Dog Lovers Book Club - April 2021

Written by Australian Dog Lover 22:38:00 - 0 Comments

With many people's holiday plans yet again thrown into chaos, now is the time to stock up on some good dog books to entertain yourself and the kids at home.

Enjoy browsing this bumper selection of the latest Dog Lovers Book Club.

WHEN HARRY MET MINNIE

by Martha Teichner

The long-time CBS Sunday Morning correspondent chronicles the bond she developed with a woman who was dying of cancer and the Manhattan love story of their two pet dogs.

There are true fairy tales. Stories that exist because impossible-to-explain coincidences change everything. Except in real life, not all of them have conventional, happily-ever-after endings...

This Manhattan tale of laughter and tears charts the Nora Ephron-esque love story between two "complicated" dogs, Harry and Minnie, and the gift of unexpected friendship they gave to their owners, Carol and Martha.

Carol, who is dying of cancer caused by the toxic pollution in New York in the aftermath of 9/11, needs someone to take care of Harry, who is a 'great listener but does have a problem with large dogs. He is great with smaller dogs. If he sees a hose he will destroy it to protect you. He will figure out ways to let you know exactly how he feels'. 

When Martha has a chance encounter with Carol's friend, he can't help but notice Minnie, 'oh those chunky little legs', and so the matchmaking begins. After a disastrous first meeting, when Minnie doesn't appear to think much of Harry (who is super keen), things improve and soon they are inseparable. As Carol's illness progresses, so a new friendship and community blossoms, Carol's Club.

The bonds that grew changed Martha's life, Carol's life, Minnie's life and Harry's life. And they changed Carol's death as well.

In this rich and touching narrative, Martha considers the ways our stories are shaped by the people we meet, and the profound love we can find by opening our hearts to unexpected encounters.

Hardcover, 320 pages
Publisher: Hachette Australia, Imprint: Aster, 27th April 2021

RRP: $32.99 at www.booktopia.com.au

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO RUNNING WITH YOUR DOG
Tips and Techniques for Training
by Bryan Barrera

When looking for a consistent running buddy, it's only natural that you look towards your dog. Who wouldn't want to share a workout with their loyal and energetic canine companion? Plus, there are numerous physical and mental benefits that both you and your four-legged friend can gain from running. 

But just like humans, dogs need to train properly and build up their fitness before tackling a longer run. Without physical cues to judge from, it can be hard to tell if your dog is ready for a run. This book contains all the information that you need to safely hit the pavement with your pet including topics such as:

✔️ Assessing your dog as a runner
✔️ Running in different types of weather
✔️ The best terrains to run on
✔️ Running with multiple dogs
✔️ The best collars and leashes for active dogs
✔️ What to do if your dog gets injured
✔️ How to hire a professional dog runner...

So whether you and your canine are novice harriers or seasoned trail warriors, The Ultimate Guide to Running with Your Dog will help you make your future runs safer and more enjoyable.

Paperback, 192 pages
Published: 16th March 2021

RRP: $32.50 from www.booktopia.com.au

BOWIE DROOLS OVER DUMPLINGS
by Riesa Renata

Who doesn’t love dumplings? Even our dogs will love to eat one (or two), and now they can with Bowie Drools Over Dumplings full of delicious dog-friendly dumpling ideas and recipes for your furry best friend – all tried, tested and drooled over by Bowie the Labrador.

Bowie’s human mama and avid home chef Riesa Renata combined her passion for cooking and love for dogs and their nutritional health to create delightful dumpling ideas and super- tasty recipes for every dog and his human! 

Riesa’s cooking journey began in her Melbourne home kitchen during the pandemic lockdown last year.

Bowie Drools Over Dumplings is beautifully designed and crafted with original illustrations, letterpress detail on the cover and bespoke binding. 

It will make a great addition to your repertoire of treat recipes for your dog, and a perfect gift for any dog lover.

Paperback (Limited edition): 28 pages

RRP: $29.95 (paperbook); $9.99 (eBook) from www.masterbowie.com

OLD DOGS
by Sally Muir

Following the success of A Dog a Day (Pavilion, 2017), Sally Muir returns with a sea of new, but crucially, old, faces.

Several years ago Sally Muir began a Facebook project, 'A Dog a Day', posting dog art daily. Through the project she was introduced to endless people and their dogs and the distinct personalities, and complex emotions that owners attribute to them. More recently, Sally's project changed focus slightly to look specifically at portraying older dogs and they are collected here for the first time.

Sally Muir is well known for her portrayal of dogs, with 'Elderly Dog' featuring in the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition in 2018 and 'Hound' following up in the Summer Exhibition in 2019. The popularity of 'Elderly Dog' has fuelled Sally's desire to continue to paint older dogs, and celebrate the ageing process of our favourite pets in grace and style. 

From loose sketches and lithographs to potato prints and oil paintings, Old Dogs includes a range of mediums that Sally has become known for and embraces dogs of all shapes and sizes (big, small, pedigree, cross breed).

Hardcover, 128 pages
Published: 3rd February 2021

RRP: $19.99 at www.booktopia.com.au

BE MORE SAUSAGE
Lifelong Lessons From A Small But Mighty Dog
by Matt Whyman

A love letter to the small but mighty Dachshund or, as it's more affectionally known, the Sausage Dog.

This book – almost as adorable as its namesake – proves that sausage dogs are not just sweet, soft and a little bit silly to look at. They can be an example to us all.

Despite having the odds stacked against it, this little pooch can turn any situation to its advantage. It's the underdog that always comes out on top, displaying remarkable resilience, tenacity and bravery at every turn.

Sausage dogs may be only ankle high, but they will stop at nothing to live life to the fullest, teaching us humans some valuable life lessons along the way. They don't care that they look more like a wind-up toy than a fierce guard dog, or that their bark is much louder than their bite.

Being more sausage is about breaking free from restraints, overcoming physical and emotional shortcomings, and chewing up the social conventions that conspire to hold us back. This is our chance to unleash that inner dachshund, live long and prosper!

Hardcover, 128 pages
Publisher: Harper Collins, 2nd March 2021

RRP: $24.99. Available from all good bookstores and online. For details, visit www.harpercollins.com.au

BOOK CLUB – KIDS’ CORNER

DOG DRIVEN
by Terry Lyn Johnson

From the author of Ice Dogs comes a riveting adventure about a musher who sets out to prove her impaired vision won't hold her back from competing in a rigorous sled race through the Canadian wilderness.

McKenna Barney is trying to hide her worsening eyesight and has been isolating herself for the last year. But at the request of her little sister, she signs up for a commemorative mail run race in the Canadian wilderness - a race she doesn't know if she can even see to run. 

Winning would mean getting her disease - and her sister's - national media coverage, but it would also pit McKenna and her team of eight sled dogs against racers from across the globe for three days of shifting lake ice, sudden owl attacks, snow squalls, and bitterly cold nights.

A page-turning adventure about living with disability and surviving the wilderness, Dog Driven is the story of one girl's self-determination and the courage it takes to trust in others.

Paperback, 240 pages
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 30th March 2021
For Ages: 10-14 years old

RRP: $17.40 from www.booktopia.com.au

PAWS
by Kate Foster

At home, Alex’s best friend is Kevin the Cockapoo, although what he wants most of all is a friend at school. But that is harder than he ever expected. A touching story about learning that friendship isn’t one size fits all and is often found where you least expect it.

Everything is changing for 11-year-old Alex and, as an autistic person, change can be terrifying. With the first day of high school only a couple of months away, Alex is sure that having a friend by his side will help. 

So, he’s devised a plan – impress the kids at school by winning a trophy at the PAWS Dog Show with his trusty sidekick, Kevin. This should be a walk in the park... right?

Paperback, 252 pages
Publisher: Walker Books Australia, 7th April 2021
For Ages: 9+ years old

RRP: $13.99 from all good book stores and online. For stockists, visit www.kfosterbooks.com

GOOD DOGS ON A BAD DAY
by David Sidorov, Rachel Wenitsky

The Secret Life of Pets meets Toy Story in a new illustrated paper-over-board middle-grade series about a group of Very Good doggie day care buddies who follow a few of their wilder instincts, leading to hilarious chaos.

Meet Hugo: the loyal and lovable family dog that would do just about anything to keep his owners happy. A very Good Dog, all of the time.

Meet King: the newest puppy in town! Always full of energy and ready to make new friends, King is still learning the ropes of how to be a Good Dog.

Meet Lulu: Lights! Camera! Action! Lulu is an Instagram star with an affinity for all things fancy--make sure her fur and collar look perfect in that photo! Always a Good Dog, especially with her owner Jasmine.

When these three doggy day care pals come together for an unlikely adventure away from their owners, a small taste of being just a little bit bad starts a hilarious series of events none of them saw coming!

This new illustrated middle grade series follows a group of dogs that quickly steal your heart--and make you hope your furry friends don't get any of their own ideas!

Hardcover, 208 pages
Publisher: Penguin Group USA, 16th March 2021
For Ages: 8 - 12 years old

RRP: $26.25 at www.booktopia.com.au

THE DOG WHO LOST HIS BARK
by Eoin Colfer, illustrated by P. J. Lynch

A warm, uplifting story about a boy, his dog, and the healing power of music marks a first-time collaboration between two former Irish Children's Laureates, Eoin Colfer and P.J. Lynch.

Patrick has been desperate for a dog of his own for as long as he can remember, and this summer, with his father away, he longs for a canine friend more than ever. Meanwhile, in his short doggy life, Oz has suffered at the hands of bad people. Somewhere out there, he believes, is an awesome boy and his boy. And maybe, when they find each other, Oz will learn to bark again.

Illustrated in light charcoal by two-time Kate Greenaway Medallist P.J. Lynch, this heartwarming story by Eoin Colfer, internationally best-selling author of the Artemis Fowl series, is certain to enchant.

Paperback, 144 pages
Publisher: Candlewick Books, 30th March 2021
For Ages: 7 - 10 years old

RRP: $16.75 at www.booktopia.com.au

A DOG’S LIFE
by Gaia Ierace

Tom is a seven-year-old child who is about to have a fantastic adventure. One morning, something magical happens in his life. He tries to speak but he can only bark. He tries to stand up but can only walk on four paws. 

This story is about changes and trespassing into unknown worlds. It is about the ability to adapt to new situations. A sudden, dramatic change helps Tom understand his strengths. 

In addition, an unexpected event gives him the opportunity to appreciate his home, his family and life more. 

This experience will shine a new light on his daily routine. It will help him re-discover the care and love that surround and support him daily. Tom will also learn to confront changes and get ready for the challenging adventure of growing up.

Paperback, 30 pages
Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd., 31st March 2021

RRP: 19.95 from www.booktopia.com.au

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