Dog Lovers Book Club - February 2026

Written by Australian Dog Lover 17:54:00 - 0 Comments

Our Dog Lovers Book Club selection this month explores the profound, often life-changing bond between humans and their dogs. We dive into the "kinship" that defines our daily lives, offering soulful memoirs on how puppies can heal a broken heart, alongside compassionate, fear-free guides to help owners navigate the challenges of reactivity and the unique world of assistance dog partnerships.

Our Kids Corner is headlined by some of Australia’s most beloved storytellers. We feature the true, heart-stopping story of Valerie, the Kangaroo Island Dachshund who captured headlines worldwide after her 500-day wilderness adventure, as well as a new junior fiction series from iconic Aussie author Andrew Daddo. Alongside Valentine’s Day favourites like Bluey, these stories celebrate resilience, empathy, and the joy of finding where you belong.

THE YEAR OF THE DOG
How One Tiny Terrier Ruined My Sofa but Saved My Life
by Sophia Money-Coutts (Author)

A hilarious and heartfelt year following one woman and her puppy – from chaos and tears to healing and new beginnings. It’s a love story, but not as you know it.

Raising a puppy is simple: feed them, walk them, love them. Right? Wrong.

Armed with Pinterest-perfect plans and firm ideas about training, Sophia brings Dennis – a scruffy and defiant Parson terrier – into her life. But just as the puppy pads hit the floor, the rest of her world falls apart.

Suddenly single and quietly unravelling, Sophia finds herself solo parenting a tiny, gleeful agent of chaos who devours foam earplugs, destroys her shoes, and has an alarming taste for spiders. He’s also the only thing keeping her afloat.

As the months roll by in a haze of dodgy first dates, sleepless nights and meltdowns in the park, Sophia begins to make sense of it all: the grief of a life that didn’t go to plan, the weirdness of being single in your late thirties, and the surprising ways love shows up when you least expect it.
By the end of their first year together, Dennis hasn’t just wrecked the furniture ― he’s quietly rebuilt her life.

For anyone who’s ever been through shattering heartbreak, this is a story of quiet resilience, unpredictable joy, and the quiet wonder of a small body curled beside you when it matters most.

Publisher: HQ Non Fiction GB, ‎11 February 2026
Paperback, ‎ 224 pages

Price: $27.75 from www.amazon.com.au

IN KINSHIP WITH DOGS
by Silvia Jay (Author)

Silvia Jay has been dedicated to understanding and working with dogs since ‎‎1995. 

In her captivating book, "In Kinship with Dogs", she beautifully ‎explains how our inter-species paradise has been troubled and this book's ‎purpose is to change that. 

This book delves into the intricate dynamics of our ‎relationship with dogs, examining how it is, how it should be, and the parallels ‎and divergences between our species. 

The book is divided into four parts, each ‎rich with sub-chapters filled with engaging stories, real-life cases, analogies, ‎and metaphors. The content is designed to be accessible, practical, and ‎relatable, written in a way that speaks directly to the reader.‎

This book is for anyone who loves dogs and seeks to deepen their ‎understanding of our four-legged friends. Silvia Jay believes it is time for us to ‎truly become a dog's best friend, so they can be ours. If you share this ‎sentiment, "In Kinship with Dogs" will guide you toward that goal.‎

Paperback, 446 pages
Publisher: ‎Pegasus Elliot Mackenzie Publishers, Imprint: Vanguard Press, 29 January 2026

Price: $38.75 from www.booktopia.com.au

ASSISTANCE DOGS BEYOND TASKS
by Yevette Ho (Author)

Assistance Dogs Beyond Tasks is a compassionate and grounded exploration of what it truly means to live alongside an assistance dog, not just to train one.

Written from lived experience, this book looks beyond task lists, assessments, and certification checkboxes to focus on the human-dog partnership at the centre of assistance dog life. It is written for people who are owner training an assistance dog, considering whether an assistance dog may be right for them, or navigating disability with a dog outside traditional organisational pathways.

The book explores the day-to-day realities of life with an assistance dog, including relationship building, regulation, trust, communication, public access, and long-term sustainability. It acknowledges that disability is not static, training is not linear, and progress does not look the same for every handler and dog team.

Assistance Dogs Beyond Tasks speaks honestly about the emotional labour of handling, the impact of fluctuating capacity on training, and the responsibility of balancing independence with welfare. It recognises that ethical assistance dog partnerships depend on care, consent, rest, and mutual understanding for both human and dog.

Rather than presenting an idealised journey, the book reflects real-world experiences, including setbacks, pauses, reassessment, and growth. Practical insights are woven through personal reflection to support informed and compassionate decision-making around training, public access, expectations, and support.

This is not a step-by-step training manual. It is a realistic and reassuring companion for people seeking clarity, validation, and guidance while living with an assistance dog. It is equally relevant for supporters, family members, allied professionals, and community members seeking a deeper understanding of assistance dog partnerships.

This book invites readers to rethink success, independence, and support, offering a humane perspective on assistance dog partnerships and the lived experience of disability.

Paperback, ‎ 202 pages
Publisher:  Vetz Media Publishing, ‎23 January 2026

Price: $28.59 from www.booktopia.com.au

THE COMPLETE POSITIVE DOG TRAINING BLUEPRINT

by Charles Shepherd

If every walk feels like a battle of barking and lunging, you aren’t alone. Reactivity is exhausting, but it doesn't have to be your permanent reality. This blueprint offers a practical framework to help calm an anxious dog and rebuild trust through positive, fear-free methods.

Designed for busy owners, the guide focuses on manageable, 10-minute daily exercises to transform your dog's behaviour without frustration or punishment.

What’s covered:

• Identifying Triggers: Understand the root cause of your dog’s reactivity.

• Decoding Body Language: Learn to spot subtle stress cues before a meltdown occurs.

• Stress-Free Walks: Practical techniques to end pulling and barking on the lead.

• Emergency Management: Clear steps for when things go wrong in public.

• Holistic Wellbeing: Exploring how diet, exercise, and a calm home environment impact behaviour.

• Building Confidence: Simple exercises to help your dog feel secure and self-assured.

Includes five digital bonuses covering puppy preparation, potty training, and adoption essentials to support every stage of your journey.

Paperback, 125 pages
Publisher: ‎ Charles Shepherd, 8 November 2025

Price: $39.42 from www.amazon.com.au

BOOK CLUB – KIDS CORNER

VALERIE
Australia's Bravest Sausage Dog
by Lucinda Gifford (Author)

Inspired by the amazing true story of the tiny dog who captured the heart of a nation. 

Join Valerie on her unforgettable journey and discover just how far a brave little dog can go!

Living the beach life and riding the swells.
Practising backstroke and digging up shells.
Dining on oysters and fancy ice cream...
Valerie knew she was living the dream.

Suddenly, Valerie heard urgent cries.
Hastily, Valerie grabbed a disguise.
'What missing doggie? I don't think that's me...
I'm on an adventure with lots more to see!'

All over Australia and all around the world, people fell in love with Valerie - the bold-hearted Dachshund who escaped a campground on Kangaroo Island and roamed the wilderness for over 500 days before being reunited with her loving owners.

In this gloriously warm-hearted romp of a picture book, bestselling author and illustrator Lucinda Gifford has imagined Valerie's adventures and brought them to vivid and hilarious life, as she befriends dolphins, eats her fill, and explores the wilds... before finding her way safely home again.

Hardcover, 32 pages, 
Publisher: A&U Children's, Imprint: Albert Street Books, 10th February 2026
For Ages: 3 - 8 years old

Price: $10.00 from www.amazon.com.au

BITZA (Book 1)
by Andrew Daddo, Stephen Michael King (Illustrator)

A heart-warming and fabulously funny junior fiction series for girls and boys, told from the point of view of a dog looking for a new family. 

From irreverent funny man and unashamed mutt dog lover, Andrew Daddo, bestselling author of more than 50 books for younger readers, and illustrated by proven mutt dog expert, Stephen Michael King!

I’m Bitza the dog!

A bit Labrador and a bit Poodle. A bit Kelpy and Staffy and maybe even Hound. Lots of different dog bits make up the lot of me.

I’m also a bit lost.

A good dog always looks after its ball, which is why I followed Jasper and the ball thief home from the park. She was looking for a dog, I was looking for a home.

It’s perfect … unless Dad gets his way.

Paperback, 128 pages
Publisher: Penguin Australia Pty Ltd, 17th February 2026

Price: $11.72 at www.amazon.com.au

ROCKIT THE KELPIE
The Story of A little Aussie Puppy's Big Dream

by Zoe Alipour

Meet Rockit, the cheeky little Australian Kelpie with a heart full of courage and curiosity.

From the moment he opens his bright puppy eyes, Rockit dreams big. While his siblings cling close to comfort, Rockit wants adventure. And one sunny day in Sydney, his whole life changes.

A man and woman walk through the farm gate with warm smiles and open hearts. Rockit hopes they’ll notice him. When they don’t, he makes a bold move that sparks laughter, love and the start of a forever bond.

Told from Rockit’s point of view, this sweet and charming story captures the magic of choosing a family and being chosen right back. Children will love Rockit’s playful personality, his brave little leaps, and his joy at finding a place where he truly belongs.

Rockit the Kelpie is perfect for:

✔️ Kids who love dogs and animals
✔️ Parents looking for a heart-warming bedtime story
✔️ Families adopting a pet or teaching children about bonding
✔️ Fans of Australian animals and Aussie farm life

This book is the first in the Rockit Adventures series, where each story follows Rockit's journey as he grows, learns and explores the world with his loving family.

Paperback, ‎ 29 pages
Publisher:  The Story Cure Press, 19 November 2025
For Ages: 4-7 years old

Price: $14.12 at www.amazon.com.au

BLUEY: SMOOCHY KISS
by Bluey

Bluey is an award-winning preschool series airing on ABC KIDS about a Blue Heeler pup and her family.

Bluey and Bingo want Dad all to themselves. But they need to keep an eye out for Mum, who will do anything for a smoochy kiss! 

Join in this celebration of what it can mean when you truly love someone. 

✔️ A gorgeous board book for kids of all ages.

✔️ This sweet yet hilarious story makes fun gift for Valentine's Day.

Board Book, 24 pages
Publisher: Penguin Kids, Imprint: Puffin, 28 January 2026

Price: $9.99 at www.amazon.com.au

SMELLY ELLIE VALENTINE’S DAY
by Nicolene Dixon, Scott Dixon (Authors)

Valentine’s Day is here and the adorable and smart Springer Spaniel puppy, Ellie, helps her dad search for the perfect, heartfelt Valentine's Day gift for her mum.

The story follows their shopping adventure, featuring humorous moments where Dad considers odd, funny items before Ellie steers him toward a better choice: the perfect gift to make mum smile.

Paperback,‎ 44 pages
Publisher‏: ‎Independently published, 11 January 2025

Price: $18.46 at www.amazon.com.au

THE PUPPY WHO LOVED EVERYONE
by Little Scholars

Celebrate the season of love with a story that wags its way right into your heart. The Puppy Who Loved Everyone follows a joyful little pup on Valentine’s Day as he embarks on a mission to share kisses and cuddles with everyone he meets—big or small.

This isn't just a story about a cute pet; it’s a lesson in empathy. Whether someone is feeling happy or sad, the puppy stays close, asking for nothing in return but a smile. It is a sweet reminder that unconditional love truly makes the world a kinder place.

Format: A short-form picture book (10 pages) designed for quick bedtime stories or classroom "circle time".

Best For: Toddlers and early primary school readers (perfect for reading aloud).

Want to read along with your little ones? You can download a free copy of The Puppy Who Loved Everyone courtesy of Little Scholars Playground here

STOP THE BALL
by Susanne Strasser

This boisterous board book starts with a wayward shot on goal then one animal after another chases the runaway ball until it lands in the pool with a big splash and a twist ending.

Duck kicks the ball but it flies over the net—where’s it gone? BOOM into the tree, SPLAT in the puddle, DOOGA DOOGA under the bench. 

Duck runs, Owl runs, Spider runs, Dog runs—they all run after the ball. Until KERSPLASH it lands in the pool. Uh-oh, there’s a crocodile in the water. It’s too late to stop the ball! Or is it? 

Susanne Strasser’s snowballing animal stories that children love are bestsellers in multiple languages. This funny, energetic game takes an unexpected turn after the ball lands in the pool—and ends with a goal, of course.

Board Book, 24 pages
Publisher: Gecko Press, 27th January 2026
For Ages: 1 - 4 years old

Price: $16.75 from www.booktopia.com.au

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Pinterest