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With Father's Day coming up fast on September 1, our August 2024 Dog Lovers Book Club features some great book options to spoil the dog dad in your life (or yourself!) plus some fantastic children's illustrated books to instill the love of reading!
by Garth Stein
Turned into a major motion picture with Kevin Costner, this heart-warming and inspirational tale follows Enzo, a loyal family dog, who tells the story of his human family, how they nearly fell apart, and what he did to bring them back together.
Enzo relates the story of his human family, sharing their tragedies and triumphs. In the end, despite what he sees as his own limitations as a dog, Enzo comes through heroically to preserve the Swift family.
The Art of Racing in the Rain is a testament to a man's life, given by his dog. But it is also a testament to the dog, himself. Though Enzo cannot speak, he understands everything that happens around him as he bears witness to his master's problems. His enforced muteness only refines his listening ability and allows him to understand many of life's nuances that are lost on most humans.
With humour, sharp observation, and a courageous heart, Enzo guides the reader to the bittersweet yet ultimately satisfying conclusion: there are no limitations to what we can achieve, if we truly know where we want to be.
Paperback, 336 pages
Publisher: Thorsons/Element GB, 1 March 2009
RRP: $15.39 at www.amazon.com.au
Paperback, 336 pages
Publisher: Thorsons/Element GB, 1 March 2009
RRP: $15.39 at www.amazon.com.au
FROM THE MOUTHS OF DOGS
What our pets teach us about life, death, and being human
by B.J. Hollars
What is it that dogs have done to earn the title of "man's best friend"? And more broadly, how have all of our furry, feathered, and four-legged brethren managed to enrich our lives? Why do we love them? What can we learn from them? And why is it so difficult to say goodbye?
Join B.J. Hollars as he attempts to find out-beginning with an ancient dog cemetery in Ashkelon, Israel, and moving to the present day.
Hollars' first-hand reports recount a range of stories: the arduous existence of a shelter officer, a woman's relentless attempt to found a senior-dog adoption facility, a family's struggle to create a one-of-a-kind orthotic for its Bulldog, and the particular bond between a blind woman and her Seeing Eye dog.
Dogopolis suggests a surprising source of urban innovation in the history of three major cities: human-canine relationships.
Stroll through any American or European city today and you probably won’t get far before seeing a dog being taken for a walk. It’s expected that these domesticated animals can easily navigate sidewalks, streets, and other foundational elements of our built environment. But what if our cities were actually shaped in response to dogs more than we ever realised?
Chris Pearson’s Dogopolis boldly and convincingly asserts that human-canine relations were a crucial factor in the formation of modern urban living. Focusing on New York, London, and Paris from the early nineteenth century into the 1930s, Pearson shows that human reactions to dogs significantly remoulded them and other contemporary western cities.
LES CHIENS DE PARIS / DOGS in PARIS
by Barnaby Conrad (Author)
Nowhere are dogs more widely pampered by their owners than in the City of Light.
Canines of varying breeds appear, well-fed and immaculately groomed, in all aspects of Parisian life, whether they are riding the Metro, sitting in the front seat of a taxi, or relaxing side by side with their maitre at a cafe table.
PIERRE THE FRENCH BULLDOG RECYCLES
by Kate Louise (Author), Bethany Straker (Illustrator)
Like most dogs, Pierre, a French Bulldog, loves the excitement of digging things up. He hoards his treasures in a hole in the backyard and then makes space for more. One day Pierre tosses some old stuff into the trash can, but he forgets to recycle.
What our pets teach us about life, death, and being human
by B.J. Hollars
What is it that dogs have done to earn the title of "man's best friend"? And more broadly, how have all of our furry, feathered, and four-legged brethren managed to enrich our lives? Why do we love them? What can we learn from them? And why is it so difficult to say goodbye?
Hollars' first-hand reports recount a range of stories: the arduous existence of a shelter officer, a woman's relentless attempt to found a senior-dog adoption facility, a family's struggle to create a one-of-a-kind orthotic for its Bulldog, and the particular bond between a blind woman and her Seeing Eye dog.
The book culminates with Hollars's own cross-country journey to Hartsdale Pet Cemetery - the country's largest and oldest pet cemetery - to begin the long-overdue process of laying his own childhood dog to rest.
Through these stories, Hollars reveals much about our pets but even more about the humans who share their lives, providing a much-needed reminder that the world would be a better place if we took a few cues from man's best friends.
Paperback, 224 pages
Publisher: University of Nebraska Press, 1 March 2022
RRP: $34.76 from www.amazon.com.au
PLEASE DON’T LEAVE ME
The Heartbreaking Journey of One Man and His Dog
by Michelle Clark
Kaiser is a dog who grew up on the streets with his owner - although they were homeless, they had each other and with that came an unbreakable bond.
However, when Kaiser's owner is diagnosed with terminal cancer, their future together is cut short, and Kaiser is at risk of being left alone and in danger.
This is when Michelle - founder of the charity Dogs On The Streets - met Kaiser and his owner. She immediately knows that she must help Kaiser and tirelessly campaigns on his and his owner's behalf. In time, she finds herself solely responsible for Kaiser's future, and only one question remains: will she be able to find a new, loving home for Kaiser?
A moving and life-affirming true story of one dog's extraordinary journey, this is an inspiring tale about the remarkable bond between humans and animals.
Paperback, 209 pages
Publisher: Mobius; 1st edition, 18th July 2023
Price: $26.51 at www.amazon.com.au
Through these stories, Hollars reveals much about our pets but even more about the humans who share their lives, providing a much-needed reminder that the world would be a better place if we took a few cues from man's best friends.
Paperback, 224 pages
Publisher: University of Nebraska Press, 1 March 2022
RRP: $34.76 from www.amazon.com.au
PLEASE DON’T LEAVE ME
The Heartbreaking Journey of One Man and His Dog
by Michelle Clark
However, when Kaiser's owner is diagnosed with terminal cancer, their future together is cut short, and Kaiser is at risk of being left alone and in danger.
This is when Michelle - founder of the charity Dogs On The Streets - met Kaiser and his owner. She immediately knows that she must help Kaiser and tirelessly campaigns on his and his owner's behalf. In time, she finds herself solely responsible for Kaiser's future, and only one question remains: will she be able to find a new, loving home for Kaiser?
A moving and life-affirming true story of one dog's extraordinary journey, this is an inspiring tale about the remarkable bond between humans and animals.
Paperback, 209 pages
Publisher: Mobius; 1st edition, 18th July 2023
Price: $26.51 at www.amazon.com.au
SECOND CHANCES
A Marine, His Dog, and Finding Redemption
by Craig Grossi
The author of the heart-warming Craig and Fred tells the deeply emotional and inspiring story of the next phase of their lives together: working closely with prison inmates in Maine who raise and train puppies to become service dogs.
Former US Marine Craig Grossi and his dog Fred appeared on US television, and in schools, bookstores, and military bases across America as they told the uplifting story of how Craig found Fred, a stray, while serving in Afghanistan and brought him home. During their travels, Craig was invited to speak at Maine State Prison the penitentiary that inspired Stephen King’s famous Shawshank. While there, he met a group of very special inmates, participants in a program run by the non-profit America’s VetDogs.
Craig discovered that many of the prisoners are veterans former soldiers serving their country in an entirely different way: by transforming purebred Labrador Retrievers from floppy puppies into indispensable companions for disabled vets. These service dogs literally and figuratively open doors for men and women, offering hope and a renewed sense of freedom.
Yet these disabled veterans are not the only lives changed by these dogs. The inmates who train them “are given a purpose, they’re given experience, and most importantly they’re given a sense of self-worth,” Craig explains. “The men at Maine State are given a second chance something that I believe everyone deserves.” For Craig, the visit had a profound impact. “There was something special going on inside its walls and it was calling out to me. I quickly realised that the program and its men had something to show the world.”
In this emotionally powerful book, he introduces these men and challenges us to look deeper, to see them as human beings deserving of a new shot at life. “We’re quick to give second chances to celebrities, politicians and famous athletes when they screw up,” Craig reminds us, “but when it comes to those who’ve been convicted for their mistakes, we too often dismiss them as forever lost.”
A Marine, His Dog, and Finding Redemption
by Craig Grossi
The author of the heart-warming Craig and Fred tells the deeply emotional and inspiring story of the next phase of their lives together: working closely with prison inmates in Maine who raise and train puppies to become service dogs.
Craig discovered that many of the prisoners are veterans former soldiers serving their country in an entirely different way: by transforming purebred Labrador Retrievers from floppy puppies into indispensable companions for disabled vets. These service dogs literally and figuratively open doors for men and women, offering hope and a renewed sense of freedom.
Yet these disabled veterans are not the only lives changed by these dogs. The inmates who train them “are given a purpose, they’re given experience, and most importantly they’re given a sense of self-worth,” Craig explains. “The men at Maine State are given a second chance something that I believe everyone deserves.” For Craig, the visit had a profound impact. “There was something special going on inside its walls and it was calling out to me. I quickly realised that the program and its men had something to show the world.”
In this emotionally powerful book, he introduces these men and challenges us to look deeper, to see them as human beings deserving of a new shot at life. “We’re quick to give second chances to celebrities, politicians and famous athletes when they screw up,” Craig reminds us, “but when it comes to those who’ve been convicted for their mistakes, we too often dismiss them as forever lost.”
Second Chances poignantly shows that no life is irredeemable and that each of us can make a difference if given the opportunity. A great book gift idea for Father's Day!
Paperback, 304 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers, 23rd June 2022
RRP: $29.99. For more details and stockists, visit www.harpercollins.com.au
Paperback, 304 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers, 23rd June 2022
RRP: $29.99. For more details and stockists, visit www.harpercollins.com.au
DOGOPOLIS
How Dogs and Humans Made Modern New York, London, and Paris
by Chris Pearson
How Dogs and Humans Made Modern New York, London, and Paris
by Chris Pearson
Dogopolis suggests a surprising source of urban innovation in the history of three major cities: human-canine relationships.
Chris Pearson’s Dogopolis boldly and convincingly asserts that human-canine relations were a crucial factor in the formation of modern urban living. Focusing on New York, London, and Paris from the early nineteenth century into the 1930s, Pearson shows that human reactions to dogs significantly remoulded them and other contemporary western cities.
It’s an unalterable fact that dogs—often filthy, bellicose, and sometimes off-putting—run away, spread rabies, defecate, and breed wherever they like, so as dogs became a more and more common in nineteenth-century middle-class life, cities had to respond to people’s fear of them and revulsion at their least desirable traits. The gradual integration of dogs into city life centered on disgust at dirt, fear of crime and vagrancy, and the promotion of humanitarian sentiments.
On the other hand, dogs are some people’s most beloved animal companions, and human compassion and affection for pets and strays were equally powerful forces in shaping urban modernity. Dogopolis details the complex interrelations among emotions, sentiment, and the ways we manifest our feelings toward what we love—showing that together they can actually reshape society.
Paperback, 256 pages
Publisher: University of Chicago Press, 31st August 2021
Paperback, 256 pages
Publisher: University of Chicago Press, 31st August 2021
RRP: $47.91 at www.amazon.com.au
LES CHIENS DE PARIS / DOGS in PARIS
by Barnaby Conrad (Author)
Nowhere are dogs more widely pampered by their owners than in the City of Light.
Great photographers have long been fascinated by the city's obsession with dogs and, in Les Chiens de Paris, Barnaby Conrad III has amassed an irresistible collection of photographs of Parisian dogs taken over the last century.
From Nadar's touching 1865 portrait of a boy and his dog to huge hounds, miniature pooches, and jounty mongrels captured by Lartigue in the Bois de Bologne, Erwitt in the Boulevard St. Germain, Doisneau at the Louvre, and Cartier-Bresson along the Seine, these timeless, duotone images resonate with comedy, poignancy, and joie de vivre.
Publisher: Chronicle Books; 1st edition (1 January 1995)
Hardcover, 68 pages
Price: $43.55 at www.amazon.com.au
Publisher: Chronicle Books; 1st edition (1 January 1995)
Hardcover, 68 pages
Price: $43.55 at www.amazon.com.au
LOVE UNLEASHED
by Melanie Saward
When Bigambul woman Brynn Wallace leaves Brisbane to pursue her dreams in the Big Apple, she imagines herself landing a fabulous career at a New York City publishing house and acquiring shelves of Louboutin shoes, not working in a doggy day care with a boss from hell and a wardrobe from her nightmares.
Yet good things are always possible in New York, especially when you believe in them hard enough. And Brynn has a collection of NYC Missions to set her on her way: challenges from her mother, whose death she is still getting over, to help Brynn rejoice in the city that never sleeps.
Brynn soon finds herself making meaningful friendships, engaging in flirty flings, and meeting the gorgeous Sienna, also known as dancer Scarlett Belle. And when she stumbles on a handsome, single dog-dad who just happens to be a literary editor, she decides that if she can convince him she’s more than just a dog-sitter, her dreams will finally come true. But Sienna has other plans, and as Brynn’s NY ride begins to stall, the city shows her just how full of surprises it is.
Trade Paperback, 320 pages
Publisher: Penguin Books Australia, Imprint: Michael Joseph, 6 August 2024
RRP: $34.99 from www.penguin.com.au
ROCK DOGS
by Sally Barns & Anil Tortop
The Howlers are a small town rock 'n' roll band with big dreams.
When they get a chance to be the opening act for megastars HISS, the band can't believe their luck. But a huge mistake means the show might be over before it even starts...
Can the Howlers find a way to rock on?
A tremendously funny and charming picture book about dreaming big, dogged perseverance and a whole lotta rock.
Hardcover, 32 pages
Publisher: Affirm Press, 30th July 2024
For Ages: 3-7 years old
Price: $19.54 at www.qbd.com.au
A BOY, HIS DOG AND THE SEA
by Anthony Browne
A poignant picture book about a boy and his dog finding adventure where they least expect it, from the acclaimed Kate Greenaway Medal-winning author, illustrator and former Children's Laureate, Anthony Browne.
Danny isn’t expecting much excitement when he takes his dog, Scruff, for a walk on the beach. He would much rather play with his older brother, Mick.
Paperback, 2nd July 2024
Publisher: Walker Books Australia, 2nd July 2024
For Ages: 3 - 7 years old
Price: $14.44 at www.qbd.com.au
THE DOGGY OLYMPICS
by Molly McGlothlin (Author), Rajesh Solanki (Illustrator)
Follow the athletic adventures as dogs from around the world compete in traditional Olympic games in hopes of bringing home a victory.
by Melanie Saward
Yet good things are always possible in New York, especially when you believe in them hard enough. And Brynn has a collection of NYC Missions to set her on her way: challenges from her mother, whose death she is still getting over, to help Brynn rejoice in the city that never sleeps.
Brynn soon finds herself making meaningful friendships, engaging in flirty flings, and meeting the gorgeous Sienna, also known as dancer Scarlett Belle. And when she stumbles on a handsome, single dog-dad who just happens to be a literary editor, she decides that if she can convince him she’s more than just a dog-sitter, her dreams will finally come true. But Sienna has other plans, and as Brynn’s NY ride begins to stall, the city shows her just how full of surprises it is.
Trade Paperback, 320 pages
Publisher: Penguin Books Australia, Imprint: Michael Joseph, 6 August 2024
RRP: $34.99 from www.penguin.com.au
BOOK CLUB – KIDS CORNER
FELIX POWELL, BOY DOG
by Erin Entrada Kelly (Author, Illustrator)
In this funny young middle-grade novel about friendship, family, and animals, Felix Powell is magically transformed from a boy into a dog. Illustrated with black-and-white drawings by Newbery Medal winner and national bestseller Erin Entrada Kelly on almost every page.
Felix Powell can talk to animals. Just ask his dog, Mary Puppins! They talk all the time.
by Erin Entrada Kelly (Author, Illustrator)
In this funny young middle-grade novel about friendship, family, and animals, Felix Powell is magically transformed from a boy into a dog. Illustrated with black-and-white drawings by Newbery Medal winner and national bestseller Erin Entrada Kelly on almost every page.
When a mysterious, magical spell turns Felix into a dog, Mary Puppins is amazed. But not as much as Felix!
Will his tail ever stop wagging? Will he ever see in full colour again? How will he deal with Gumbo, the snobby neighbourhood cat? Most importantly, will he ever return to being a regular boy?
With short, high-interest chapters and illustrations by the author on almost every page, Felix Powell, Boy Dog celebrates curiosity, ingenuity, imagination, and friendship.
With short, high-interest chapters and illustrations by the author on almost every page, Felix Powell, Boy Dog celebrates curiosity, ingenuity, imagination, and friendship.
Hardcover, 160 pages
Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers, Imprint: Greenwillow Books, 16th July 2024
For Ages: 8 - 12 years old
Price: $32.48 at www.thenile.com.au
Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers, Imprint: Greenwillow Books, 16th July 2024
For Ages: 8 - 12 years old
Price: $32.48 at www.thenile.com.au
ROCK DOGS
by Sally Barns & Anil Tortop
When they get a chance to be the opening act for megastars HISS, the band can't believe their luck. But a huge mistake means the show might be over before it even starts...
Can the Howlers find a way to rock on?
A tremendously funny and charming picture book about dreaming big, dogged perseverance and a whole lotta rock.
Hardcover, 32 pages
Publisher: Affirm Press, 30th July 2024
For Ages: 3-7 years old
Price: $19.54 at www.qbd.com.au
A BOY, HIS DOG AND THE SEA
by Anthony Browne
A poignant picture book about a boy and his dog finding adventure where they least expect it, from the acclaimed Kate Greenaway Medal-winning author, illustrator and former Children's Laureate, Anthony Browne.
Scruff loves the beach, but Danny thinks it’s boring. Will Danny discover just how extraordinary the beach really is?
This is a heartfelt, visually stunning picture book, about the hidden treasures of the seaside and the wonderful relationship between a boy and his dog.
Paperback, 2nd July 2024
Publisher: Walker Books Australia, 2nd July 2024
For Ages: 3 - 7 years old
Price: $14.44 at www.qbd.com.au
MEMOIRS OF A DOG
by Devin Scillian (Author), Tim Bowers (Illustrator)
Topanga the dog gets blamed for everything, but she's here to tell you that the only reason the household works at all is because she's the one in charge.
by Devin Scillian (Author), Tim Bowers (Illustrator)
Topanga wakes the family up, takes Big Guy for a run, gets the kids off to school on time, and chases off that trouble-making raccoon. And that's not all! Will Topanga's family ever realize what a giant role she plays in their lives?
Maybe not before it's time for her to go back to bed, she has another big day tomorrow after all.
Hardcover, 32 pages
Hardcover, 32 pages
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press, 1st August 2024
For Ages: 4 - 8 years old
For Ages: 4 - 8 years old
Price: $30.87 from www.fishpond.com.au
by Molly McGlothlin (Author), Rajesh Solanki (Illustrator)
Throughout the competition some rise to the occasion and others fold under the pressure, but ultimately each dog proves their true talent.
Paperback, 24 pages
Publisher: Xlibris US, 12 November 2020
For Ages: 5-6 years old
Price: $29.22 at www.amazon.com.au
Paperback, 24 pages
Publisher: Xlibris US, 12 November 2020
For Ages: 5-6 years old
Price: $29.22 at www.amazon.com.au
PIERRE THE FRENCH BULLDOG RECYCLES
by Kate Louise (Author), Bethany Straker (Illustrator)
Now, instead of being transformed into new things, that plastic bottle and newspaper will sit in a landfill forever!
Well, not if Pierre has anything to do with it. He chases the garbage truck through town, but will he catch it in time, or will those treasures be trash forever?
Kindle Edition, Text-to-Speech Enabled, also available as Hardcover
Publisher: Sky Pony, 10 March 2015
For Ages: 3-6 years old
Price: $13.99 from www.amazon.com.au
Kindle Edition, Text-to-Speech Enabled, also available as Hardcover
Publisher: Sky Pony, 10 March 2015
For Ages: 3-6 years old
Price: $13.99 from www.amazon.com.au
SLIDER SOUND BOOKS: WOOF!
by Sam Taplin, illustrated by Ailie Busby
Move the sliders back and forth in this delightful sound book to see and hear the world of dogs and cats come to life.
From barking and meowing to guzzling dinner and splashing in puddles, there are eight different lively pets to discover.
Each slider makes one sound when you move it one way and a completely different sound when you move it back again, creating a unique and exciting surprise for babies and toddlers.
Board book, 8pages
Board book, 8pages
Publisher: Usborne GB, 15th May 2024
For Ages: Baby - 2 years
RRP: $23.09 at www.amazon.com.au
For Ages: Baby - 2 years
RRP: $23.09 at www.amazon.com.au
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