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Dog Lovers Book Club - May 2026

Written by Australian Dog Lover - 0 Comments
Top-down view of a woman relaxing under a tan knitted blanket, holding a cup of latte art coffee and reading an open book. A small Jack Russell puppy sits beside her on a mauve cushion, looking up at the camera.


From the hilarious chaos of a Cattle Dog who knows who’s the boss to the messy reality of navigating life and dating with a pup in tow, our top picks celebrate the humour and heart of dog ownership. We dive into the healing power of the pet-human bond and take a look at the resilient spirits of shelter dogs. Whether you need a laugh or a good cry, our selection has you covered.  It’s the ultimate May reading list for every dedicated Dog Mum.

This month’s kids’ collection turns the "Dog House" into a classroom without losing any of the fun. We’re exploring art history through a canine lens, learning the vital role of assistance dogs, and embarking on wild adventures where unlikely friendships are forged. With a focus on kindness, curiosity, and responsible pet care, these five stories are perfect for raising the next generation of compassionate dog lovers.

BARKING ORDERS

More Chaos. More Squirrels. More Problems.
by Roxy the Cattle Dog

Roxy’s Field Reports: The System Must Be Maintained

Book cover of 'Barking Orders' by Roxy the Cattle Dog. A Blue Heeler in sunglasses and a tie sits at a desk with a checklist. Subtitle: 'More Chaos. More Squirrels. More Problems.
In this second instalment of the Barking Orders series, our opinionated cattle dog returns with more field reports on the humans barely keeping up. From morning routines to defending the neighbourhood from suspicious squirrels and robot vacuums, Roxy leads with absolute authority.

Inside the Operations:

✔ Morning routines run with military precision.
✔ The full-scale investigation into missing kibble.
✔ Tactical snack acquisition and the ongoing war against the Roomba.
✔ Shifting power structures and one very questionable performance review.

Each story delivers sharp observations from a dog who is clearly the most competent member of the family. 

Start anywhere. Stay for the chaos. 
In Roxy’s world, the system must be maintained.

Missed Roxy’s first field reports? Read an exclusive excerpt from her original diary here.

Paperback, ‎130 pages
Publisher‏: ‎Independently published, 22 March 2026

Price: $13.19 from www.amazon.com.au

THE PET THERAPIST

Thoughtful and Heart-warming Stories for Pet Lovers
by Henrik Kruse 

Healing one misbehaving pet at a time.

What happens when a worn-out former therapist and a gym-addicted "animal consultant" try to fix the emotional lives of families? The Pet Therapist is a warm, insightful novel about what our pets reveal about us.

Book cover of 'The Pet Therapist' featuring a stylized illustration of a smiling man with a full beard and a blue plaid shirt. He is holding a grey tabby cat, and a happy golden retriever stands beside him. In the background is a classic teal-blue vintage car and several owls—one flying and one perched. The subtitle reads: 'Thoughtful and Heart-warming Stories for Pet Lovers' by Henrik Kruse.
Harold, an expert in human crises, seeks a calmer life. Sophie, a branding-obsessed entrepreneur who knows more about AI than animals, wants a business empire. Together, they offer psychological consultations for families struggling with their pets. 

From a Boxer mirroring a child with ADHD to a poodle belonging to a lonely woman facing illness, Harold and Sophie discover that the pets' "misbehaviour" often mirrors the emotional patterns of the humans around them.

While Sophie’s AI advice frequently goes off-track, Harold listens for the small truths beneath the surface. Blending gentle satire with touching human insight, this is a story about the way animals bind us together and the unlikely partnerships that heal us the most. 

A perfect read for anyone who believes our animals understand us better than we understand ourselves.

Kindle, 140 pages
Publisher: Henrik Kruse, 4 December 2025

Price: $8.24 on Kindle at www.amazon.com.au

DOGS, BOYS, AND OTHER THINGS I’VE CRIED ABOUT

by Isabel Klee

A deeply relatable, tender-hearted memoir for the hopeless romantics and dog-obsessed among us.

Book cover for 'Dogs, Boys and Other Things I’ve Cried About' by Isabel Klee. A vibrant green background features a stylized sketch of a yellow dog and a smaller white dog in the foreground. To the right, a small table holds two glasses of rosé wine and a single flower in a vase. In the background, simple line drawings depict the New York City skyline and a string of lights. The title is written in playful pink and white hand-lettered font.
Isabel Klee, the voice behind the popular @SimonSits and former content manager for The Dogist, moved to New York City at age 20 with a dream of a life focused on animal rescue. While navigating a whirlwind of fickle boyfriends, grand romances, and the search for belonging, Isabel found her true passion: using her platform to help foster pups find forever homes.

Through the highs and lows of her turbulent twenties, it was Simon—a fluffy puppy saved from the meat trade—who kept her grounded. Together, they built a global community of foster advocates and dog lovers.

In this winning memoir, Klee weaves together the stories of her foster dogs with the challenges of bad dates and hard decisions. It is a story of resilience and healing, leading to a happy ending not only for the rescue pups but for Isabel herself.

Paperback, 288 pages
Publisher: Little Brown, 28th April 2026

Price: $24.74 from www.amazon.com.au

FINDING HOME: SHELTER DOGS AND THEIR STORIES

by Traer Scott

Bold, serious, quirky, or lovable—the dogs in Traer Scott’s remarkable photographs regard us with dignity and an abundance of feeling.

Book cover for 'Finding Home: shelter dogs & their stories' by Traer Scott. A high-contrast, black-and-white close-up portrait of a pit bull-type dog with floppy ears and an expressive, soulful gaze. The dog's face is centered against a solid black background. The title 'FINDING HOME' is in white uppercase letters, with the subtitle 'shelter dogs & their stories' in a delicate white script below it.
Scott began photographing these subjects in 2005 while volunteering at animal shelters. Following the success of her first book, Shelter Dogs, this collection introduces a new cast of indomitable spirits. Through extended features, we get to know their personalities and follow their emotional transitions to new lives, including:

✔ Morrissey, a Pit Bull overcoming shelter-induced anxiety.

✔ Chloe, a chocolate Lab mix surrendered due to family allergies.

✔ Gabriel and Cody, retired racing Greyhounds.

✔ Bingley, a resilient dog who lost his hearing during a police raid.

The portraits in Finding Home form an eloquent plea for adoptive families and serve as a moving tribute to the resilience of dogs everywhere.

Edition: Illustrated, 96 pages
Publisher: ‎Princeton Architectural Press, 22 September 2015

Price: $29.45 at www.amazon.com.au

BOOK CLUB - KIDS CORNER


DOGS IN ART

A Canine History of Art
by Valeria Aloise, Margot Tissot (Illustrator)
“A child-friendly approach to art history, likely to spark interest in the originals and inspire gallery visits- Kirkus”
Book cover of 'Dogs in Art: A Canine History of Art' by Valeria Aloise and Margot Tissot. The cover features a grid of colorful, stylized illustrations depicting dogs in the style of famous artworks, including a 'dog-ified' version of Frida Kahlo and Grant Wood's American Gothic. An orange tabby cat guide is seen in the foreground looking up at the title, which is written in bold pink and purple font.
Calling all art and animal lovers! Join Harriet, the museum cat, on a playful tour of artwork from around the world and across time - all of which feature dogs!

✔ Over 30 artworks that all include dogs
✔ Art from many cultures, from Indigenous art to classic paintings to modern street art and sculpture
✔ Famous artists including Frida Kahlo, Banksy, Keith Haring, and Jeff Koons
✔ Colourful illustrations, fun facts, surprising stories, and a humorous feline tour guide
✔ An accessible introduction to art styles and time periods


Hardcover, 64 pages
Publisher: Helvetiq, 7th April 2026
For Ages: 6 - 10 years old

Price: $39.75 from www.booktopia.com.au

THE ADVENTURES OF THE BENMORE DOGS

by Lauren Meehan

Book cover of 'The Adventures of the Benmore Dogs' by Lauren Meehan. Set against a lush, green jungle background with tropical leaves and colorful birds, the illustration features four happy animals standing together: a black and white Border Collie, a large fluffy brown dog, a small tan Pomeranian, and a white lamb. The title is written in playful green and white 3D-style lettering.
Woody, Joey, and Sky set out on an incredible adventure where they discover their unnatural abilities and the true meaning of friendship, and what it truly means to work as a team.

The Adventures of the Benmore Dogs reveals the true fact that courageousness and helpfulness go a long way.

With her impeccable words and profound trade of storytelling. Lauren Meehan creates an interesting read for all animal lovers.

Paperback, 62 pages
Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd., 24th April 2026
For Ages: 6 - 8 years old

RRP: $18.65 from www.booktopia.com.au

WHEN YOU SEE A DOG IN A VEST

A Children's Guide to Assistance Dogs
by Fiona Kuilboer (Author), Beth Reinders (Illustrator)

When you see a dog in a vest, it's helping someone do their best!

Book cover of 'When You See a Dog in a Vest: A Children’s Guide to Assistance Dogs' by Fiona Kuilboer and Beth Reinders. A golden retriever wearing a green assistance dog vest with various patches sits in a sunny park. A smiling woman with short silver hair and glasses kneels beside the dog, gently scratching its chin. The title is in large, bold teal letters against a bright blue sky with soft clouds.
Follow Hedwig, a very special Assistance Dog, as he goes about his busy day helping his handler. From shops and buses to cafés and schoolyards, children will discover why some dogs wear vests and why it's important to let them work.

Told in gentle rhyme and filled with curiosity, kindness, and learning, this story helps young readers understand the important work Assistance Dogs do - and how they help people live safely and confidently every day.

Perfect for early readers, classrooms and families, this heart-warming story reminds us that sometimes the cutest heroes have four paws.

Paperback, 26 pages
Publisher: Fiona Kuilboer, ‎ 4 April 2026
For Ages: 4-8 years old

Price: $14.29 at www.booktopia.com.au  

WHAT DO ALL DOGS NEED TO DRINK?

by Robin Lapre, Illustrated by Zoe Saunders

What do all dogs need to drink? There's much more to it than you think! Children are at a great age to learn about the basic needs of dogs and other living things. 

Book cover of 'What Do All Dogs Need to Drink?' by Robin Lapre. The illustration shows a variety of dogs in a sunny meadow trying to drink different beverages: a Shar-Pei with a soda bottle, a Husky with a purple can, and a Border Collie with a juice box. A large splash of blue water forms the background for the title, while a garden hose sprays water into the air. Illustrations by Zoe Saunders.
With adorable illustrations and a catchy rhythm, What Do All Dogs Need to Drink? teaches kids the importance of clean drinking water. 

Silly at times, this story also weaves in other aspects of responsible pet care, including bringing dogs in when it's freezing cold and making safe choices for our pets.

There are even discussion questions and answers that turn this fun story into a full lesson on responsible pet care. If you've got young readers who are thirsty for knowledge, then here's an entertaining book that explains the importance of water in a kid-friendly way. 

Fun rhymes and messages for ages 4-7 and beyond!

Paperback, 34 pages
Publisher: ‎Robin Lapre, 13th March 2026
For Ages: 4 - 7 years old

Price: $15.68 from www.amazon.com.au

SALLY DECIDES

by Debbie Sheridan (Author)

Book cover of 'Sally Decides' by Debbie Sheridan. A happy, speckled tricolour dog with its tongue out is lying in lush green grass dotted with small white flowers. A pink leash curves across the grass. The title 'Sally Decides' is written in bright pink playful font at the top, and the subtitle at the bottom reads 'Kindness always for the win!' in dark pink script.
This 24-page picture book introduces children (ages 3–9) to the concept of "canine agency"—the idea that dogs have feelings and the right to make choices. 

Through Sally’s daily life, young readers learn to "listen" to a dog’s body language and respect their boundaries, moving beyond traditional obedience toward a relationship built on mutual consent.

Ideal for families and educators, it serves as a vital tool for fostering empathy and animal welfare. By focusing on kindness and respect, Sheridan demonstrates that the strongest bond between a child and a pet is one where the dog’s voice is truly heard.

Paperback, ‎ 24 pages
Publisher: Independently published, ‎3 August 2025
For Ages: ‎ 3 - 9 years old

Price: $24.92 from www.amazon.com.au
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