LibGuides: Service in Schools Libguide: Animal Welfare

Picture Books for Young Readers (ages 3-7)

Before You Were Mine by Maribeth Boelts; David M. Walker (Illustrator) A little boy imagines what life was like for his new dog before he adopted him from a shelter. Maybe he had a boy who loved him, but the family had to move and couldn't keep him. Maybe he belonged to someone who didn't appreciate how mischievous puppies can be. Maybe he was treated badly, and now he can be shown all the love he's been missing. This boy wonders about all of these things, but maybe they don't matter. Because now, his dog is home.
ISBN: 039924526X
Publication Date: 2007-09-20
Goyangi Means Cat by Christine McDonnell; Steve Johnson (Illustrator); Lou Fancher (Illustrator) When Soo Min comes from Korea to live with her new American family, she struggles to learn English and adjust to unfamiliar surroundings. She finds great comfort in the family's cat, Goyangi- that is, until he runs away. After searching the streets with her mother, Soo Min discovers her beloved pet has returned to the house, and speaks her first English word - 'Goyangi home.' This gentle story reveals that home is truly where the heart is.
ISBN: 0670011797
Publication Date: 2011-05-12
Can I Be Your Dog? by Troy Cummings A heart-tugging dog adoption story told through letters--deeply sincere and almost desperate pleas for a forever home--from the dog, himself. This picture book shares the tale of Arfy, a homeless mutt who lives in a box in an alley. Arfy writes to every person on Butternut Street about what a great pet he'd make. His letters to prospective owners share that he's house broken! He has his own squeaky bone! He can learn to live with cats! But, no one wants him. Won't anyone open their heart--and home--to a lonesome dog? Readers will be happily surprised to learn just who steps up to adopt Arfy. Troy Cummings's hilarious and touching story is a perfect gift for a child wanting a dog, and for pet adoption advocates. It also showcases many different styles of letter writing, making it appealing to parents and teachers looking to teach the lost art of written communication.
ISBN: 0399554521
Publication Date: 2018-03-13
Found Dogs by Erica Sirotich (Illustrator) For fans of Sandra Boynton's Doggies and a perfect fit for every preschooler's library, this adorable rhyming and counting book tallies up all the dogs at the shelter, and then counts backward as the pups are adopted. Babies and toddlers will delight in counting up each wriggly, wraggly rescue pup and then counting back down as each doggie is adopted. A bright, bouncy rhyme, jubilant art, and scads of adorable dogs will have wee ones giggling for more. These patient pound dogs.Now they're family! Found dogs.
ISBN: 0399186417
Publication Date: 2017-07-18
Not Norman by Kelly Bennett; Noah Z. Jones (Illustrator) "A sweet story that could be used as a springboard to discussion of the pitfalls of making snap judgments about pets -- or people." -- School Library Journal Norman the goldfish isn't what this little boy had in mind. He wanted a different kind of pet -- one that could run and catch, or chase string and climb trees, a soft furry pet to sleep on his bed at night. Definitely not Norman. But when he tries to trade Norman for a "good pet," things don't go as he planned. Could it be that Norman is a better pet than he thought? With wry humor and lighthearted affection, author Kelly Bennett and illustrator Noah Z. Jones tell an unexpected -- and positively fishy -- tale about finding the good in something you didn't know you wanted.
ISBN: 0763627631
Publication Date: 2008-03-11

Non-fiction for Young Readers and All Ages (ages 3 and up)

Lost and Found Cat by Doug Kuntz; Amy Shrodes; Sue Cornelison (Illustrator) Celebrate books, friendship, and chocolate milk shakes with Duncan the Dragon in this sweet, funny story perfect for fans of Dog Loves Books and Dragons Love Tacos. Duncan the Dragon loves to read. When he reads a story, his imagination catches fire! Unfortunately . . . so does his book. Fire breath is great for roasting marshmallows, but it's not so great for reading. Duncan just wants to get to those two wonderful words, like the last sip of a chocolate milk shake- The End. Will he ever find out how the story ends? This bright, warm tale champions determination, friendship, and a love for books. And milk shakes! An Indie Next selection Winner of the Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy Bell Picture Book Award "Though there are lots of unusual friendship stories in picture books, the vivid colors, expressive faces, and comic details make this one likely to be a storytime hit. Like the last sip of a chocolate milk shake, it's very satisfying." -Kirkus Reviews
ISBN: 1524715476
Publication Date: 2017-01-31
Two Bobbies by Kirby Larson; Mary Nethery; Jean Cassels (Illustrator) from Newbery award winning author Kirby Larson comes a remarkable true story of the devotion, friendship, and survival of two pets left behind in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. In the tradition ofOwen and Mzee, this beautiful picture book is a testament to the spirit that defined post-Katrina rescue missions. During Hurricane Katrina, evacuating New Orleans residents were forced to leave their pets behind. Bobbi the dog was initially chained to keep her safe, but after her owners failed to return, she had to break free. For months, Bobbi wandered the city's ravaged streets-dragging her chain behind her-followed by her feline companion, Bob Cat. After months of hunger and struggle, the Two Bobbies were finally rescued by a construction worker helping to rebuild the city. When he brought them to ashelter, volunteers made an amazing discovery about the devoted friends-Bob Cat was actually blind! He had survived the aftermath of the storm by following the sound Bobbi's chain made as she dragged it along the ground. At the shelter, the two bob-tailed friends refused to be parted, even for a moment. Could rescue workers find the Bobbies' owners? Or could they find a new home that would take them together?
ISBN: 0802797547
Publication Date: 2008-09-01
Tuesday Tucks Me In by Luis Carlos Montalván; Bret Witter; Dan Dion (Photographer) As narrated by Tuesday,Tuesday Tucks Me In is a day in the life of this service dog extraordinaire and tail-wagging ambassador for all things positive and uplifting in the world. The book takes us through a typical day of adventures, starting with Tuesday waking military veteran Luis Carlos Montalván in the morning and greeting him with dog breath in the face, and then ending with Tuesday cuddling up to Luis on their bed, the last moment they spend together before sleep.
ISBN: 1596438916
Publication Date: 2014-05-27
The Cat Man of Aleppo by Karim Shamsi-Basha; Irene Latham; Yuko Shimizu (Illustrator) The Caldecott Honor-winning true story of Mohammad Alaa Aljaleel, who in the midst of the Syrian Civil War courageously offered safe haven to Aleppo's abandoned cats.   Aleppo's city center no longer echoes with the rich, exciting sounds of copper-pot pounding and traditional sword sharpening. His neighborhood is empty--except for the many cats left behind. Alaa loves Aleppo, but when war comes his neighbors flee to safety, leaving their many pets behind. Alaa decides to stay--he can make a difference by driving an ambulance, carrying the sick and wounded to safety. One day he hears hungry cats calling out to him on his way home. They are lonely and scared, just like him. He feeds and pets them to let them know they are loved. The next day more cats come, and then even more! There are too many for Alaa to take care of on his own. Alaa has a big heart, but he will need help from others if he wants to keep all of his new friends safe.
ISBN: 1984813781
Publication Date: 2020-04-14
Rescue and Jessica by Jessica Kensky; Patrick Downes; Scott Magoon (Illustrator) A 2019 Schneider Family Book Award Winner Based on a real-life partnership, the heartening story of the love and teamwork between a girl and her service dog will illuminate and inspire. Rescue thought he'd grow up to be a Seeing Eye dog -- it's the family business, after all. When he gets the news that he's better suited to being a service dog, he's worried that he's not up to the task. Then he meets Jessica, a girl whose life is turning out differently than the way she'd imagined it, too. Now Jessica needs Rescue by her side to help her accomplish everyday tasks. And it turns out that Rescue can help Jessica see after all: a way forward, together, one step at a time. An endnote from the authors tells more about the training and extraordinary abilities of service dogs, particularly their real-life best friend and black lab, Rescue.
ISBN: 0763696048
Publication Date: 2018-04-03
Saving Stella by Bassel Abou Fakher; Deborah Blumenthal; Nadine Kaadan (Illustrator) For fans ofTwo Bobbies comes a moving, true story about a young man and his dog who escape the violence of the Syrian War. Some bonds are stronger than war . . . Life for musician Bassel and his dog Stella in Damascus, Syria, has changed since the civil war began. Instead of enjoying long walks through their neighborhood, they hear bombs toppling buildings and sharp blasts of gunfire through the night. When it becomes too dangerous for him to stay, Bassel makes the difficult decision to escape, leaving his family, friends--and Stella--behind. After a long, dangerous journey, Bassel finally finds refuge in Belgium, but misses his family, his home, and most of all . . . Stella. With the help of friends in his new home, Bassel hatches a dramatic plan to rescue his beloved dog. This remarkable, true story will inspire readers and remind them that even amid the harshest circumstances of war, acts of kindness and humanity will always endure.
ISBN: 1547601337
Publication Date: 2021-09-02

Fiction for Upper Elementary and Middle Grades (ages 8-13)

A Dog Called Homeless by Sarah Lean Praised by Newbery Medal–winning author Katherine Applegate as "graceful" and "miraculous," this Schneider Family Book Award–winning novel tells how one girl's friendship with a homeless dog mends a family's heart. Cally Fisher knows she can see her dead mother, but the only other living soul who does is a mysterious wolfhound who always seems to be there when her mom appears. How can Cally convince anyone that her mom is still with the family, or persuade her dad that the huge silver-gray dog belongs with them? With beautiful, spare writing and adorable animals, A Dog Called Homeless is perfect for readers of favorite middle-grade novels starring dogs, such as Because of Winn-Dixie and Shiloh.
ISBN: 0062122266
Publication Date: 2014-01-07
My Pet Human by Yasmine Surovec From queen cat lady Yasmine Surovec, this is a cuddly chapter book series about a cat in need of a pet human. Oliver is an independent kitty. He has the run of his neighborhood and looks at his animal friends with their fussing humans with pity. But when a freckle-faced girl moves to town, Oliver sees the opportunity to train a human to provide him with a few creature comforts. And if he can help her adjust to her life and make a new friend, that's just all in a day's work. The real surprise comes, however, when Oliver needs Freckles just as much as she needs him. Not a comic book and not a traditional illustrated chapter book,My Pet Human is truly a hybrid of text and art that could only come from the whimsical and brilliant mind of Yasmine Surovec.
ISBN: 125008492X
Publication Date: 2016-09-20
Sadiq and the Pet Problem by Siman Nuurali; Anjan Sarkar (Illustrator) Sadiq's third grade class has no classroom pet! Not only that, but Sadiq has never had a pet of his own. So Sadiq gathers some classmates to help him solve this problem. What kind of pet would be perfect for their class? A lizard? A bunny? A parakeet? Soon it's up to Sadiq and friends to convince their teacher and classmates that they have found the perfect pet match.
ISBN: 1515845680
Publication Date: 2019-08-01
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo The classic heartwarming tale from Kate DiCamillo--now with an afterword from the beloved author, reflecting on twenty years in print One summer's day, ten-year-old India Opal Buloni goes down to the local supermarket for some groceries--and comes home with a dog. But Winn-Dixie is no ordinary dog. It's because of Winn-Dixie that Opal begins to make friends. And it's because of Winn-Dixie that she finally dares to ask her father about her mother, who left when Opal was three. In fact, as Opal admits, just about everything that happens that summer is because of Winn-Dixie. This updated edition of Kate DiCamillo's classic novel invites readers to make themselves at home--whether they're experiencing the book for the first time or returning to an old favorite.
ISBN: 1536214353
Publication Date: 2021-01-26
Good Dog, McTavish by Meg Rosoff
ISBN: 1781126836
Publication Date: 2017-04-06

Non-fiction for Upper Elementary and Middle Grades (ages 8-13)

The Dog Encyclopedia for Kids by Tammy Gagne Icelandic Sheepdogs are born with extra toes. Dalmatians are born without spots. Some Siberian Huskies have one blue eye and one brown eye. Learn all about the characteristics of various dog breeds and much more! Packed with amazing photographs and fun facts, dog owners and fans will get an in-depth look at these curious, lovable canines.
ISBN: 1623706947
Publication Date: 2017-02-01
Marley by John Grogan Make way for Marley! When the Grogan family is ready for a dog, they choose Marley, a yellow furball of a puppy who quickly grows into a large, rowdy Labrador retriever. Marley has a zest for life, and as he grows, so does his enthusiasm. He has an appetite for whatever he can get his paws on--from fine jewelry to underwear--and the one thing he always finds is trouble. Marley even gets kicked out of obedience school! Can this rambunctious pup ever learn how to be a good boy?
ISBN: 9780061240355
Publication Date: 2008-03-11
Science Comics: Cats by Andy Hirsch In Andy Hirsch'sScience Comics: Cats, we meet feline friends from the tiniest kodkod to the biggest tiger, and find out what makes your neighborhood domestic cats so special. Equipped with teeth, claws, and camouflage to survive everywhere from deserts to mountaintops, how did these ferocious felines make the leap from predators to playmates... and are they even done leaping? Every volume of Science Comics offers a complete introduction to a particular topic--dinosaurs, the solar system, robots, and more. Whether you're a fourth grader doing a natural science unit at school or a thirty year old with a secret passion for airplanes, these books are for you!
ISBN: 1250143128
Publication Date: 2019-08-13