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Endearing Books about Family Pets
By Holly E. Newton

Pets are often a special addition to families so I’m reviewing some outstanding books about these endearing animals. Also, my family recently lost our special loving dog, so I’m dedicating this review to her.

The first two books are easy chapter books that younger readers will especially enjoy. Catwings, by Ursula K. Le Guin, has recently been reissued and is one of the best small books for 7- to 10-year-old readers! A mother cat has just given birth to baby kittens with wings. After she determines that it would be safer for these four little kittens to leave the alley and fly to open country, they encounter new adventures and difficulties as they attempt to live in the wild. The storyline will immediately captivate the reader and the colorful illustrations, by S.D. Schindler, are practically on every page. There are three other books in this wonderful series — Catwings Returns, Wonderful Alexander and the Catwings, and Jane on Her Own. This book would be a great read aloud for all ages up to 7!

Darrel and Sally Odgers have a series of fun books geared for the newer reader. The Lying Postman and The Mugged Pug are the most recently published in the “Jack Russell: Dog Detective” s series. Each mystery gives a simple description of the story’s main characters that the reader will encounter. Also, there are words and phrases highlighted that the reader can better understand in the glossary [at the end of each chapter], as well as pencil drawings throughout. But don’t let the word meanings throw you. The unique construction of each short chapter will only heighten the interest in your young reader!

The next three books are good for all ages. Mia’s Story: A Sketchbook of Hopes & Dreams, by Michael Forman, is a story where struggles of living in a city landfill will make readers appreciate all that they have. Mia lives in a far-off city high in the mountains where people throw away garbage. Her father dreams of someday owning a house made from brick, but for now his family just lives in a house of trash. Her father finds a dog and gives Mia this little pet, but before long she loses him. As she looks for him, she discovers much more.

Award-winning Steve Jenkins has just published Dogs and Cats with a unique showcase by flipping the book upside down to learn about each. You’ll quickly learn about many facts including the origins and breeds. Violet Comes to Stay, by Melanie Cecka, and illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully, is a beautifully told story about a kitten hoping to find the perfect home!

The rest of the books, except for the last book, are geared for ages 3 to 6. How to be a Good Dog, by Gail Page, is a humorous story about Bobo, the dog, who can’t behave inside the house and has been exiled to live outside. But Cat soon misses him and decides to teach Bobo good manners. A Puppy for Annie, by Kim Lewis, is a beautifully illustrated story about the initial bonding of child and new puppy. When young Annie sees her new puppy wag her tail, she asks her mom what the puppy is trying to say. “Just watch and you’ll see”, her mom tells her.

The Biggest Parade, by Elizabeth Winthrop, and wonderfully illustrated by Mark Ulriksen, is a funny story about a basset hound, Fred, who refuses to be in the city’s huge parade. The parade organizers forgot one important ingredient to a successful parade, and Fred saves the day!

Little Dog, by Lisa Jahn-Clough, is a simple story with a powerful message about how the love of an animal can make your whole life change! The author/illustrator has her trademark brilliant colors throughout. If your child hasn’t read any “Skippyjon Jones“ books, you’re in for a treat.

Mummy Trouble is Judy Schachner’s latest for this very creative Chihuahua. Be ready for a rollicking adventure you won’t soon forget! Castaway Cats, by Lisa Wheeler, and amazingly illustrated by Ponder Goembel, has some 15 cats, after leaving their sinking ship, making it onshore on a deserted island. What these cats do to survive will have you pawing for more!

Cowboy Ned & Andy, by David Ezra Stein, is about two best friends, a cowboy and his horse, Andy. But Andy is struggling with what to give his friend for his birthday. I grew up with Harry the Dirty Dog, by Gene Zion, and illustrated by Margaret Bloy Graham. It’s just been reissued with its 50th anniversary edition so take advantage of this favorite book for all time! The Cat’s Meow, by Warren Kimble, is the perfect lap book because of its wonderful illustrations and oversized nature and few words on each page. Here’s a book to curl up with your youngster just before naptime!

And finally, here is a most important book that every parent has to deal with, especially when walking outside with their child. May I Pet Your Dog?, by Stephanie Clamenson, and illustrated by Jan Ormerod, deals with the struggles of when and when not to allow your child to pet another owner’s dog. So, enjoy these lovely pet books and especially enjoy your pets!

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