animals more deeply as
well as respect the rights of all animals to a peaceful existence.
Animal
Liberation by Peter Singer (HarperCollins Publishers)
This ground-breaking book, first published in 1975 and updated
with a new preface written in 2002, is often considered to be
the inspiration for the modern animal rights movement. Singer
offers an in-depth examination of the cruelty humans impose
on animals through institutions such as factory farms, without
concern for their interests. This is a must-read for animal
advocates.
Beauty in
the Beasts
by Kristin Von Kreisler (Jeremy P. Tarcher/Putnam)
A collection of true stories about animals helping people based
on feelings of compassion, courage, and loyalty. Combining anecdotes
with comments by animal experts. Heartwarming and inspiring.
Canines
in the Classroom by Michelle Rivera (Lantern Books).
A practical guide for educators interested in starting a humane
education program. Rivera offers ideas on lesson plans, the
importance of teaching character development, and how to establish
outreach programs.
Cat Muses
by Julia H. Miles (Cattails Publishing)
A book of photos featuring cats rescued by the author from a
facility licensed by the U.S. government to breed and raise
animals to be sold for research purposes. Dedicated to all the
“purpose-bred’ animals who end up as test subjects
in vivisection labs. A portion of the proceeds of Cat Muses
goes to support the Washington, D.C. Humane Society.
Cloud: Wild
Stallion of the Rockies
by Ginger Kathrens (BowTie Press)
Gives us a glimpse into the lives of the majestic wild horses
that roam an isolated area of the Rocky Mountains. Kathrens
combines her words and photography to paint a fascinating portrait
of Cloud and his family.
Dark Horses
and Black Beauties: Animals, Women, A Passion
by Melissa Holbrook Pierson (W.W. Norton & Company)
Explores the deep connection between women and horses in this
collection of memoirs, history, poetry and excerpts by other
writers that explain the bond between humans, horses and all
animals, and how they humanize us.
Dominion:
The Power of Man, the Suffering of Animals, and the Call to
Mercy
by Matthew Scully (St. Martin’s Press)
A speech writer to President George W. Bush, Scully is a self-described
conservative who has written a fascinating and compelling book
calling for animal protection based not on rights, but on mercy.
From factory farms to canned hunts to animal testing, this powerful
book examines how we can right the wrongs done to animals and
give animal protection the public attention it warrants.
Dog
Book by Emily Eve Weinstein (Beau Soleil Publishing)
This is beautiful collection of original oil paintings of remarkable
dogs accompanied by their fascinating true stories. Weinstein’s
subjects include dogs rescued from shelters and puppy mills,
a greyhound rescued from a life of racing, rescue dogs from
9/11, and Saint Ginny, who has a knack for rescuing abandoned
cats. If you enjoy Dog Book, you may also enjoy Weinstein’s
previous book, Cat Book, a collection of stories and
paintings about cats. For teens and adults.
Eating Apes
by Dale Peterson (University of California Press)
Africa’s great apes are nearing extinction due to the
complex relationship between the demand for commercial bushmeat
in Africa, which has exploded into an enormous, unsustainable
enterprise, and the demand for African lumber overseas. Eating
Apes educates us on an important topic neglected by the American
conservation media and offers practical advice on what we can
do to help stop it.
Empty
Cages by Tom Regan (Rowman & Littlefield)
An excellent introduction for newcomers to the world of animal
rights. Regan discusses his own journey towards a more expansive
animal consciousness and encourages others to confront the ways
humans exploit animals for their benefit. Topics include factory
farming, circuses, rodeos, canned hunts and the fur and leather
industries. Regan presents the case that working for reform
is not enough - we should work for "empty cages, not larger
cages."
Flying Changes
by Sara Gruen (HarperTorch, an imprint
of HarperCollins Publishers)
A tale about dealing with personal fears and tragedies and learning
to embrace life. Annemarie Zimmer is fast approaching her fortieth
birthday as she tries to make peace with her past and deal with
a recent divorce, a new romance and her rebellious teenage daughter.
Horses play a prominent role in the lives of Annemarie and her
family, and the book even includes subplots on horse slaughter
and neglect. A true champion for horses, Gruen is donating a
portion of royalties from this and her other books to support
horse-related charities. For more information, please visit
www.saragruen.com.
Grieving
the Death of a Pet by
Betty Jo Carmack (Augsburg Books)
Helps people face the pain and deal with the feelings associated
with the death of a cherished pet. Whether you’re anticipating
the loss of your pet in the near future or your pet has already
passed away, this book offers coping strategies and comfort
through real stories of people and their experiences in dealing
with grief.
Mediterranean
Vegan Kitchen, The
(Berkley Publishing Group) and Angelica Home Kitchen,
The (Ten Speed Press)
Looking for a cookbook with recipes for delicious meals without
the use of animal products or ingredients? If you think that
all vegetarian and vegan meals include tofu and taste bland,
then give these a try. Here are two cookbooks that are kind
to animals and help you create good food that’s good for
you.
Next of Kin:
My Conversations with Chimpanzees by
Roger Fouts (HarperCollins Publishers)
The story of Roger Fouts’ journey from novice research
scientist to leading advocate for chimps’ rights. Combining
scientific theory with personal experiences and insights, it’s
an engrossing, compassionate story about our closest biological
relatives.
Outwitting
Critters
by Bill Adler, Jr. (The Lyons Press)
A helpful, practical guide on how to handle confrontations with
wildlife. From squirrels in your bird feeder to deer eating
your azaleas, it provides humane solutions to wildlife conflict
so that we can enjoy our contact with nature without harming
the animals.
People
I Sleep With by Jill Fineberg (Ten Speed Press)
Did you know that 79% of pet guardians allow their companion
animals to sleep in bed with them? Animal lover and pet guardian
Jill Fineberg documents the bond between animals and their people
in their most unguarded moments in this collection of black
and white photographs.
Pig
Who Sang to the Moon, The by Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson
(Ballantine Books/Random House)
This best-selling author's latest book is about farm animals,
combining historical information with anecdotes. He explores
the idea that farm animals have the capacity for emotions, including
happiness, if given the opportunity to live according to their
own nature. Unfortunately, most farm animals live on factory
farms and don’t experience this freedom. This
is a must read book for people who would like to learn more
about these fascinating, sentient beings and how they are bred
to provide us with food and clothing.
Prodigal
Summer
by Barbara Kingsolver (HarperCollins Publishers, Inc.)
A beautifully written novel that explores the connection between
nature, relationships, and the human spirit. It follows the
lives of three people in rural Kentucky as they learn that everything
alive is connected to everything else, and that humans are only
a small part of the ecological balance of things.
The
Race to Save the Lord God Bird by Phillip Hoose (Farrar,
Straus & Giroux)
This fascinating
work of non-fiction traces the history of the ivory-billed woodpecker
from the early 1800s, when its numbers were plentiful, to the
1940s, when they were believed to be extinct. It attributes
the species’ demise primarily to their rapid loss of habitat,
in spite of a concerted effort by the Audubon Society and a
new breed of conservationists to save them. However, their efforts
became a pioneering study of a bird species, employing modern
new techniques that are used today in our struggle to save other
endangered plants and animals. Editor’s note: The
Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology confirmed an ivory-billed
woodpecker sighting in Arkansas and is investigating this exciting,
new discovery.
TNR:
Past Present and Future A History of the Trap-Neuter-Return
Movement by Ellen Perry Berkeley (Alley Cat Allies)
Ellen Perry Berkeley’s book is a comprehensive, interesting
and readable look at Trap-Neuter-Return, an effective and humane
method of controlling populations of feral cats. It’s
great for cat-lovers or for anyone interested in helping ferals
in their own communities. The book is available online at www.amazon.com
or through Alley
Cat Allies, which is an excellent resource for information
on TNR.
When
Your Pet Outlives You by David Congalton and Charlotte
Alexander (New Sage Press)
This easy-to-use book tackles an important but uncomfortable
subject for pet guardians—planning for your companion
animal’s future without you. Combining personal stories
and practical legal information, this comprehensive guide explains
why they need this protection and various options available
on how to fit them into your estate plans. Click
here for DDAL's pet trust resources page.
Young
Adult Selections
Because of
Winn Dixie
by Kate DiCamillo (Candlewick Press)
The story of a ten-year old girl and the stray dog she adopts
and names Winn Dixie. It’s a sweet, funny story about
love, compassion and acceptance and about the positive impact
pets can have on our lives. Winner of the Newbery Honor Award.
Ages 9-12, but we highly recommend this book to older teens
and adults.
Don’t
Tell Anyone
by Peg Kehret (Puffin Books)
A suspenseful story that follows 12-year old Megan Perk’s
efforts to save a group of feral cats living in a field that’s
about to be bulldozed to build a new apartment community.
Fight
for Life
by Laurie Halse Anderson. (Pleasant Company Publications)
Chronicles the adventures of 11 year old Maggie, a volunteer
at a veterinary clinic who is determined to fight the deplorable
conditions of a local puppy mill. Winner of
the ASPCA Henry Bergh Children’s Book Award. Ages 9-12.
Ghost
of Cutler Creek, The
by Cynthia DeFelice (Farrar, Straus & Giroux)
Sixth-grader Allie Nicholas has a special
talent for communicating with spirits who need her help. In
the latest mystery, she becomes determined to put a local puppy
mill out of business and save the dogs living in its deplorable
conditions. This suspenseful novel deals with a disturbing issue
but fails to address the need for pets to be spayed and neutered
and how breeding contributes to pet overpopulation. We recommend
that adults discuss these topics with children while reading
the book. Ages 9-12.
Gifts
by Ursula Le Guin (Harcourt, Inc.)
A story of two young teens who possess extraordinary and potentially
dangerous psychic gifts. Orrec has the gift of undoing, or destroying
things, and Gry’s gift gives her power over animals, which
is most often used to call animals to the hunt. However, they
refuse to use their gifts after seeing how others use the power
cruelly and irresponsibly. An excellent, thought-provoking book
about the importance of using power in a compassionate manner.
Ages 12 and up.
High
in the Clouds
by Paul McCartney, Geoff Dunbar and Philip Ardagh (Dutton Children's
Books)
This exciting tale about animals trying to save their habitat
from greedy developers is Paul McCartney’s first book
for children. Combining elements of fantasy and adventure with
beautiful illustrations, McCartney has crafted a compassionate
story that children, and adults, will find entertaining while
also learning about important animal and environmental issues.
Ages 9-12.
Rare and
Endangered
by John Dowd (Peachtree Publishers)
While helping to tag turtles in the Caicos Islands, 15 year-old
Jim Martin discovers that poachers have been stealing wildlife
to sell for profit on the black market. It’s an exciting
adventure that also teaches teens about the need to protect
the world’s wildlife. Ages 12-14.
Safari
Journal: The Adventures in Africa of Carey Monroe by
Hudson Talbott (Harcourt, Inc.)
This fictional diary of a 12-year-old boy chronicles his voyage
to Africa as he accompanies his aunt on a business trip to photograph
wildlife. Carey becomes interested in the various animals, their
behaviors, and how their habitats are threatened. He also befriends
a Maasai boy who teaches him useful Swahili phrases and about
the Maasai culture. Together, they help foil a group of rhinoceros
poachers. Written in a journal format with the true voice of
a 12-year-old. Beautiful photographs help young teens understand
the need for better protection of Africa’s wildlife. Ages
9-15.
Shadow Horse
by Alison Hart (Random House)
The suspenseful, fictional story of 13 year-old girl, who is
determined to prove that the wealthy owner of a horse farm deliberately
poisoned her favorite horse, Whirlwind. It’s a suspenseful
mystery as well as a touching story about getting a second chance
at life. Nominated for Best Juvenile Novel by the Mystery Writers
of America.
Shiloh
by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor (Aladdin Paperbacks)
A classic. It’s the story of young Marty Preston,
who finds a beagle near his home in West Virginia, and discovers
the dog belongs to a man known to abuse animals. Marty is faced
with the dilemma of obeying the law and returning Shiloh, or
following his heart and hiding Shiloh to shield him from further
abuse. Ages 9-12
Star in the
Storm
by Joan Hiatt Harlow (Aladdin Paperbacks)
A fictional story about 12-year-old Maggie, her family, and
her dog Sirius, a loveable, intelligent Newfoundland who performs
a daring rescue when a shipwreck off the coast threatens hundreds
of lives. Ages 9-12.
Straydog
by Kathy Koja (Farrar, Straus & Giroux)
Rachel is an angry teen, frustrated with school, her classmates
and her parents, but finds an outlet for her feelings in creative
writing and volunteer work at a local animal shelter. When a
beautiful but unsocialized stray dog is brought to the shelter,
Rachel saves her life. She gradually comes to identify with
the dog and discovers that taming her is a more difficult task
than she ever imagined. A powerful, emotional novel for young
adults that points out the importance of spay/ neuter and the
often tragic consequences of pet overpopulation.
Strider
by Beverly Cleary (HarperCollins Children’s Books)
Leigh, a typical teenage boy dealing with the frustrations of
adolescence adopts Strider, a dog who had been abandoned on
the beach. They become inseparable, and their companionship
helps Leigh find hope during a time when everything seems hopeless.
Ages 9-12.
The
World According to Dog by
Joyce Sidman; Photographs by Doug Mindell (Houghton Mifflin)
Joyce Sidman began writing poems, inspired by her dog Merlin,
as a source of comfort during a dark time in her life. These
works became the basis for this collection of warm and insightful
poems about the dogs who share our world. She also includes
heartfelt, personal essays from teens who have written about
their own dogs. Illustrated by expressive black and white photographs,
this collection is an enjoyable tribute to dogs! Ages 12 and
up.
Wringer
by
Jerry Spinelli (HarperCollins Children's Books)
Nine-year-old Palmer LaRue is dreading his 10th birthday, when
boys are expected to take part in the pigeon shoot as wringers
at the annual Family Fest event. Even though others see it as
tradition and a harmless activity, Palmer sees the cruelty inflicted
on the birds. Palmer must decide on whether to follow his friends
and participate in the pigeon shoot or to stand up for what
he believes in and defy the town’s tradition. Ages 8-12.
Children
Selections (Ages 4-8)
A Home for
Nathan
by Claudia M. Roll (The Snyder Foundation for Animals)
The true story of a cat surrendered to the Humane Society of
Baltimore County by his guardian who is no longer able to care
for him. Luckily, Nathan is adopted by the author and is given
a loving, happy home. A fun story that teaches children about
compassion and the special needs of animals. Ages 4-8.
Best
Cat in the World, The by Lesléa Newman (Wm.
B. Eerdmans Publishing).
The tender story of Victor, a young boy dealing with the death
of his beloved cat Charlie. When his mother eventually suggests
they adopt another cat, Victor reluctantly agrees. However,
when Victor realizes that the new cat, Shelley, doesn’t
like to do the same things that Charlie did, he wishes she were
more like Charlie. Gradually, he begins to appreciate the differences
and to love and accept Shelley as she is. Addresses not only
a child’s grief over the loss of a pet, but also the integration
of a new animal into the family. Ages 4-8, or for anyone who
has lost a pet but is reluctant to adopt another one.
bow
wow meow meow: it's rhyming cats and dogs by Douglas
Florian (Harcourt)
A charming collection of 21 original animal paintings and poems
for children. Even adults will like these humorous, playful
poems and how the animals characteristics described are creatively
incorporated into the paintings and typographic layouts. Ages
5-8.
Desser, the
Best Ever Cat
by Margaret C. Smith (Dell Dragonfly Books)
A child’s loving tribute to her cat, telling the story
of his life from when her father found Desser as a kitten to
his death as an elderly cat. The book emphasizes the importance
of reassuring children that pets never leave as long as they
are remembered. Ages 4-8.
Freckles
by Paul M. Howey (AZTexts Publishing, Inc.)
This book for young readers is the remarkable, true story of
a pregnant dog abandoned in the Arizona desert. After giving
birth to six puppies and somehow managing to protect them from
predators, she was eventually rescued and put up for adoption.
As is often the case, the puppies were adopted quickly, but
no one wanted an older dog like Freckles. But when Howey’s
wife saw the dog, she adopted her on the spot. The heartwarming,
inspirational story of a brave little dog who gets a second
chance at life with a loving family. Ages 4-8.
The
Gift of Nothing by Patrick McDonnell (Little, Brown
and Company)
This
charming picture book is the first from the
creator of the popular Mutts comic strip. It features Earl and
Mooch in a sweet story about friendship, with simple drawings
and text that children will want to read over and over again.
Ages 4-8. Available
for purchase in the DDAF Online Store.
Great Kapok
Tree, The by
Lynne Cherry (Voyager Books)
This book has become a classic since it was first published
in 1990. This beautifully illustrated picture book teaches both
children and adults the importance of protecting our wildlife
and natural resources, and is a must read for humane and environmental
educators. Ages 5-8
Hey,
Little Ant
by Phillip and Hannah Hoose Tricycle Press (a little division
of Ten Speed Press)
The young unnamed boy and his friends make a game out of squishing
ants, as many children do. But then the kid encounters an ant
who asks him to imagine how it feels to be an ant, and to think
twice before squishing. Ages 4-8.
Jasper’s
Day
by Marjorie Blain Parker (Kids Can Press Ltd.)
Riley and his family celebrate their final day with their dog
Jasper, who is old and in pain. This thoughtful and sensitive
book will be helpful to families preparing to face a similar
situation. Winner of the 2002 ASPCA Henry Bergh Children's Book
Award and National Association for Humane and Environmental
Education 2003 KIND Children's Book Award. Ages 4-8.
“Let’s
Get a Pup!” Said Kate
by Bob Graham (Candlewick Press)
After the death of her cat Tiger, Kate feels lonely and wants
to adopt a puppy. Not only does her family adopt a puppy from
the local shelter, but also a sweet, older dog who is often
overlooked in favor of puppies. Ages 4-8.
Madeline's
Miracles by Loren Spiotta-DiMare (J. Pace Publications)
This
touching picture book is based on the true story of a disabled
pony named Madeline at the Mylestone Equine Rescue who is able
to walk on only three legs. Although surgery will help alleviate
her condition, the cost is prohibitive. Luckily, a group of
school children hear about Madeline’s situation and raise
the money needed for the surgery. Today Madeline’s quality
of life is greatly improved, thanks to the compassion of these
children. A portion of the proceeds from this book will be donated
to Mylestone Equine Rescue. Ages 4-8.
Monkey for
Sale
by Sanna Stanley (Farrar, Straus & Giroux)
A young girl named Luzolo is excited about market day, a day
when people from surrounding villages in Africa come to buy
and sell their goods. She notices a recently captured wild monkey
for sale. Concerned that the monkey should be back in the jungle
and not kept as a pet, Luzolo makes a series of barters in order
to buy the monkey, and then returns him to his home in the jungle.
A colorful book that teaches children to respect animals in
their natural habitat and about the lives of people in a different
culture.
Mr. Putter
& Tabby Pour the Tea
by Cynthia Rylant (Harcourt, Inc.)
A sweet story about a lonely, elderly man who adopts
an older cat. The book illustrates the love and companionship
experienced between people and their pets, as well as the importance
of adopting older cats from shelters, who are often overlooked
in favor of kittens. Ages 5 – 8.
Mutt
Dog by Stephen Michael King (Harcourt)
This touching picture book follows a lovable, lonely stray dog
as he wanders around the city in a daily struggle for life,
searching for food and a place to sleep. Luckily, he finds his
way to a shelter for homeless humans, and one of the employees
takes him home, to become part of a loving family. Mutt Dog
is filled with beautiful illustrations and a message of compassion
that provides a good way to introduce children to the plight
of the homeless - both animal and human. Ages 4-8.
One
Day at the Wood Green Animal Shelter
by Patricia Casey (Candlewick Press)
A wonderful and creative picture book that describes the activities
of the caring, dedicated staff as they care for the animals
in the clinic. Combining photo collages with pencil drawings
and lively narratives, it’s a clever book that adults
and children can enjoy over and over again. Ages 5-8.
Spirit of
the Maasai Man, The
by Laura Berkeley (Barefoot Books)
An extraordinary story of how all beings, including animals,
need to feel the freedom of the wild. Winner of the ASPCA Henry
Bergh Children’s Book Award. Foreword written by Virginia
McKenna. Ages 4-8.
Stellaluna
by Janell Cannon (Harcourt, Inc.)
A wonderful and unusual story about a baby bat separated from
her mother before she’s able to fly and adopted by a family
of birds until she’s finally reunited with her mother.
A story about acceptance and friendship with beautiful illustrations
as well as interesting facts about bats. Ages 4-8.
Welcome,
Brown Bird by Mary Lyn Ray (Harcourt, Inc.)
This picture book tells the story of two boys living thousands
of miles apart who wait for the migration of the wood thrush.
Accompanied by beautiful watercolor drawings, this book instills
an appreciation for songbirds and the need to preserve their
habitat. Ages 4-8.
Zak: The
One-of-a-Kind Dog by
Jane Lidz (Harry N. Abrams, Inc.)
A charming story about a mutt who wants to find out what
type of dog he is. On his journey of self-discovery, he makes
many new friends and learns that he’s a special, one-of–a-kind
dog. Ages 4-8, but fun for all ages.
