Duncan and Dolores
Written and illustrated by Barbara Samuels
Even though Dolores is only four years old and quite a handful herself, she really wants a cat. When she and her sister adopt Duncan, who is also four years old, Dolores learns that making friends with a cat requires patience and that the rewards of a cat’s company are worth the wait.

Part of the  Humane Education Ambassador Reader  program.

A Home for Nathan
Written by Claudia Roll, illustrated by Finn Rizer
Follows the story of a cross-eyed kitten who is adopted by a shelter volunteer and goes on to teach kids about responsible pet ownership and the value of caring. 

Part of the Humane Education Ambassador Reader program.

This is a gentle story of a young boy who wonders what his loving dog’s life was like before he was adopted from a shelter. Colorful illustrations bring this book and its messages of kindness, animal adoption, curiosity and friendship to life.

Dog Blue
Written by Polly Dunbar
Young Bertie's favorite color is blue, and he yearns for a blue dog, and only a blue dog. So what will he do when a spotted black-and-white puppy enters his life? This book is illustrated with simple but warm drawings.

Forever Dog
Written by Bill Cochran, illustrated by Dan Andreasen
A young boy named Mike works his way through the grieving process after his beloved dog Cory passes away. This book can help children understand the death of a pet and the feelings that often surround this experience. Soft illustrations bring the character’s emotions to life. It is probably a good idea to have a box of tissue handy when you read this book.

Ginger Finds a Home
Written and illustrated by Charlotte Voake
In this story, a heartwarming friendship grows between a little girl and a stray cat she later names Ginger.  In his previous life, Ginger foraged for food wherever and whenever he could, and slept in a patch of weeds.  As Ginger learns to trust the little girl, he quickly adjusts to his new life as her companion. 

Part of the  Humane Education Ambassador Reader  program.

This colorful true tale is about a goose who has lost a foot and has to learn to balance, eat, swim and fly with only one foot. The goose learns to adapt to this challenge with the help of some supportive and compassionate humans and one understanding dog named Henry. Find out what else this goose can do by reading this remarkable story. Overcoming obstacles, seasons, animal behaviors and kindness are themes discussed in this book.

Little Flower
Written by Gloria Rand, illustrated by R.W. Alley
Little Flower is a potbellied pig who lives with an older women named Miss Pearl. One day Miss Pearl falls and only Little Flower is around to help. Find out how Little Flower comes to Miss Pearl’s rescue in this delightful story, and watch how Miss Pearl’s neighbors change their perception of the little pig after she helps Miss Pearl. Friendship, kindness and what to do in an emergency situation are all themes this book brings alive for readers.

Owl Moon
Written by Jane Yolen, illustrated by John Schoenherr 
Owl Moon is a charming story about owling -- or owl watching. One cold winter night, a father takes his daughter to search for the great horned owl. Follow the young girl as she learns owl behaviors and the respect for this majestic creature, as well as the importance of not disturbing nature. Beautiful wintery pictures fill this book.

Stellaluna
Written by Janell Cannon
Stellaluna is a lost baby bat who finds herself in a bird’s nest. The birds adopt Stellaluna and try to teach her the bird way to do things, like eating bugs and perching upright. Stellaluna learns to accept herself just the way she is and does not change despite the mother bird’s protest. Eventually Stellaluna is reunited with her real mother. This book illustrates bat behaviors like hanging upside down and a bat’s diet. The amazing illustrations bring Stellaluna’s personality to life on each page.

Freckles and Willie
Written by Margery Cuyler, illustrated by Marsha Winborn
Freckles and Willie are best buddies until a new neighbor moves in and Willie neglects his four-legged friend. How will Willie show Freckles that he still cares? The story shows the enduring nature of the bond between a person and a dog.

Part of the  Humane Education Ambassador Reader   program.

H is for Horse: An Equestrian Alphabet
Written by Mike Ulmer, illustrated by Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen 
From basics such as mucking out the stall and how to judge a horse's qualities to historical facts on the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Mike Ulmer relays the fun and fundamentals of the world of horses. Lush, detailed paintings by Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen, whose work School Library Journal has described as 'luminous,' capture the beauty and magnificence of these creatures.

I Like Dogs
Written by Debra Cheehy, illustrated by Carol Hillard 
This is a creatively written true tale of a woman who rescues eight dogs from a shelter at one time. Dive into this beautifully illustrated, caring and rhythmic story and find out what happens to the dogs who are rescued. 

Max Talks to Me
Written by Claire Buchwald, illustrated by Karen Ritz
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. By observing and listening to his dog, by sharing good times and bad, Alex and Max are earning each other's love and devotion. Parents will appreciate the information about 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.

Part of the  Humane Education Ambassador Reader  program.

My Cat Copies Me
Written and illustrated by Yoon-duck Kwon 
My Cat Copies Me is an entertaining story illustrating the bond between a young girl and her cat. The cat becomes a source of inspiration and adventure for the girl, while they both provide companionship for and listen to each other. The book features simple storytelling with colorful illustrations.

Written by Susan Katz, illustrated by Stacey Schuett
Told with an engaging series of poems that tie together to form a plot, Oh, Theodore! is the touching story of the relationship between a boy and his guinea pig. As the boy patiently learns about Theodore's needs through trial and error, a definite bond forms between the two. Fun, colorful and realistic illustrations are abundant throughout.

Part of the  Humane Education Ambassador Reader   program.

So, What's it Like to be a Cat?
Written by Karla Kuskin, illustrated by Betsy Lewin

What is it like to be a cat? A curious boy interviews his gray cat in a playful rhyming story of the similarities and differences between cats and people. The story shows that the first step in taking care of a cat is taking the time to observe and listen to learn the cat’s likes and dislikes.

Part of the  Humane Education Ambassador Reader  program

Lucky Boy
Written by Susan Boase
Boy, a small, brown and "kind of stinky" dog, is neglected and bored in his backyard. Mr. Miller is recently widowed and struggling with his loss. One night Boy digs his way under the fence, and when Mr. Miller discovers him in his yard the following morning, it's love at first sight.

Part of the  Humane Education Ambassador Reader  program.

Mrs. Crump's Cat
Written by Linda Smith, illustrated by David Roberts
When Mrs. Crump finds a yellow cat on her porch step, she tells the cat to “shoo." She leaves the door ajar, however, and the cat slips into her home and into her life. As Mrs. Crump learns to care for the cat’s needs, she comes to appreciate the cat’s companionship as well. “Before you know it, you’ll be…wondering how you ever got along without [the cat],” Mrs. Crump’s new friend Mr. Henry says. Through colorful, playful illustrations, the story shows how cats make good company.

Part of the  Humane Education Ambassador Reader   program.

A Very Unusual Dog
Written by Dorothy Joan Harris, illustrated by Kim LaFave
Jonathan's dog is imaginary, but he still takes good care of him, providing food, walks, affection and a comfortable place to sleep. Jonathan’s grandmother shows him a photo of a cat she once loved and tells him her current apartment does not allow pets. To ease her loneliness, Jonathan gives “Dog” to her and tells her how to care for him. The story shows the power of love and memory, and how animals – even imaginary ones – can provide companionship.

Happy in a new home, Buddy tells the story of his former life of neglect, abuse, and finally, rescue, to live a good life with a family that cares about him. Information is included for parents and other adults about resources they can readily contact when they encounter a dog being abused.

Part of the Humane Education Ambassador Reader program.

(Listen to an audio clip of a Humane Education Ambassador Reader volunteer reading this story or read the transcript.)

Orville: A Dog Story
Written by Haven Kimmel, illustrated by Robert Andrew Parker
Orville spends all of his days chained in the yard and barking to tell the world how unhappy he is. But when Sally moves in across the street, Orville finds himself getting a second chance at life.   

Part of the Humane Education Ambassador Reader program.

Pole Dog

Written by Tres Seymour, illustrated by David Soman
How does a dog become a “Pole Dog?"  This story follows the life of an older dog in the days after he is left by a pole along the highway until he is spotted by a family driving by. How the dog survives alone and how he feels are poignant themes in this realistic portrayal of the life of an abandoned dog. This book is a reminder of a dog’s unwavering desire for security.

Unknown
Written by Colin Thompson
Watercolor-and-ink paintings bring to life the story of a little dog in an animal shelter who rescues the other dogs from a fire. When the public learns of her courageous act, the shelter is flooded with offers to adopt the once unknown and unwanted heroine.

Told from a dog named Belle’s perspective, this chapter book is about a young dog who is mistreated by her first owners and finds herself in a loving home with people who understand and care for animals. Find out how Belle learns to trust new people and even saves a little girl because of the bond between them. This book offers young readers a glimpse of what dogs might be feeling and thinking in various situations. Themes of animal cruelty, abuse, trust and friendship are discussed. Belle’s Star has been nominated for a New Mexico Book Award.

Lucky Day
Written by Joanne Wells
When Mr. Meow’s human companion passes away, he is bewildered and finds himself living on the streets and in foster homes with various new family members. Told from Mr. Meow’s perspective, this chapter book illustrates for readers how a cat might feel in different situations, highlights a cat’s needs and provides examples of kindness. As a bonus, this book includes 12 Lucky Lessons with cat care information for the reader.

Second Chance: How Adoption Saved a Boy with Autism & His Shelter Dog
Written by Sandra J. Gerencher, illustrated by Virginia Cody
Find out how this shelter dog adjusts to his new home and what happens when he befriends a young boy with autism. This book invites the reader to explore the transition into a new environment from the dog’s perspective. Themes of adoption, unconditional love and friendship are discussed. The book is filled with softly blended watercolor photos.

Scooter Strays
Written by Howard Edelstein, illustrated by Amanda Moeckel
This is a cleverly written story about a dog named Scooter who gets out of his yard and wanders around the town on exciting adventures. This interactive book allows the reader to choose what happens next in the story at the bottom of each page and help Scooter find his way back to his friend Bobby. This book reinforces concepts such as what dogs need to stay healthy and safe, animal behaviors, kindness toward animals and decision making.

The Very Best of Friends
Written by Margaret Wild
When James died suddenly, his wife Jessie, in her grief, shuts her husband's cat, William, out of her life. But eventually Jessie opens herself up to William and tries to win his trust and affection. The story carries the underlying theme that all friendships need careful tending and generous amounts of love.

A Day, a Dog
Written by Gabrielle Vincent
This astonishing wordless picture book tells the heart-rending story of an abandoned dog. In remarkable black-and-white pencil drawings, the artist shows us the dog being heedlessly thrown out of a car, chasing after it fruitlessly and giving up, at last, unwittingly causing a major highway accident. Reviewers have described it as "a powerful documentary in picture-book form" and "a passionate condemnation of cruelty to animals and a work of art that shouldn't be missed."

A Dog's Life: The Autobiography of a Stray
Written by Ann Martin
This touching animal survival story stars Squirrel, who spent most of her life as a stray. Now, from the comfort her new home, she shares the heartbreaking stories of how she found her way in the world for ten years. By the author of the Baby-Sitters Club book series. 

Black Beauty
Written by Anna Sewell
Young readers will follow Black Beauty's fortunes, good and bad, with gentle masters as well as cruel. Children can easily make the leap from horse-human relationships to human-human relationships, and begin to understand how their own consideration of others may be a benefit to all.

Charlotte' s Web
Written by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
This is a timeless tale of a pig named Wilbur who learns about life from his barnyard friends, especially a beautiful black spider named Charlotte. A special friendship between Charlotte and Wilbur develops and every night Charlotte creates intricate spider webs with words written in them to help save Wilbur from being killed and eaten. The reader learns about friendship, compassion and animal behaviors in this remarkable story.

Claude & Medea: The Hellburn Dogs
Written by Zoe Weil
This is the first in a series of children's novels promoting humane values through an exciting mystery. Claude and Medea are two Manhattan 7th graders who seek out opportunities to right wrongs and do good in the world. In The Hellburn Dogs, the duo and a group of friends team up to solve the mystery of a rash of dog thefts.

The Ghost of Cutler Creek
Written by Cynthia DeFelice
Allie Nichols, first introduced in The Ghost of Fossil Glen, returns, this time to encounter a ghost dog who helps her solve mysterious puppy deaths and uncover a child and animal abuser in her community.  

Hachiko Waits
Written by Leslea Newman, illustrated by Machiyo Kodaira
This short chapter book supplemented by black-and-white illustrations tells the story of Hachiko, a dog who waits faithfully at the train station for his person to return, not knowing he has died. The station master and commuters step in to help care for Hachiko as he prefers the station to another home. Strangers donate funds to create a statue in his honor after the dog’s own death. The story shows how a bond develops when a person respects and understands a dog, and how much a dog in the community affects everyone who comes in contact with him. The book is based on a true story and includes an author’s note and a glossary of Japanese words.

History Of Pets And People (Animals In The House)
By Sheila Keenan
Did you know? Humans have a 70-degree field of vision; dogs have up to 250 degrees. Samuel Johnson, the English writer who compiled the first dictionary, went to the market daily to buy fresh oysters that he hand-fed to his cat. These facts and more are packed into Animals in the House: A History of Pets and People by Sheila Keenan. The book includes information about reptiles, birds and other small animals and is a lively read. Colorful design and photos brighten the text. A bibliography and detailed index make it a good reference too.

The MAGIC SQUAD and the Dog of Great Potential
Written by Mary Quattlebaum
Calvin is a classic underacheiver who is content to be average ... until the day he visits the local shelter and falls in love with a huge, friendly mutt with "great potential" named Train. Calvin's quest to train Train and find him a good home mirrors his own personal struggle to realize his own potential.

Phantom Stallion: The Wild One
Written by Terri Farley
Sam moves from the city to live on her Dad’s ranch in Nevada where she encounters a mysterious mustang. Through Sam, readers learn about domesticated and wild horses and the difficult choices to be made for their care. They experience the strength of friendships among horses and people and the respect these friendships call for. This book is the first of a series.

Stealing Thunder
Written by Mary Casanova
Libby has always wanted a horse of her own, and caring for her neighbor’s horse is the next best thing. When she discovers Thunder is being abused, Libby knows she has to rescue him, no matter what the risk! In this exciting adventure, Libby finds her own voice as she stands up for what she believes in a world of adults who think they know best.

Straydog
Written by Kathe Koja
High school misfit Rachel is content just volunteering at the local animal shelter and writing stories, until she meets a feral collie who inspires her to build relationships and confront her own emotions.

Beautiful Joe a Dog’s Own Story
Written by Marshall Saunders
This is a sweet story of a dog who has his tail and ears cut off by a dog abuser but ends up in a wonderful and loving home with a family who takes great care of him. The beginning of this book is quite violent and could frighten young readers, but the story does have a happy ending. This book highlights the treatment of animals and the power of a loving family.