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Dog Lovers Book Club - November 2021


Christmas will be here before you know it. If like us, you can't bear the idea of a Christmas morning without a nice pile of books to unwrap, you're going to love browsing our super-sized selection of the latest Dog Lovers Book Club!

DOG DAYS: A Year with Olive & Mabel
by Andrew Cotter

In Dog Days: A Year with Olive & Mabel, join Andrew Cotter as he takes you behind the scenes and into the pages of his diary to reveal just how extraordinary the year has been, and what really happened after his lockdown superstar Labradors chewed up the internet and found it was quite tasty.


For Olive, Mabel and Andrew, the last year has been like no other. With normal work cancelled or scaled back for so long, it has been a time to take stock and share experiences – both the everyday and the decidedly odd. Here Andrew takes a sharply observed and often hilarious walk through the strangest of days for all of us, reflecting on how precious our time really is, especially the time we have with our dogs.


Beautiful, comical, endlessly optimistic and eternally hungry Olive, Mabel (and Andrew) have padded around from the Cheltenham Literary Festival to 60 Minutes Australia, from their living room studio with ABC News Breakfast to an appearance on Good Morning America, and from obscurity to excited whispers of “Is that really Olive & Mabel?” wherever they go. 

Not to mention the lucrative merchandise and advertising deals that were turned down by the dozen, and the odd phone call from Hollywood.

Through it all, Olive and Mabel have always done exactly what they do best, being themselves and being there for Andrew – and for all of us who have loved watching their brilliant videos and following their progress online. If you’re a fan of Olive, Mabel and Andrew, this funny, touching and extraordinary account of a year like no other is an unmissable treat.

Paperback, 272 pages
Publisher: Text Publishing, 21 October 2021

Enter this week's Giveaway for your chance to win 1 of 4 copies (closing 7/11/2021).

RRP: $32.99. For more details, visit www.textpublishing.com.au

THE KELPIE
The definitive guide to the Australian working dog
by Tony Parsons

Set to become the classic work on the breed for many years to come, Tony Parsons' The Kelpie is the culmination of sixty-five years of experience in breeding and training Kelpies, while also researching their origins and promoting the breed worldwide.

This fully illustrated and authoritative work contains everything you might want to know about this renowned dog. Some of the many areas of Kelpie lore and practice covered include:


- The Kelpie's origins and evolution – theories and furphies
- The role of genetics and selection in breeding stock
- Practical advice on loyalty, temperament, obedience, commands and developing control
- Preparing the Kelpie for trialling
- The Karrawarra stud and the increasing popularity of the working Kelpie in the US
- Famous Kelpies of today and yesterday, as well as breeder profiles
- A section on health and nutrition by Dr Alistair Webb – from general care to emergency treatment
- Over 250 colour and black-and-white photographs, many of them rare and historic.

On virtually every page of this book Tony Parsons reveals his deep respect and affection for this great Australian dog. This major work will be an invaluable reference for Kelpie breeders, owners and enthusiasts throughout the world.

Hardcover, 720 pages
Publisher: Penguin Australia Pty Ltd, 2nd November 2021


RRP: $85.00. Available for pre-order via Booktopia.

A DOG’S BEST FRIEND
Heartwarming true tales of unlikely friendships

by Laura Greaves

These uplifting stories of dogs and their unlikely mates are living proof of the life-changing power of friendship.

We all know dogs are man’s best friend, but sometimes our pups forge the most unlikely of animal friendships. These are the uplifting stories of inseparable buddies for whom species is no barrier to unconditional love.


Dogs like Wallace the Labradoodle, who protects his clutch of rescued battery hens; Tinni and Sniffer, a German shepherd and a wild fox who loved to play together in the Norwegian snow; Benton the Great Pyrenees, who can’t get enough of Boone, a mobility-impaired racoon; and Yiddle the Chihuahua, whose big best mate is Kevin, a llama.

In A Dog’s Best Friend Laura Greaves shows us that while these may be unusual pairings, they are as devoted to each other as any human companions. That’s because these dogs and their unlikely pals are living proof of the life -changing power of friendship.

Paperback, 288 pages
Publisher: Penguin Australia, 2nd November 2021

RRP: $34.99 (Paperback); $14.99 (eBook) at
www.booktopia.com.au

WHAT DOGS WANT
An illustrated guide for happy dog care and training

by Mat Ward, illustrated by Rupert Fawcett 

Let's be honest, our pets may seem pretty straightforward, but as soon as you become an owner there are so many questions!


What do my dog's barks mean? Should I be brushing their teeth? How do I even know what kind of dog is right for me?

Mat Ward believes that dogs and humans are both pretty amazing, and full of potential. His expert guidance for being the world's best owner comes with tons of cute, funny and accurate illustrations that make it easy. You'll learn how your furry friend's brain really works and discover amazing modern ways to train them at any age. Play new games, develop communication skills and just relax into having fun together!

Your dog will be well-trained and contented – and that means you'll feel happy too.

Hardcover, 160 pages
Publisher: Bloomsbury, 19th October 2021


RRP: $24.99 from www.booktopia.com.au

WITH A DOG'S LOVE
Clever Dogs Helping Humans

by Gina Dawson


Dogs want to be with us and to please us. They make good mates. They make us laugh. They keep us healthy and supply endless cuddles. Their love is unconditional, and they never judge us. They ask for little in return – kindness, a comfy bed, exercise, and regular meals. With a dog at your side, you have an amazing friend.


But some dogs do a little bit more. They aren’t always dogs who make the frontpage news with heroics. Instead, they go about their lives quietly and willingly doing their best to help humans, young and old, in a variety of sometimes surprising ways that make a huge difference.

With a Dog’s Love features 16 inspirational and uplifting stories for the young reader, complete with photographs, about dogs who are quiet heroes. The stories of these incredibly special dogs celebrate the strong bond between dog and human and the amazing impact dogs can have on our lives.


Paperback: 76 pages
Publisher: New Holland Publishers, October 2021 

RRP: $24.99 available from all good book retailers or online.
For more details, visit www.newhollandpublishers.com

COUNTRY DOGS ON DOORSTEPS
by Suzanne Stevenson

Beloved family photographer
Suzanne Stevenson returns with another stunning collection of irresistible dogs on doorsteps, this time against the backdrop of the Australian countryside.

Country Dogs on Doorsteps introduces us to a flurry of new furry companions – along with some well-known owners and a stunning range of charming country abodes.

With a focus on the bond between a dog and their family, Suzanne captures the personality, character and warmth of each dog in a way that compels you to approach and tickle each dog-eared page.


Hardcover, 224 pages
Publisher: Affirm, 26th October 2021

RRP: $39.99 at www.booktopia.com.au

MY FRIENDS WHO DON’T HAVE DOGS
by Anna Levin

In a pet dog you have your own personal trainer, your most loyal companion, your friendliest welcome, your uncritical friend.


Yes, there are the muddy paws, the walks in the rain, the wet fur and the chewed footwear... but let's look at the big picture!

In a tribute to Man's Best Friend, Anna Levin's delightful short poem is a homage to our pet dogs, each line illustrated with a moving photograph of someone's mutt: funny, heart-wrenching, loving, exasperating and paying back their owners a hundred times over.

This little jacketed hardback book makes the perfect gift or stocking filler.

Hardback, 128 pages
Illustrations: 53 Colour photographs, 13 Black & white photographs
Publisher: Merlin Unwin Books Ltd, 2nd September 2021


RRP: £9.99 - A$27.63Available from all good Australian bookshops and online

BOOK CLUB – KIDS CORNER

DOGS
Understanding Your Very Best Friend

by John Bradshaw, illustrated by Clare Elsom

Learn about the secret life of dogs from pet expert Dr John Bradshaw, one of the world’s leading experts on the behaviour of domestic dogs and cats.


Join Rusty, the terrier, as he goes about his day with his family. 
Discover how Rusty sees and mostly smells the world around him. Rusty uses his amazing nose to recognise his friends – human and dog! – it tells him where to find something tasty to eat and how to get back to his owner. 

Find out how Rusty’s family make him feel loved and safe, when he meets new people and other dogs, or is left at home alone. After a day with Rusty, you’ll know exactly how to be your dog’s best friend.

Paperback, 128 pages
Publisher: Walker Books Australia, 27th October 2021
For Ages: 8 - 12 years old


RRP: $14.99 from www.booktopia.com.au


DOGS AT WORK
Good Dogs. Real Jobs.

by Margaret Cardillo, illustrated by Zachariah Ohora

A fun and educational picture book about all the real jobs dogs can have...


Have you ever wondered what dogs do all day when their people leave for school or their jobs?

What if they went to work, too...

This clever picture book describes all the real jobs that dogs do. From a therapy dog to a mayor dog and even a lobster-diving dog, the possibilities will surprise you!

But, of course, there is one job that dogs love more than any other: being a best friend.

Format: Hardcover, 40 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins Australia, 20th October 2021
For Ages: 4+ years old


RRP: $33.25 from www.booktopia.com.au

DOGS LOVE CARS
by Leda Schubert, illustrated by Paul Meisel 

For dog people of all ages, a jubilant ode to our canines and the many things they love with wild abandon – especially YOU!


From the yard to the park, from school to the market, from one end of the day to the next, dogs are full of joy. Ears flapping out the car window! Tug of war with a rope toy! Sprawling out on the sofa! Getting those “good dog” treats! Wherever they go, whatever they see, dogs love it all. But what do they love most? Guess! 

This delightfully chaotic book from Leda Schubert and Paul Meisel portrays dogs of all shapes and colours in a laugh-out-loud celebration of our very best friends.

Hardcover, 32 pages
Publisher: Walker Books Australia, 27th October 2021
For Ages: 3 - 7 years old

RRP: $27.99 from www.booktopia.com.au


ONLY MY DOG KNOWS I PICK MY NOSE
by Lauren Tarshis, Lisa Bronson Mezoff (Illustrator)

A hilarious and tender picture book that insightfully explores the inner world of a child. 

To the outside world, it might look like you do everything right: eat your broccoli, share your toys, and behave in the bath. But what about the moments when no one is looking, and your messier, mushier, scared-ier self is revealed? The only one who knows is... the loyal dog friend who sees it all and still loves you just the way you are.


This celebration of friendship, loyalty, and unconditional love with man's-and child's-best friend is sure to delight and entertain readers of all ages. Laugh along with recognition and delight in this ode to being true to yourself. 

With tender, humorous text from New York Times bestselling author Lauren Tarshis, and joyful, expressive watercolours from artist Lisa Mezoff, this sweet book presents a validating message of confidence, empowerment, and unconditional love.

Hardcover, 48 pages
Publisher: Orchard Books, 19th October 2021
For Ages: 2 - 5 years old

RRP: $34.40 from www.booktopia.com.au
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