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Dog Lovers Book Club - July 2021


We love nothing more than curling up under a warm blanket with a great book and our dogs for company and it's not as if we could go anywhere exciting, courtesy of another lockdown...

Why not make the most of these quiet times? Grab your favourite cuppa to browse the July 2021 selection of our Dog Lovers Book Club to find your next page turner.

THE NATURAL DOG
A New Approach to Achieving a Happy, Healthy Hound

by Gwen Bailey

Gwen Bailey's bestselling dog guides have helped hundreds of thousands of owners throughout the world.

Now, in this brand new book, you can learn how give your dog everything it needs to achieve a happy and happy life by focusing on three vital considerations:

✔️ Physical health: Sticks, exercise games, vaccination and more
✔️ Dietary health: Hydration, diet, dental health, recipes and feeding
✔️ Mental health: Stimulation, socialisation and canine interaction, addressing aggressive behaviour and introducing other pets

From understanding your dog's physiognomy and analysing the perfect diet, to keeping your dog naturally alert, spirited and happy throughout its life, The Naturally Dog offers a holistic approach to changing your dog's lifestyle to get the most out of life. This is the wellness bible for dog owners everywhere.

Gwen Bailey was the Head of Animal Behaviour for The Blue Cross, one of Britain's foremost animal welfare charities for many years and also spent 15 years as Chairman of The Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors.


Hardcover, 224 pages
Publisher: Octopus, 29th June 2021


Price: $30.95 at www.booktopia.com.au

THE FRIEND
by Sigrid Nunez

Winner of the 2018 National Book Award, The Friend is both a meditation on loss and a celebration of human-canine devotion.

When a woman unexpectedly loses her lifelong best friend and mentor, she finds herself burdened with the unwanted dog he has left behind.


Her own battle against grief is intensified by the mute suffering of the dog, a huge Great Dane traumatised by the inexplicable disappearance of its master, and by the threat of eviction: dogs are prohibited in her apartment building.

While others worry that grief has made her a victim of magical thinking, the woman refuses to be separated from the dog except for brief periods of time. Isolated from the rest of the world, increasingly obsessed with the dog's care, determined to read its mind and fathom its heart, she comes dangerously close to unravelling. But while troubles abound, rich and surprising rewards lie in store for both of them.

A moving story of love, friendship, grief, healing, and the magical bond between a woman and her dog.

Paperback, 224 pages
Publisher: Hachette Australia, Imprint: Virago, 8th January 2019


RRP: $22.99. For more information visit www.hachette.com.au

CATS AND DOGS IN SECRET PLACES
Colouring Book

by Seven Seas Entertainment

This beautiful colouring book collection contains select illustrations from both Mystical Cats in Secret Places: A Cat Lover's Coloring Book and Fanciful Dogs in Secret Places: A Dog Lover's Coloring Book.


This adult colouring book will delight cat fans, dog fanatics, and colouring enthusiasts with its lavish illustrations, ready to be coloured. 

In this visually stunning journey, explore the secret lives of cats and dogs as they prowl, frolic, nap, and play in all manner of mysterious and whimsical locations. 

The vibrant illustrations are packed with detail, and reveal more surprises upon every viewing. Offers hours of colouring fun and relaxation! The book any pet lover needs to survive their lockdown...

Paperback, 96 pages
Publisher: Seven Seas Entertainment LLC, 6th July 2021


RRP: $27.40 (pre-order) at www.booktopia.com.au

BOOK CLUB - KIDS’ CORNER

NEXT DOOR’S DOG IS A VETERAN’S DOG
by Gina Dawson

Next Door’s Dog is a Veteran’s Dog is the fourth book about working dogs, written by Gina Dawson to educate children about the roles of Assistance and Therapy Dogs in modern society and the invaluable work they do.

Veteran Joe and his family have moved in next door to Lucas. Dad and Joe are good mates who served in the military together. 

They both look well and healthy, but Joe is troubled by memories that make him anxious, angry or sad. That’s why he has Poppy, an Assistance Dog, who goes with him everywhere.

When Lucas sees Joe getting off the bus with Poppy by his side, he wants to know more. He listens to Dad but doesn’t really understand how Poppy helps Joe – until he sees it for himself.
At a cafĂ© Lucas looks on while Poppy keeps watch, stays close to Joe, and allows him to relax and enjoy the celebration without worrying about what is happening behind him. That’s when Lucas begins to understand the wonderful work that Poppy does to help Joe to live a full life. He also learns that the way people look does not always tell the whole story.

Next Door’s Dog is a Veteran’s Dog is a sensitively written, unique children’s book with many messages, including educating children about PTSD and anxiety, invisible disability, the work of veterans and first responders, correct behaviour around Assistance Dogs, and most of all, about the unique bond between a man and his dog, and how they look out for each other.

Written in a way that shows compassion and respect, this book is educational and relevant in a time where PTSD, anxiety and mental health issues are becoming more prevalent, particularly in Veterans and First responders.


Hardcover, 32 pages
Publisher: New Holland Publishers, 7th April 2021


RRP: $22.99 at au.newhollandpublishers.com


TEACH YOUR DOG FRENCH
by Anne Cakebread

A light-hearted, fully illustrated, retro-style picture book with 60+ French words and phrases for you to practice with your furry friend.

Suitable as a first introduction to French for learners of all ages: for adults who would like a fun way to pick up a few basic words for when visiting France, or for children, who will love the cute pictures.

Includes a pronunciation guide for every phrase, and many of the words and phrases can also be used in non dog-related situations.


Paperback, 112 pages
Publisher: Y Lolfa, 1st June 2021


RRP: $22.25 at www.booktopia.com.au


ROLO’S STORY
Dog's Eye View

by Blake Morgan

A heart-warming tale of one dog’s adventure to find a forever home, told from a dog’s-eye view.


Neglected and unloved by his owner, Rolo decides that he doesn’t need a human any more. He can look after himself just fine! But for a puppy living on the streets, each day brings a new struggle for survival.

Then Freya comes along. As Rolo learns to trust the girl, he realizes that a real home is what he’s been looking for after all. But can he convince Freya’s mum to accept a scruffy puppy like him into their lives?

Paperback, 192 pages
Publisher: Little Tiger Press, 2nd June 2021
For Ages: 8+ years old

RRP: $21.90 from www.booktopia.com.au


ONE-EYED LEO
by Ciaran Walsh, illustrated by Oksana Veber

After a car accident, One-Eyed Leo, an adorable timid Terrier dog, has some ‘Special Needs’ and requires additional care. Now he is living in a rescue shelter, in a small cage and gets walked once per week. After meeting and falling in love with two children called Tom & Mary, Leo describes his past life and his future expectations for the family interested in providing his Forever Home.






One-Eyed Leo’ takes children and their parents on a journey of discovery, love, life, play, learning, joy and heartbreak. A story like no other, where the magic of everyday tasks appears in the detail and vanishes into the cold reality of responsibility.

After reading ‘One-Eyed Leo’ the notion of owning a dog is suddenly shaken to the realms of unimaginable possibilities. 

Rather than being a passing amusement for children, ‘One-Eyed Leo’ uniquely challenges the basics of pet ownership, caring, planning, falling in love, having fun, reaching the journey’s end, and most importantly … how a child forms and keeps agreements with animals, family and society.

For Ages: 6-10 years old

RRP: A$16.00 at  www.doginternetofthings.ie

Note: The author is seeking rescues, veterinary practices, microchipping websites and businesses directly involved in pet dog welfare services to resell this book via their online shops.

THE BARK BOOK
by Victoria Mackinlay, illustrated by Beth Harvey

A charming new picture book, full of barks and plenty of heart.


Dog bark.

Tree bark.

Let's go see bark.

The perfect picture book for animal lovers and nature lovers everywhere, from rising stars Victoria Mackinlay and Beth Harvey.


Hardcover, 32 pages
Publisher: Harper Collins Australia, Imprint: ABC Books Australia, 7th July 2021
Age: From 3 years


RRP: $19.99. For stockists, visit www.harpercollins.com.au

Looking for other dog-related titles? You can access our previous monthly selections under "BOOK CLUB" on the Main Menu.
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