RSPCA
RECOMMENDED
BOOKS
RSPCA involvement in Premiers
Reading Challenge
RSPCA Education aims to promote positive attitudes towards animals
through educational sessions with primary and secondary school students.
Each year we see around 20,000 school students here at our Burwood East
centre as well as offsite at Victorian schools. Our focus stems from the
needs of animals, through to the role of the RSPCA, our relevant campaigns
and case studies.
We believe that messages of animal empathy and respect are important as
these foundations are formed early in life. Furthermore, there is an undisputed
link
between violent adult behaviour and cruelty to animals during childhood.
Through engaging animal experiences and positive messages, the RSPCA aims
to create better outcomes for children and animals.
Our sessions and resources have been created in consultation with the Victorian
Essential Learning Standards, to ensure teachers can incorporate our programs
into their curriculum and get the most from each session.
It is most evident the immense impact the Premier’s Reading Challenge has on
more than 200,000 children and young adults each year. We are proud to have
a partnership with the Victorian Premier’s Reading Challenge.
The titles we have suggested have been reviewed and selected by primary and
secondary school teachers working at the RSPCA as well as at external schools.
titles FOR Reading
Challenge
Doggie Dreams by Nancy Kapp.
Illustrated by Lee Chapman
Year Level: Grades P-2 | Publisher: Putnam Juvenile, 2000
Rhymed couplets describe the stuff of pups’ dreams: “Some dogs dream of bones and
such,/A cozy home,/A gentle touch.” But others dream as humans do; they wish to
be circus performers, astronauts, all sorts of things. The text is accompanied by bright
cartoons rendered in oils “with the occasional dog hair mixed in.” They show canines
eating in restaurants with their people sadly waiting outside, a pooch campaigning
for president, a cowdog rounding up cattle, etc. The text reads aloud well and the
Elephants Can Paint too! By Katya Arnold
Year Level: Grades P-2 | Publisher: Atheneum/Anne Schwartz Books, 2005
Arnold, an art teacher, juxtaposes human art students with the painting (elephants) in
an effective presentation in which brief, matter-of-fact text contrasts hilariously with
full-color photographs of elephants delicately gripping paintbrushes in their giant
trunks, mischievously dunking their artwork in the river, and, occasionally, painting
one another. It all looks like great fun, with the elephants making a mess just as kids
do. In addition to the silliness, there’s some factual information--for example, an
One Day at Wood Green Animal Shelter by Patricia Casey
Interest Level: Grades P-2 | Publisher: Walker Books, 2002
Photo-collage, watercolor, and pencil illustrations bring alive a day at an animal
shelter-specifically, a Wood Green Animal Shelter. The staff members arrive in the
morning with their own pets, which include a recuperating fox and a mysterious
cheeping box. The people at the shelter care for a variety of animals, prepare the
resident creatures for the night, and go home. A lovely read in a pair or small group
story (Ellen Heath, Orchard School, Ridgewood, NJ).
Goodbye Mousie by Robie H Harris. Illustrated by Jan Ormerod.
Interest Level: Grades P-2 | Publisher: Aladdin, 2004
A little boy wakes up one morning and tickles his pet mouse’s tummy, but Mousie
doesn’t move. So begins this story for the very youngest about the death of a pet.
Daddy tells the boy that Mousie is dead, but the child prefers to think that Mousie is
just very, very tired. Slowly, after lots of tears and many questions, the boy comes to
terms with the fact that his pet is gone. He plans for the funeral by painting a picture
of himself to put inside the shoebox that will hold Mousie. The endpapers, on which
Mousie cavorts, show what a delightful little pet he was. The choice of a first-person
narrative has a tendency to distance listeners because the boy often sounds older
than he looks. Still, this covers all the bases of a frequently asked-for subject. (Ilene
Cooper, American Library Association).
Before You Were Mine by Maribeth Boelts
Interest Level: Grades P-2 | Publisher: Putnam Juvenile, 2007
“Before you were mine . . . “ wonders a little boy, “did you live in a warm house with
warm smells and a rug that was only yours? [Or were] you kept on a chain, with a dusty
bowl and lonely sounds all around?, the little boy speculates about the life his dog
may have led before being adopted from the shelter. He imagines happiness, cruelty,
misfortune, neglect: “[Maybe] you ran away and they never heard that if your dog runs
away, you look for him . . . until you find him.” A note on adopting a shelter pet follows
this unabashedly emotional offering (Kirkus Reviews 2007).
Curious George and the Puppies. Based on the original character
by Margret & H. A. Rey.
Interest Level: Grades P-2 | Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1998.
Curious George and the man with the yellow hat find a tiny kitten in the park and take
her to the animal shelter where she will be taken care of. While there, George falls in
love with one of the many puppies for adoption. Curious George at his best (www.
humaneeducationteacher.org).
Lucky Written and illustrated by Gus Clarke.
Interest Level: Grades P-2 | Publisher: Kane Miller Book Publishers, 2005.
Lucky, a shelter dog, and his friends help an older dog who wants a forever home,
get chosen. The story advocates adopting. Proceeds from book sales help FOCAS,
a group that helps animals in the San Diego municipal shelters. ASPCA Henry Bergh
Children’s Book Award Finalist and a KIND Children’s Honor Book. Fiction picture
book (www.humaneeducationteacher.org).
Mutt Dog! Words and pictures by Stephen Michael King.
Interest Level: Grades P-2 | Publisher: Harcourt, Inc. 2005.
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Mutt dog is a stray just trying to survive in the city- always searching for scraps to eat
and a safe place to sleep. One night he wanders into a shelter for people like him cold and tired. A kindhearted woman who works there gives him a meal, a soft bed
and ultimately provides him with a loving forever home. Humane Society Youth KIND
Children’s Honor Book. Fiction picture book (www.humaneeducationteacher.org).
Sammy the Classroom Guinea Pig by Alix Berenzy
Interest Level: Grades P-2 | Publisher: Square Fish 2005
Sammy is inexplicably unhappy. As Ms. B and her students try to figure out what is
bothering him, many facts about guinea pigs and their care are conveyed. The teacher
goes through all of the possible reasons for his distress-what kinds of symptoms
would he have if he were sick? What would he do if he were frightened? What do
his different noises mean? Finally, they discover that he just wants a little attention
(amazon 2010).
The Short and Incredible Happy Life of Riley by Colin
Thompson. Illustrated by Amy Lissiat.
Interest Level: Grades P-3 | Publisher: Lothian Books, 2005
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Human beings live for quite a long time and for a lot of that time we are not happy. We
want to be taller, shorter, fatter, thinner, older and younger. We want our straight hair
to be curly, our curly hair to be straight and our brown eyes to be blue. We want to be
somewhere else with someone else, eating something else and wearing something
fantastic no one else can afford. Rats live for quite a short time and for most of that
time they are very, very happy... (Thompson, 2005).
Fearless by Colin Thompson
Year Level: Grades P-3 | Publisher: ABC Books, 2009
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When a new baby is born it’s difficult to tell if it will grow up to be big or small or
brave or scared of the dark and spiders. So when a baby gets its name, sometimes it
gets the wrong one. There are lots of people called Bruce who should probably be
called Julian. There are even some people called Bruce who should be called Susan.
It’s the same with dogs. Fearless was a bulldog. Bulldogs look ferocious, so when the
Claybourne-Williams, who should have been called the Smiths, got Fearless as little
puppy, it seemed a good name for him Except Fearless wasn’t. How does Fearless
finally live up to his name? By accident, of course! (Thompson, 2009).
Sometimes Love is Underfoot by Colin Thompson
Year Level: Grades P-3 | Publisher: Scholastic 2008
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Kevin the dog likes his owners, and they like him. The children take him for walks and
play with him, and at night he lies in his basket while the family watches television. But
it is their father, George, whom Kevin loves. This is the story of how George comes to
appreciate Kevin (Thompson, 2008).
Buddy Unchained by Daisy Bix Illustrated by Joel Hyatt
Interest Level: Grade P-3
Publisher: Gryphon Press, 2006
A yellow, mixed-breed dog narrates his life story. Buddy’s former owner did not
feed him enough or provide clean water, and frequently left him chained outside.
But things changed for the
better when the animal was rescued and taken to a shelter, where he was
subsequently adopted by a caring family. Attractive, realistic paintings invite readers
to look into Buddy’s eyes and experience his emotions, both of neglect and of
contentment in his new home (Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library
System, Manassas, VA 2010).
Max Talks to Me, by Claire Buchwald. Illustrated by Karen Ritz
Year Level: Grade P-3 | Publisher: Gryphon Press, 2007.
Alex and his dog Max are true friends—the kind that share each other’s
excitement, comfort each other when they are sad, wait together when parents
are away, and have fun wherever they are. Alex is learning that every good
relationship is a two-way street. By observing and listening to his dog, by sharing
good times and bad, he and Max are earning each other’s love and devotion.
Parents will appreciate the information about animal communication and the
dog-child bond that they will find at the end of Max Talks to Me. Children will
want to share Max and Alex’s adventures and friendship over and over as they
read the gentle, engaging story and look at the beautiful illustrations (Amazon
2010).
The Big Little Book of Happy Sadness by Colin Thompson
Interest Level: P-3 | Publisher: Random House, 2008
One Friday on his way home from school, George visits the animal shelter. There, in
the very last cage, is Jeremy, a sad dog who looks as lost and lonely as George feels.
When Jeremy comes home to live with George and his granny, their whole lives change,
and they learn that when it comes to love, it’s quality not quantity that counts . . .
Shelter Stories: Love. Guaranteed by Patrick McDonnell
Interest Level: Grades P-3 | Publisher: Andrew McMeel Publishing, 2008
Each year, more than six million animals find themselves in shelters across the U.S.
Abused, neglected, abandoned, these innocent animals each have a story they cannot
tell. Patrick McDonnell, author of the celebrated MUTTS comic strip and tireless
animal advocate, helps give them a voice in Shelter Stories: Love. Guaranteed.
Along with an inspiring introduction by HSUS President and CEO Wayne Pacelle,
this collection combines more than 100 of the best of Patrick’s “Shelter Stories”
strips alongside 70 candid photos of the sweetest, most adorable faces of those
lucky enough to have found loving homes. Dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets,
and birds grace the pages of this heartwarming book with descriptions from the
kindhearted souls who saved them. Patrick also includes a reference guide filled with
tips for adopting the right pet and many useful links that encourage readers to, as he
puts it, “adopt some love today” (McMeel Publishing 2008).
So What’s it Like to Be a Cat? By Karla Kuskin.
Illustrated by Betsy Lewin
Interest Level: Grades P-3 | Publisher: Atheneum, 2008
Pencil in hand, a boy interviews his gray cat, beginning with the question in the title.
Seated in a director’s chair, the rangy feline answers with the easy, false modesty of
a celebrity: “Cats are private creatures / who are happier when left alone. Of course
I trust / and also wish / no one forgets to fill my dish / (a bit of fish might be delish).”
The cat proudly acknowledges that although humans have a few things going
for them (“They balance nicely on their feet”), they don’t “nap or leap or lie / as
gracefully or well / as I.” Lewin’s charming, uncluttered watercolors extend the spare
poetry’s precise wit with swooping bold lines that beautifully capture both characters’
movements and moods. Children will easily recognize the pet’s wildly joyful leaps
and bounds and his wary backward gaze as he slinks away from a grasping toddler
(Gillian Engberg Copyright © American Library Association).
The Old Woman Who Named Things. Written by Cynthia Rylant.
Illustrated by Kathryn Brown.
Interest Level: Grades 1-3 | Publisher: Harcourt Brace, 1996.
A lonely old woman who has outlived all of her friends is reluctant to take in the
shy puppy who appears in her yard for fear that she will outlive him. But when the
brown dog does not appear one day, the woman realizes what she must do. A
heartwarming and memorable story. Fiction picture book. Interest level: Grades 1-4
(www.humaneeducationteacher.org).
Are You Ready for Me? By Claire Buchwald
Publisher: Gryphon Press, 2009 | Interest Level: Grades P-3
“A guide to responsible care and inspiring compassion and understanding, this book
will benefit all young readers—and all dogs.”—Dr. Michael W. Fox, veterinarian,
syndicated columnist, and author of many dog books.
Getting a dog can be a wonderful moment in a family’s life—or the beginning of a
bad situation for everyone. In Are You Ready for Me?, engaging text and colorful
pictures show two children at an animal adoption center, trying to decide if they are
prepared to care for a dog for its entire life.
There’s a contract at the end of the book for parents and kids to check off. An online
kit is available to those who want more information about living with a dog (Amazon
2010).
Come Meet Muffin! Written by Joyce Carol Oates. Illustrated
by Mark Graham.
Interest Level: - Grades P-3 | Publisher: The Ecco Press, 1998.
A kitten rescued off the side of a country road, grows up to be an extraordinary cat
who reunites two fawns with their mother one wintry night. An endearing story and
illustrations (www.humaneeducationteacher.org).
Dogku. Written by Andrew Clements. Illustrated by Tim Bowers.
Interest Level: P-3 | Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young
A homeless dog picks the right door and finds a loving family who takes him in.
Poetry picture book (www.humaneeducationteacher.org).
The Hound from the Pound. Written by Jessica Swaim. Illustrated
by Jill McElmurry.
Interest Level: Grades P-3 | Publisher: Candlewick Press, 2007.
Readers, 2007.
A lonely woman adopts a lovable but untrained basset hound named Blue. Blue’s
friends from the pound follow his AH-ROOoooooos to his new home and move in
too! The lively text and illustrations capture the unique personality of each breed
of dog. Children will delight in the humor, rhyming text and happy ending. Fiction
picture book (www.humaneeducationteacher.org).
Let’s Get A Pup! Said Kate. Written and illustrated by Bob Graham.
Interest Level: Grades P-3 | Publisher: Candlewick Press, 2001
Kate and her parents fall in love with a cute little puppy at the animal rescue center.
Once home with their new pup, the family cannot stop thinking about the old gray
dog that they did not adopt. Boston Globe Horn Book Award Winner. KIND Children’s
Book Award. Fiction picture book (www.humaneeducationteacher.org).
Millions of Cats. Written and illustrated by Wanda Gag.
Interest Level: Grades P-3 | Publisher: Puffin Books, 1928, 1956.
The memorable refrain of America’s first picture book, “Hundreds of cats, thousands
of cats, millions and billions and trillions of cats,” should help children commit to
memory the importance of sterilizing companion animals. Fiction picture book (www.
humaneeducationteacher.org).
I love Guinea Pigs by Dick King-Smith. Ilustrated by Anita Jeram
Interest Level: Grades P-3 | Publisher: Candlewick Press 1995
Recalling the hundreds of guinea pigs he’s kept as pets over the years, King-Smith
writes of the history, physical features, behavior, and personalities of the creatures.
Best known for humorous novels based on the adventures of animals, King-Smith
knows how to hold a nonfiction audience (amazon 2010).
The Cat of Strawberry Hill: a True Story. Written by Fran Hodgkins.
Illustrated by Lesia Sochor.
Interest Level: Grades: 1-3 | Publisher: Down East Books, 2005.
A kitten who is left behind at a rest stop in Maine is lucky to be found and taken in by
two innkeepers. An author’s note relates the fact that thousands of animals are lost
by vacationers each year and not always accidentally. Nonfiction picture book (www.
humaneeducationteacher.org).
The Stray Kitten. Written by Judy Waite. Illustrated by Gavin Rowe.
Interest Level: Grades 1-3 | Publisher: Interlink Books, 2000.
A poignant story about a kitten who struggles to survive and would not have if it
were not for the boy who rescued him when he was too weak to struggle. The kitten
learns love through the compassionate action of the boy. Fiction picture book (www.
humaneeducationteacher.org).
Two Bobbies: A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship, and
Survival. Written by Kirby Larson and Mary Nethery. Illustrated by
Jean Cassels.
Interest Level: Grades 1-3 | Publisher: Walker and Co., 2008.
Bobbi and Bob Cat, abandoned during the New Orleans hurricane evacuations,
wandered the streets in search of food together, surviving against all odds. And after
four long months on their own, the heroic young dog and blind cat, were rescued by
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and placed together in a forever home. The realistic
illustrations capture the post hurricane difficulties that so many surviving animals faced
without being overly harsh. An afterword provides a photo of the real-life Bobbi and
Bob Cat. This important book pays tribute to the many animals who were left behind
and to every animal rescue person who helped them. A well told story with a happy
ending. Nonfiction picture book (www.humaneeducationteacher.org).
Jasmine. Written and illustrated by Randy Houk.
Interest Level: Grades 1-3 | Publisher: The Benefactory, 1991.
The true story of a resourceful abandoned cat who survives for weeks on
birdseed and the water that drips from a faucet. Nonfiction picture book (www.
humaneeducationteacher.org).
Angelica’s Wish by Annette Menniti Campbell
Year Level: Grade 2-6
Publisher: Xlibris
In ³Angelica¹s Wish,² a modern day fairy tale, the author writes about the hardships
experienced by unwanted cats. Overpopulation particularly of homeless animals is a
great concern to her. She believes that educating the reader through this story may
lead to the public¹s awareness of the problem. The elements of fantasy are used to get
the reader¹s attention while presenting a point that is very real. The story tells of a stray
cat and her litter of kittens and their need to belong to a family (Xlibris 2010).
Here, There and Everywhere: The Story of Sreeeeeeeet the
Lorikeet, by Mira Tweti. Illustrated by Lisa Brady
Interest Level: Grade 2-6
Publisher: Parrot Press, 2008
Mira Tweti and Lisa Brady have produced a masterpiece for children, combining factual
information and animal welfare issues with storytelling and fabulous ilustrations. Here,
There and Everywhere takes us on a fascinating journey. Parents and teachers will
learn as much as children and be just as enchanted. I highly recommend this book
as a gift, as a necessary addition to libraries, and in schools and homes. Please share
your copy with as many friends as you can, and encourage them to buy their own!
(Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE - Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of
Peace 2010).
A Home for Spooky. Written by Gloria Rand. Illustrated by Ted
Rand. Illustrated by Finn Rizer.
Interest Level: Grades 2-6 | Publisher: H. Holt & Co., 1998.
In this book based on a true story, a girl finds a homeless dog in a dump, brings him
food every day, and eventually saves his life. Children can read about the real Spooky
at the end of the book, where his photos and story are featured. Out of print but on the
shelves of many libraries. Fiction picture book (www.humaneeducationteacher.org).
Puddles On The Floor by Lorena Estep. Illustrated by Tammy Grimes.
Year Level: Grades 2-6 | Publisher: Crescent Renewal Resource, 2008.
Chance is a beagle puppy who is just like every other dog-he wants a home
and a family to love him. When he loses his first home and is sent to the shelter,
he is devastated-until he is adopted by a boy and his mother, and life seems
like it will be good again. But he has a little problem with leaving “puddles on
the floor”. Without the proper training, he ends up in a horrible place-stuck at
the end of a chain. Like all dogs, he remains faithful to his family, and patiently
waits for love to return. A twist of fate sets him free to seek a better life. Will
Chance finally find the loving inside home and family he deserves? Illustrated
by Dogs Deserve Better founder Tamira Ci Thayne (formerly Tammy Grimes).
This engaging book is excellent for 2nd-6th grade Humane Education classes;
also great for parents who want to teach children how to care for companion
animals (Amazon 2010).
Deliverance of Dancing Bears by Elizabeth Stanley
Year Level: Grades 2-5 | Publisher: Kane/Miller Book
Publishers, 2003
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Australian Picture Book of the Year honor winner. In this thought-provoking and
sincere story, Stanley presents the plight of the dancing bears of Turkey and Greece
whom she first witnessed in 1979. Constructing a “contemporary fable” from her
experience, the author tells the story of a captive bear whose dreams of freedom
sustain her, even while being forced to perform in a Turkish marketplace by a cruel
and angry keeper. The bear imagines a different life in which she is free to wander
through mountain streams and sleep lazily with her cubs. The degradation continues
until the day an old peasant with a generous and empathetic spirit offers to buy
her, releasing her from her chains. The somber and meaningful tone of the text
underscores the author’s purposeful intent without over-sentimentalizing. An author’s
note explains that the animals are now protected; even so, this book provides a
compelling springboard toward many important topics including cruelty to animals,
freedom versus captivity, and the sustaining power of dreams (Teri Markson, Stephen
S. Wise Temple Elementary School, Los Angeles 2003).
A Dog Called Kitty by Bill Wallace
Interest Level: Grades 4-6 | Publisher: Aladdin, 1992
The puppy was small and fuzzy, with a friendly, wagging tail – and Ricky was afraid of
him! No wonder, since he was attacked by a dog when he was just a baby. So when a
stray puppy comes sniffling around the farm, Ricky tells it to get lost.
But the puppy keeps trying to play with Ricky. And every time Ricky’s mom feeds the
cats, the little dog comes running. The cats aren’t sharing their food, however, and
the poor pup is slowly starving.
If Ricky doesn’t overcome his fear, the little puppy may die – but if he lets himself get
close enough to feed it, he may find the best friend he’s ever had! (Wallace 1992).
Chomps, Flea and Gray Cat by Bill Wallace
Year Level: Grades 4 -6 | Publisher: Aladdin 2001
Jealous? Me? Well...maybe a little. My people got a new white puppy named
Chomps. That’s because he bites at everything, especially flies. What could a gray cat
-- me -- want with a Scottish terrier, anyway? The little nipper got into some trouble
with the big rats in the barn. It was partly my fault. So...I had to save him. Problem is,
now I can’t get rid of him. What am I supposed to do with a dog who’s determined to
get himself into trouble? (Wallace, 2001).
A Dog’s Life – Autobiography of a Stray by Ann M. Martin
Interest Level: Grades 4-6 | Publisher: Scholastic, 2005
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Squirrel and her brother Bone are pups living in a country estates garden shed. When
their mother fails to return one day, Squirrel follows her brother to look for a new
home. Mother had taught them basic survival skills–to hunt for food and beware of
humans. On the road, they learn another life lesson–to be wary of highways with cars.
Squirrel and Bone become separated, so Squirrel moves on alone. She befriends
Moon, another stray. The two dogs watch out for each other, changing homes with
the changing seasons. A fatal car accident separates the two. Squirrel again sets out
again on her own, employing survival skills until she meets a woman named Susan and
finds a stable home. A good choice for animal lovers (Stephanie Bange, WilmingtonStroop Branch, Dayton Metro Library, OH, 2005).
A Special Place for Charlee by Debbie Morehead
Interest Level: Grades 3-6 | Publisher: Partners in Publishing, 1996
Floppy-eared Charlee (feminine for Charlie) was already part of the family when narrator
Mark was born. Boy and pup grew up together and were best friends and playmates.
Years later, when Charlee needed to be euthanized because of heart failure, the entire
family mourned the dog’s death. Charlee’s vet encouraged Mark to share his feelings
of sadness and grief with those he loved. In fact, Mark’s family set aside a special time
to sit together in the backyard and remember Charlee (Amazon 2010).
Ally’s Busy Day The Story of a Service Dog by Maureen Pranghofer.
Ilustrated by Chris Hubly.
Interest Level: Grades 3-5 | Publisher: Trafford Publishing, 2006
Ally, a black lab golden retriever mix, was taken from an animal shelter the day before
she was to be euthanized to become a service dog for Maureen, a totally blind quadriplegic (Amazon 2010).
Shelter Dogs by Peg Kehret
Interest Level: Grades 3-6 | Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company 1999
Written with affection and conviction, these anecdotes chronicle the lives of eight unwanted strays who were dumped at animal shelters, many at the Humane Society of
Seattle/King County in Washington State. After their adoptions, these dogs went on
to accomplish great things and changed the lives of their loving owners. Each story
begins with a black-and-white photo of the canine and proud human companion,
and closes with a short section on a topic of related interest. The writing is clear and
straightforward, letting the drama and pathos of the dogs’ triumphs, and the owners’
Adopting Pets: How to Choose Your New Best Friend. Written by Bill
Gutman. Illustrated by Anne Canevari Green.
Interest Level: Grades 3-6 | Publisher: Millbrook Press, 2001
Offers comprehensive information about the dog and cat overpopulation problem,
rescue organizations and the importance of matching pets to people. Although
out of print, this informative book may be found in many public libraries (www.
humaneeducationteacher.org).
A Day, a Dog by Gabrielle Vincent.
Interest Level: Grades 3-6 | Publisher: Millbrook Press, 2001
A dog is abandoned, nearly killed on the highway where he was thrown out of a
car but finds and befriends a boy. Wordless realistic fiction picture book (www.
humaneeducationteacher.org).
Freckles: The Mystery of the Little White Dog in the Desert: a True
Story. Written by Paul Howey. Illustrated by Judy Mehn Zabriskie.
Interest Level: Grades 2-6 | Publisher: AZtexts Publishing, 2003.
The amazing true story of a mother dog and her six puppies who somehow survive
in the desert. Today Freckles works as a therapy dog. Includes an illustrated glossary,
discussion topics, information about pet therapy and an author’s note about the
responsibilities associated with dog guardianship. For more information about
Freckles visit Freckles Friends. ASPCA Henry Bergh Humane Heroes Award (www.
humaneeducationteacher.org).
A Home for Nathan. Written by Claudio M. Roll. Illustrated by Finn Rizer.
Interest Level: Grades 1-4. | Publisher: The William Snyder Foundation for
Animals, 1999.
Compassion and responsible companion animal care are emphasized in this true
story about an unwanted cat who is adopted from a shelter. Fiction picture book.
(paperback) (www.humaneeducationteacher.org).
A Home for Spooky. Written by Gloria Rand. Illustrated by Ted
Rand. Illustrated by Finn Rizer.
Interest Level: Grades 2-6 | Publisher: H. Holt & Co., 1998.
In this book based on a true story, a girl finds a homeless dog in a dump, brings him
food every day, and eventually saves his life. Children can read about the real Spooky
at the end of the book, where his photos and story are featured. Out of print but on the
shelves of many libraries. Fiction picture book (www.humaneeducationteacher.org).
Smudge Bunny. Written by Dr. Bernie Siegel. Illustrated by Laura
J. Bryant.
Interest Level: Grades 1-4 | Publisher: Starseed Press, 2004. 32 pages.
Two little bunnies purchased from a pet shop for Easter and subsequently abandoned
are lucky to find a loving home. The author provides excellent rabbit care information as
well as the URL for House Rabbit Society, the most authoritative rabbit care information
resource. Fiction picture book (www.humaneeducationteacher.org).
Handle with Care by Dr. Paul McGreevy. Ilustrated by Tom Jellett.
Interest Level: Grades 3-6 | Publisher: Halstead Press 2002
Advice to children on how to get on well with animals. A highly readable, amusing and
trustworthy introduction to dogs, cats and many other pets, wildlife such as possums,
and farm animals like cows and chooks. Full of wonderful colour illustrations, and
photos. Not just fun to read but a great way to ensure children and animals get the
most from one another and come to no harm (holisticpage.com.au)
A Rare Breed of Love by Jana Kohl
Interest Level: Grade 6 + | Publisher: Fireside, 2008
When you meet Baby, the first thing you notice is her limp. She only has three legs, you
see — she lost one following years of mistreatment at a puppy mill. But spend a little
more time with Baby and her irrepressible “Ma,” Jana Kohl, and you’ll hear the story of
how this gentle creature has gone from puppy-mill victim to celebrity “spokesdog” —
hobnobbing with celebrities, lobbying politicians, and inspiring an entire movement
to end the kind of animal abuse she suffered for so many years (Kohl 2008).
One at a Time: A Week in an American Animal Shelter by Marilee Geyer
Year Level: Years 7-12 | Publisher: No Voice Unheard, 2005
Winner of The Humane Society of the United States’ Pets for Life Award, One at
a Time: A Week in an American Animal Shelter brings this issue vividly to life via a
true account of 7 days in a typical U.S. animal shelter. With compelling photos and
moving vignettes, this book chronicles the stories of 75 animals who passed through
a Northern California animal shelter during one week. Their gripping stories include
excerpts from actual shelter records; the words of shelter workers, volunteers, and
visitors; and the final conclusion of each animal’s journey through the animal shelter
system (Amazon, 2010).
Shelter Dogs by Traer Scott
Interest Level: P- adult | Publisher: Merrell, 2009
Photographer Traer Scott’s endearing portraits of dogs living in American shelters are
irresistible and heart-rending – and make a passionate appeal to dog lovers everywhere.
Some of the dogs subsequently found good homes; others were never adopted. The
portraits reveal the strikingly intense emotion, dignity and, sometimes, humour and
whimsy that Scott saw in each face despite the dog’s circumstances (Amazon 2010).
Trapped- Pete the Cat by Peg Kehret
Interest Level: Grades: 5 – Yr 7 | Publisher: Puffin, 2008
Grade 5-7–Alex Kendrill and his friend Rocky are exploring in the woods when they
discover an illegal animal trap. Shortly thereafter, Alex witnesses a pig falling off the
back of a truck driven by a reckless driver, and he and his friends and family rescue it.
When its owner shows up to claim it, the Kendrills refuse to release it. When Hogman
again attempts to reclaim the animal, he kidnaps Alex’s cat, Pete. His family then sets
out to locate the feline and prove that the man is involved in illegal trapping. Kehret
has a unique writing style, and the text includes long stretches of story narrated by
Pete. Some of these scenes are deliciously snarky, with the cat looking up words in the
dictionary that start with the letters c-a-t and giving a detailed description of coughing
up furballs. The technique is also effective when he describes what happens to him
during his kidnapping. Animal lovers will get a kick out of this intriguing mystery.–
Kristen Oravec, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Strongsville, OH
Extraordinary Dogs – Inspirational Stories of Dogs with Disabilities
by Joyce Darell
Interest Level: Grade 5 + | Publisher: The Lyons Press, 2007
There is something so humbling about a little creature with a disability that asks for
nothing but love, and gives it back in multitudes. They never complain about their
situation . . . they just live with it and love life.”
—Barb Thrasher, BONES Pet Rescue
Auggie appeared to be a klutzy puppy, always bumping into walls. Really, he was
born blind and could only see shadows. Emmy Lou, a kind-spirited hunting dog, was
shot by a hunter and could never use her hind legs again. Jinx, a rambunctious threelegged terrier mix, was dumped and abandoned on the side of the road. Despite the
difficult hardships these pups faced, they were still able to find families who accepted
and loved them unconditionally (Amazon 2010).
Wings by William Loizeaux
Interest Level: Grades 4- Year 8 | Publisher: Melanie Kroupa Books 2006
It’s June 1960, and 10-year-old Nick, who lives with his long-widowed mother, finds a
baby bird in the road. He rescues it, names it Marcy, coaxes it to eat worms, and comes
to love the young mockingbird, which thrives under his care through July and August.
One friend shares his affection for Marcy, while a less sympathetic neighbor does not.
From Nick’s first reaction to the bird--when he waits from a distance to see if other
birds will go to its aid--to his decision to leave Marcy uncaged while he is away for a
week, the narrative shows a fundamental respect for the bird as a wild animal rather
than a pet (Amazon 2010).
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