Dog Lovers Book Club - January 2025

Written by Australian Dog Lover 20:21:00 - 0 Comments

It's a new day. It's a new month. It's a New Year! And it's time to discover new books!

Whether you chose to spend your summer holidays at home or away, here are our top picks of new releases for the January 2025 - Dog Lovers Book Club.

MUSTER DOGS

MISCHIEF AND MATESHIP
by Monica O'Brien, Michael Boughen, Melissa Spencer

See our favourite muster dogs grow from playful pups into determined, loyal workers, in this heart-warming illustrated companion book to the hit ABC TV series.

Dogs, puppies and more dogs!

Since Muster Dogs first hit our screens in 2022, it has captured the hearts of people worldwide. The gorgeous hard-working puppies and their dedicated breeders, educators and trainers it showcased have not only charmed us, but they have also taught us about the drive and capacity needed to work this land and feed our population.

But what really resonated with fans is the loyalty, connection and mutual dependence between dog and handler. The intuition and drive of the muster dog, whether kelpie or collie, is truly something to behold.

In this book, captured in vivid colour are the characters - both canine and human - and moments of drama that have made the show, as well as the tough but glorious locations around Australia that they call home.

With more than 300 photos of these wonderful dogs at work and play, creating mischief and demonstrating mateship, this is a tribute to the uncomplaining, reliable and often unsung heroes of our land.

Hardcover, 192 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers, 4th December 2024

Price: $34.21 from www.amazon.com.au

TAUGHT BY DOGS
working, farm & family
by Colin Whittemore

Brought up on a farm, Colin Whittemore's life was interwoven with dogs from the start. He writes of the Welsh Sheepdogs his father used on his dairy farm to bring in the cattle twice daily, but also of the farm dogs taken to the pub to lie silently under a table. 

He observes that these working dogs never played, chased a ball or fetched sticks: farm dogs took their delight in working, whether rounding up livestock, ratting or guarding. But throughout his life his mother also had 'house dogs', adored pets which she trusted implicitly to accompany children as they roamed freely all day long in the countryside, relied on to stop youngsters from getting in dangerous situations or to run for help. 

Colin writes with first-hand experience of the 'gatherings' when different hill farmers let their dogs use their own initiative out of sight, returning lost sheep from miles away, working as a team. 

He writes of settling in new puppies, choosing dogs, dogs choosing their 'masters', gun dogs, terriers, collies and his beloved Teckels, the companions of much of his life and his old age. He also writes movingly about the family dogs in his life who have bonded humans together, seen them through hardships, shown wisdom often lacking in their owners.

Hardcover, 176 pages
Publisher: Merlin Unwin, 1st December 2024

Price: $35.40 from www.booktopia.com.au

TAKING THE LEAD: A DOG AT NUMBER 10
by John Crace

'I lap up everything John Crace writes gratefully: I love his cleverness, his wit, and his heart' - Nigella Lawson

From the ingeniously quick-witted John Crace comes a satirical memoir from the eyes of his beloved dog, Herbie. And as a Westminster veteran, boy does he have some stories to share.

It started when a chance encounter with Sadiq Khan's Labrador landed Herbie a job working as a special advisor to Ed Miliband in 2014. Then he was summoned by David Cameron to work on the Remain campaign in the EU referendum. He experienced the pain of working with Theresa May; was sacked and then rehired by Boris Johnson to advise on Covid; was at Balmoral when the Queen died; had a ringside seat for Liz Truss; was fired by Rishi Sunak and then latterly taken on by Keir Starmer.

This is the story the politicians didn't want you to know. What are Larry the Cat and Dilyn the Dog really like? How did Charlotte Owen get a peerage? Herbert Hound, finally, tells all.

Hardcover: ‎288 pages
Publisher‏:‎ Little Brown, 10th December 2024

Price: $30.99 from www.booktopia.com.au

MELBOURNE FOR DOGS
Melbourne's best dog-friendly destinations
by Julie Mundy

In Melbourne For Dogs, local author and dog owner Julie Mundy provides the ultimate list of Melbourne’s best dog-friendly beaches, parks and walks. 

Featuring over 700 off-lead parks and 50 beaches, along with a comprehensive suburb-by-suburb index listing, you’re sure to find the perfect doggy destination somewhere close to home. Find out whether parks are fenced, where the nearest parking is and whether off-lead times apply. Take your family and enjoy other park facilities, such as playgrounds, BBQs and picnic areas.

This guide also provides the perfect companion from those who want to venture further afield, listing over 40 regional parks where dogs are welcome — including parks where you can even go camping with your four-legged friends. For those seeking to get fit, this guide also includes nine of Melbourne’s best dog-friendly walks, with full-colour maps, photos, walk distances and walk grades.

Series: Woodslane Walking Guides
Paperback, 196 pages
Publisher: Woodslane Press, 1st December 2024

Price: $44.50 from www.booktopia.com.au

CANINE AGILITY AND THE MEANING OF EXCELLENCE
Formulating an Ethical Approach
by Beth A. Dixon

This book is a philosophical inquiry about the meaning of excellence in canine agility. 

No matter how accomplished we are as trainers, students, or competitors, we are all either striving for excellence, realising excellence, or falling short of it, sometimes by a lot. 

This study employs a unique methodology to explore the foundational issue of excellence in agility as well as in other canine sports. 

Using interviews with ordinary practitioners of agility, judges, and competitors, as well as memoirs, autobiographies, and fictional stories, the author formulates and argues for the ethical concept of excellence.

Series: Dogs in Our World
Paperback, 188 pages
Publisher: McFarland and Company, Inc., 3rd December 2024

Price: $79.41 from www.booktopia.com.au

LIKE CATS & DOGS
by Lizzie Shane

A small-town baker faces off against her long-time nemesis on a reality TV competition in this delightful romantic comedy.

Magda Miller's feud with rival baker Mackenzie Newton is so old, folks in tiny Pine Hollow, Vermont forgot how it started. But Magda remembers: Ten years ago, she offered Mac her heart--instead, he ran off with her grandmother's maple cake recipe. Now, Mac traipses all over Magda's baking territory, just like his oversized tabby keeps sneaking into her house to claim her dog's favourite bed. So, when Magda gets the call to compete on The Great American Cake-Off, she's thrilled to finally shine in a Mac-free zone. But when she arrives on set, her devilishly handsome nemesis is already there . . .

It turns out, Mac and Magda's story has inspired the first ever Arch Rivals edition of Cake-Off, and of course Mac has to raise the stakes with a wager. The winner takes all--the Cake-Off title, the contested recipe, and control of the narrative. 

Magda is more than ready to kick Mac's Bundt. But as they spar, on-screen and off, Mac and Magda reveal the best in each other...and the sizzling attraction fuelling their rivalry. Only one of them can win, so why does it suddenly feel like they both stand to lose?

Series: Pine Hollow
Paperback, 352 pages
Publisher: Little Brown, 12th November 2024

Price: $37.75 from www.booktopia.com.au

BOOK CLUB – KIDS CORNER

BARKING BRILLIANT
A Kids Guide to Dogs
by Brian Thomas

Discover the incredible world of dogs through fascinating facts, inspiring stories, and practical advice designed just for kids! This engaging book takes young readers on a journey to explore why dogs are more than just pets - they're our loyal companions, helpers, and even heroes. 

Packed with captivating tales of real-life hero dogs, fun trivia about their amazing abilities, and insights into their unique behaviours, this book celebrates the bond between humans and their four-legged friends.

Learn how dogs communicate with tail wags and barks, uncover the secrets of their powerful noses, and dive into their history from wild wolves to lovable companions. From service dogs and therapy dogs to record-breaking pups and legendary canines, this book introduces readers to the many roles dogs play in our lives. Whether it's understanding how to care for a dog, teaching them tricks, or learning how they help scientists and society, every page is filled with awe-inspiring details.

Perfect for curious minds, animal lovers, and future dog owners, this book inspires kids to connect with the dogs around them and teaches the importance of kindness, responsibility, and respect for our furry friends. Get ready to laugh, learn, and fall in love with dogs all over again!

Paperback, 170 pages
Publisher: Indy Pub, 21st November 2024

For Ages: 7 - 12 years old

Price: $33.78 from www.amazon.com.au

IF ANIMALS COULD TALK: DOGS
Learn Fun Facts about the Things Dogs Do!
by Ann Tatlock

An excellent book for young learners If Animals Could Talk: Dogs is narrated by "Charlie" the dog. 

He teaches readers the communication devices dogs use to let humans know how they are feeling such as the types of bark they do, their body language and ear position. 

It also includes Pet Facts like "A dog who is about to bite, may wag its tail, but its body will be rigid and its tail pointing up." 

Filled with full-colour photos of real dog breeds, it also includes instructions about how to care for dogs and suggested readings for more information about dogs.

Series: If Animals Could Talk
Hardcover, 32 pages
Publisher: Curious Fox Books, 19th November 2024
For Ages: 4 - 8 years old

RRP: $29.79 from www.booktopia.com.au

PAULA’S PERFECT PUPPY
What does being perfect really mean?
by Gina Dawson, illustrated by Bima Perera

Paula's parents have promised her a puppy for her birthday, and today she is going to choose one. Auntie Sadie's friend has four puppies needing homes, and Paula must decide which one will be her perfect puppy.

But choosing her perfect puppy isn't so easy after all because Paula must work out what being perfect really means. Is perfect being the prettiest, or the smartest, or the best behaved? Or is it about something else altogether?

With every puppy being special in its own unique way, how will Paula decide which one will be her own perfect puppy?

Hardcover, 32 pages
Publisher: New Holland Publishers, 10th January 2025

RRP: $19.99. Available for pre-order from www.booktopia.com.au

WHEN DOGS WORK
by Opal Sinclair

Explore the very important jobs that dogs do every day with this photographic ode to working dogs.

Through ice and snow,
I run with my pack.
Towing my friends
Down the track.

Pre-schoolers will explore adorable dogs and their jobs in this photographic celebration. When Dogs Work explores the real jobs that dogs do! From guide dog to water rescue dog to actor-these marvellous dogs may surprise you!

In rhythmic text perfect for an energetic read-aloud, When Dogs Work points out the incredible skills that dogs have. Bright photographs of the working dogs will help pre-schoolers identify the "uniform" of each working dog.

The book's Toddler Tough format with a padded cover, rounded corners, and extra-heavy pages makes it a sturdy choice for endless story times.

Series: Big, Little Concepts
Hardcover, 24 pages
Publisher: Pajama Press, 12th November 2024

For Ages: 3+ years old

Price: $39.50 from www.booktopia.com.au 

BLUEY: THE WEEKEND
by Bluey (Author)

Based on the hit ABC KIDS TV show!

It's the weekend! What games will Bluey and Bingo play? And will everyone get to meet Bingo's new friend?

A gorgeous board book for kids of all ages.

Bluey is an award-winning preschool show about Bluey, a blue heeler pup, and her family. Airing on ABC KIDS, the show has amassed legions of dedicated fans and hugely popular ranges of books, toys, clothes, games and more.

Board book, 24 pages

Publisher: Puffin (1st edition), 7 January 2025
For Ages: ‎ 3 - 5 years

Price: $10.99. Available for pre-order now at www.amazon.com.au

OLLIE'S PUPPY LOVE
by Nicola Killen

Join Ollie and her new puppy friend Milo as they have an unforgettable adventure in this next book in the bestselling Ollie series.

When Grandma’s puppy Milo comes to stay, Ollie is excited for all the adventures they will have. So, she is upset when things don’t quite go to plan...

But as they head into the magical woods and are joined by lots of woodland friends, Milo shows Ollie that the best adventures happen when you least expect them.

With striking illustrations, cut-outs and foil throughout, this is the sixth book in the internationally beloved Ollie series by Nicola Killen.

Paperback, 24 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK, 2nd January 2025

For Ages: 3+ years old

Price: $16.99 from www.booktopia.com.au

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