Just in time for the school holidays, the April 2023 - Dog Lovers Book Club selection features our top picks: from pet photography coffee table books, travel guide, non-fiction, training manual, play script even an audio book! And of course some wonderfully illustrated titles for younger dog lovers.
TAILS OF BARRINGTON COAST
Celebrating the stories of dogs of all kinds from all around Barrington Coast NSW with heartfelt photography and a gorgeous collector's edition coffee table book, all whilst raising much-needed funds and awareness for endangered wildlife in need.
Proudly part of the “Tails of the World” series, Tails of Barrington Coast features award-winning images by Wootton Dog Photographer Jo Lyons.
This project directly benefits Aussie Ark with $2677 donated through the application fees from pawrents of the dogs who participated in this project.
Proudly part of the “Tails of the World” series, Tails of Barrington Coast features award-winning images by Wootton Dog Photographer Jo Lyons.
This project directly benefits Aussie Ark with $2677 donated through the application fees from pawrents of the dogs who participated in this project.
This is a signed, Collector's Edition as only 100 copies have been printed.
Hardcover, 160 pages
A4 size, full-colour professional photographs of 55 dogs from the country to the sea, alongside their story.
RRP: $120.00 from Jo Lyons Photography
RRP: $120.00 from Jo Lyons Photography
DOG TALES OF AUSTRALIA
by Kerry Martin – Puppy Tales Photography
The book, the guide, the best holiday inspiration for holidays with your barking bestie!
by Kerry Martin – Puppy Tales Photography
The book, the guide, the best holiday inspiration for holidays with your barking bestie!
Dog Tales of Australia presents over 290 pages packed with real locations, real world advice and real experiences, perfect for when you really want to share some special times with your very special holiday-bound hounds.
Let’s face it, your dog is more than your best friend, they’re part of your family.
So, make them part of your favourite family holiday memories too and be inspired to embark on a truly fur-bulous adventure.
For your chance to win 1 of 3 copies of Dog Tales of Australia, enter our competition before April 10!
Paperback, 138 pages
Publisher: Salamander Street Ltd, 14th March 2023
Age guidance: 14+
Price: $21.75 from www.booktopia.com.au
THE MOST PAINFUL CHOICE
A Dog Owner's Story of Behavioural Euthanasia
by Beth Miller
When Champ, a German Shepherd, was adopted from a local breed rescue, his family hoped and expected to spend many fun-filled years with him. However, Champ suffered physically and mentally from neglect and trauma from his first years of life.
Despite numerous treatments, Champ was never able to overcome that trauma to become a "normal" dog, and his family made the painful decision to give him peace through behaviour euthanasia.
This work serves not only as an account of Champ's life and his family's attempts to help him, but also as a resource on behaviour euthanasia, which is a compassionate choice for unmanageable aggression, reactivity, bites or severe anxiety.
STRAY DOGS
by Theo Chester
What would YOU risk to build a better world?
It's been a harsh winter. Outside the city walls, people are starving. Inside, the rich townspeople hoard their grain and gold. Like his father before him, Jacob must serve the elite and keep those who steal in order. He fixes their broken bones, sews up their wounds, and then chops off their heads.
Jacob believes he will keep the peace better through solely healing, but he desperately needs the town's blessing. Little does he know that others close to him have far more radical plans for change.
Grounded in the past but distinctly contemporary, this unique debut from Theo Chester uses bold storytelling to create an uneasy, yet wonderfully strange new world.
What would YOU risk to build a better world?
Jacob believes he will keep the peace better through solely healing, but he desperately needs the town's blessing. Little does he know that others close to him have far more radical plans for change.
Grounded in the past but distinctly contemporary, this unique debut from Theo Chester uses bold storytelling to create an uneasy, yet wonderfully strange new world.
Stray Dogs is the work of writer Theo Chester and director Tommo Fowler. The theatre play is produced by Cindy McLean-Bibby and Theatre503.
Paperback, 138 pages
Publisher: Salamander Street Ltd, 14th March 2023
Age guidance: 14+
Price: $21.75 from www.booktopia.com.au
A Dog Owner's Story of Behavioural Euthanasia
by Beth Miller
Despite numerous treatments, Champ was never able to overcome that trauma to become a "normal" dog, and his family made the painful decision to give him peace through behaviour euthanasia.
This work serves not only as an account of Champ's life and his family's attempts to help him, but also as a resource on behaviour euthanasia, which is a compassionate choice for unmanageable aggression, reactivity, bites or severe anxiety.
Investigating the potential causes of these issues, chapters examine scientific research on dog behaviour and emotions.
Paperback, 277 pages
Publisher: McFarland, 15 February 2023
Price: $56.96 at www.amazon.com.au
A MAN CALLED POSSUM (Audiobook)
The Man who became a legend of the Australian Outback
written by Max Jones, narrated by Graeme Goodings
As the mighty Murray swells and flood peaks reach heights only seen in 1956 comes a story of a man who turned his back on society to live as recluse along the Murray for more than 50 years.
There were rumours he was criminal on the run. Worse, could he be a doctor who had fled after murdering his wife? Over many years the mystery grew until Riverland Police Detective Sergeant Max Jones went in search of the man known only as ‘Possum.’
It took years tracking Possums’ whereabouts along the Murray before Max caught up with him, and then it took numerous meetings before Possum felt confident enough to tell the real story.
So how could he possibly survive living for decades in the outdoors? The outback is a land of extremes, daily temperatures of 35 degrees or more in summer plunging to near zero in winter. But not only did he survive, he thrived for 54 years.
So what was Possum’s story? Where did he come from? Why did he choose to live the life he did? And how did he develop a connection with the wildlife, the birds, the animals that were to be his only companions in life?
RRP : $16.50 (Audiobook) from goodinningsmedia.com.au
Paperback, 352 pages
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, 5th October 2022
Price: $14.95 from www.booktopia.com.au
DOG STAR
by Megan Shepherd
Based on an incredible true story, Carnegie Medal nominee and New York Times-bestselling author Megan Shepherd crafts a harrowing, propulsive girl-and-her-dog tale that will linger in your heart long after the last page.
Laika is a Cold Dog, a stray pup fighting for her life on the streets of Moscow. Then, one winter night, she is plucked from her alley to become a starflyer, a dog trained to travel into space. Distrustful of people, Laika tries to do everything she can to escape. That is, until she meets Nina.
Nina is a Cold Girl, lonely and full of questions. Her best friend has moved to America in a rush, leaving Nina to face the school bullies all by herself. Plus, her father's work as a scientist in the Soviet Space Program grows more secretive by the day.
When the two meet in her father's laboratory, their growing bond slowly warms the chill that has settled in each other's hearts. As the Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union grows fierce, Laika and Nina uncover shocking secrets and hard truths that will test their friendship. How will they find the courage to chase their dreams all the way to the stars?
Format: Paperback, 224 pages
Publisher: St Martins Press, 28th March 2023
For Ages: 8+ years old
Price: $19.09 at www.amazon.com.au
Paperback, 277 pages
Publisher: McFarland, 15 February 2023
Price: $56.96 at www.amazon.com.au
K9 MEDIC UNLEASHED
by Eric Odie Roth
K9 Medic Unleashed will teach you how to take care of your Dog in the event of an emergency. Author, Eric Odie Roth has worked as a paramedic for a busy 911 system for over 25 years and has been teaching Dog First Aid and CPR since 2009.
Since there is no 911 for Dogs, Eric takes his world as a paramedic and shows the reader how to apply life saving skills to your beloved dog.
Paramedics are faced with high stressed life saving decisions every day. When the emergency involves your own dog the stakes go up. Be prepared!
Paperback, 288 pages
Publisher: MCP Books, 15th November 2022
by Eric Odie Roth
Since there is no 911 for Dogs, Eric takes his world as a paramedic and shows the reader how to apply life saving skills to your beloved dog.
Paramedics are faced with high stressed life saving decisions every day. When the emergency involves your own dog the stakes go up. Be prepared!
Paperback, 288 pages
Publisher: MCP Books, 15th November 2022
RRP: $59.40 from www.booktopia.com.au
A MAN CALLED POSSUM (Audiobook)
The Man who became a legend of the Australian Outback
written by Max Jones, narrated by Graeme Goodings
As the mighty Murray swells and flood peaks reach heights only seen in 1956 comes a story of a man who turned his back on society to live as recluse along the Murray for more than 50 years.
It took years tracking Possums’ whereabouts along the Murray before Max caught up with him, and then it took numerous meetings before Possum felt confident enough to tell the real story.
So how could he possibly survive living for decades in the outdoors? The outback is a land of extremes, daily temperatures of 35 degrees or more in summer plunging to near zero in winter. But not only did he survive, he thrived for 54 years.
So what was Possum’s story? Where did he come from? Why did he choose to live the life he did? And how did he develop a connection with the wildlife, the birds, the animals that were to be his only companions in life?
Often I’d see him walking along the River bank, and my dogs would run over to him and he would ruffle them up a bit and send them back.
Possum seemed to be a natural horseman. He left the horse-yard, and had a good look around before walking quickly to where I had four dogs tied up. I watched him let two dogs loose. He ruffled them up a bit, then he jogged down to the creek bank where he sat on a fallen tree trunk and played with the dogs for at least an hour. Possum then hunted them back to the house and walked off down along the creek.
“By the way,” I said, “I saw you let two of my dogs loose a while back”. Possum said “I didn’t let them all go, I don’t like to see them tied up. I like dogs and took them for a walk for a while, and then hunted them back. I knew they wouldn’t go away with the other two still tied up. I didn’t mean any harm. I won’t do it again”. “I don’t mind really,” I replied, “It’s just that I didn’t know it was you, it had me worried.
Anyway, do you want any tucker or anything?” “No thanks, he said, I’m alright”.
From 8 to 80, this is a story of adventure, ambition, rejection, resilience, compassion and at the end of it all, optimism to take on and deal all that life can throw at you.
Max Jones, an outback legend in his own right, tells a compelling story of the friendship he built up with the Possum and unravels a story for all ages.RRP : $16.50 (Audiobook) from goodinningsmedia.com.au
BOOK CLUB – KIDS’ CORNER
RUNT
by Craig Silvey, illustrated by Sara Acton
Annie Shearer lives in the country town of Upson Downs with her best friend, an adopted stray dog called Runt. The two share a very special bond.
After years evading capture, Runt is remarkably fast and agile, perfect for herding runaway sheep. But when a greedy local landowner puts her family's home at risk, Annie directs Runt's extraordinary talents towards a different pursuit - winning the Agility Course Grand Championship at the lucrative Krumpets Dog Show in London.
However, there is a curious catch: Runt will only obey Annie's commands if nobody else is watching.
With all eyes on them, Annie and Runt must beat the odds and the fastest dogs in the world to save her farm.
Runt is a heart-warming and hilarious tale of kindness, friendship, hurdles, hoops, tunnels, see-saws, being yourself and bringing out the best in others. A funny, beautifully told story for readers of all ages from the bestselling author of Jasper Jones and Honeybee.
RUNT
by Craig Silvey, illustrated by Sara Acton
'You don't have to carry the weight of the world in your tool belt.'
After years evading capture, Runt is remarkably fast and agile, perfect for herding runaway sheep. But when a greedy local landowner puts her family's home at risk, Annie directs Runt's extraordinary talents towards a different pursuit - winning the Agility Course Grand Championship at the lucrative Krumpets Dog Show in London.
However, there is a curious catch: Runt will only obey Annie's commands if nobody else is watching.
With all eyes on them, Annie and Runt must beat the odds and the fastest dogs in the world to save her farm.
Runt is a heart-warming and hilarious tale of kindness, friendship, hurdles, hoops, tunnels, see-saws, being yourself and bringing out the best in others. A funny, beautifully told story for readers of all ages from the bestselling author of Jasper Jones and Honeybee.
Craig Silvey is an author and screenwriter from Fremantle, Western Australia.
Paperback, 352 pages
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, 5th October 2022
Price: $14.95 from www.booktopia.com.au
DOG STAR
by Megan Shepherd
Based on an incredible true story, Carnegie Medal nominee and New York Times-bestselling author Megan Shepherd crafts a harrowing, propulsive girl-and-her-dog tale that will linger in your heart long after the last page.
Nina is a Cold Girl, lonely and full of questions. Her best friend has moved to America in a rush, leaving Nina to face the school bullies all by herself. Plus, her father's work as a scientist in the Soviet Space Program grows more secretive by the day.
When the two meet in her father's laboratory, their growing bond slowly warms the chill that has settled in each other's hearts. As the Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union grows fierce, Laika and Nina uncover shocking secrets and hard truths that will test their friendship. How will they find the courage to chase their dreams all the way to the stars?
Format: Paperback, 224 pages
Publisher: St Martins Press, 28th March 2023
For Ages: 8+ years old
Price: $19.09 at www.amazon.com.au
ITTY BITTY KITTY
by Maddy Mara, illustrated by Noemie Gionet Landry
Itty Bitty Kitty LOVES pouncing, lap naps and hiding in suitcases. She HATES being called cute. She is almost a tiger, after all!
She may still be a kitten, but Itty Bitty is ready to take on the world. And she knows all the Cat Laws.
But her family doesn’t seem to know anything. They think she should make friends with puppies! And go on trips! What’s a cat to do?
Join Itty Bitty on three new epic adventures. Will she stick to the rules? Or will this kitty make up her own rules for life?
Paperback, 192 pages
Publisher: Affirm Press, 28th March 2023
For Ages: 5 - 8 years old
Price: $14.25 from www.booktopia.com.au
by Maddy Mara, illustrated by Noemie Gionet Landry
She may still be a kitten, but Itty Bitty is ready to take on the world. And she knows all the Cat Laws.
But her family doesn’t seem to know anything. They think she should make friends with puppies! And go on trips! What’s a cat to do?
Join Itty Bitty on three new epic adventures. Will she stick to the rules? Or will this kitty make up her own rules for life?
Paperback, 192 pages
Publisher: Affirm Press, 28th March 2023
For Ages: 5 - 8 years old
Price: $14.25 from www.booktopia.com.au
by Andrew Dittmer, illustrated Jenni Goodman
Snuffy is a little dog who just has to sniff EVERYTHING!
Sometimes Snuffy's sniffer gets her into trouble, but can her nose save a day at the beach from an unhappy ending?
Sometimes Snuffy's sniffer gets her into trouble, but can her nose save a day at the beach from an unhappy ending?
While you read the story together, your kids will look at the clues to find how Snuffy’s owner, Grum’s precious razzle-dazzle beach hat disappeared. Share beautiful moments together as you enjoy a cute puppy, cheeky seagulls and share time together with your little ones.
Snuffy has been shortlisted in the Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year awards 2022 so you can be sure your child is getting an engaging story that also will help them develop their literacy skills.
Paperback, 32 pages
Publisher: New Holland Publishers, 7th April 2023
For Ages: 5-7 years old
RRP: $22.95 (signed copy) at andrewdittmer.square.site
Paperback, 32 pages
Publisher: New Holland Publishers, 7th April 2023
For Ages: 5-7 years old
RRP: $22.95 (signed copy) at andrewdittmer.square.site
TOODLE THE CAVOODLE
Sniffle Snuffle
by Richard Tulloch, Heidi Cooper Smith (Illustrator)
Toodle the Cavoodle is the new children’s book series from a seriously impressive line-up of Australian talent. Toodle already has his own hit song penned by songwriter to The Wiggles, an Ambassadorship no less, and an animated series in the works.
Toodle the Cavoodle tumbles and bumbles his way through the lively Lillipilly Lane community. The bouncy, boisterous puppy knows his neighbours best from his dog’s-eye view – the grubby gumboots grandma, the smelly sneakers grandpa, the girl with sparkly sandals and other friends.
But since he shares the emotions and understanding of a young child, Toodle’s whoops-a-diddle, let-me-help, getting-underfoot antics often lead to hilarious mini-dramas, before he succeeds in bringing both old and young people together. In the end, everybody loves Toodle!
In Book 1, Toodle the Cavoodle loves finding smells in the scritchy, scratchy grass. But the grandparents of Lillipilly Lane love cleaning up and finding fresh uses for junk. They’re about to turn Toodle’s favourite sniffling snuffling patch into a neat and tidy park! Oh no! What will Toodle do?
Toodle’s adventure sees him discover that he is loved no matter what. A joyful read-aloud story for everyone to share – no matter what age you are!
Petbarn Foundation will donate $1 for every Toodle the Cavoodle book sold to Story Dogs assisting in the cost of training and placement of more dogs and handlers in more Australian schools.
Paperback, 32 pages
Publisher: Big Sky Publishing, 5th October 2022
For Ages: 3 - 8 years old
Price: $12.00 from www.amazon.com.au
Sniffle Snuffle
by Richard Tulloch, Heidi Cooper Smith (Illustrator)
Toodle the Cavoodle is the new children’s book series from a seriously impressive line-up of Australian talent. Toodle already has his own hit song penned by songwriter to The Wiggles, an Ambassadorship no less, and an animated series in the works.
But since he shares the emotions and understanding of a young child, Toodle’s whoops-a-diddle, let-me-help, getting-underfoot antics often lead to hilarious mini-dramas, before he succeeds in bringing both old and young people together. In the end, everybody loves Toodle!
In Book 1, Toodle the Cavoodle loves finding smells in the scritchy, scratchy grass. But the grandparents of Lillipilly Lane love cleaning up and finding fresh uses for junk. They’re about to turn Toodle’s favourite sniffling snuffling patch into a neat and tidy park! Oh no! What will Toodle do?
Toodle’s adventure sees him discover that he is loved no matter what. A joyful read-aloud story for everyone to share – no matter what age you are!
Petbarn Foundation will donate $1 for every Toodle the Cavoodle book sold to Story Dogs assisting in the cost of training and placement of more dogs and handlers in more Australian schools.
Paperback, 32 pages
Publisher: Big Sky Publishing, 5th October 2022
For Ages: 3 - 8 years old
Price: $12.00 from www.amazon.com.au
by Beck Feiner, Robin Feiner
Lucy adores her adopted Greyhound. She takes him on spa dates and gives him toys, the best organic meals, a whole wardrobe of strange outfits, and even a flashy new name! But why isn’t he happy yet?
From the bestselling team behind If I Was Prime Minister and Aussie Legends Alphabet comes an endearing story about staying true to ourselves.
Hardcover, 32 pages
Publisher: Hardie Grant Children's Publishing, 3rd November 2022
For Ages: 3 - 99 years old
Price: $16.00 at BIG W. Available from many bookstores and online.
