Chewy Louie
Written by Howie Schneider
Recommended for ages 2 and up

Almost immediately upon being brought home, puppy Louie sinks his teeth into everything from toy trains to the dining-room table. Louie's energy and escapades make for a fun and funny tale. Themes of responsible pet ownership and dog behaviors are discussed.

Duncan and Dolores
Written and illustrated by Barbara Samuels
Recommended for ages 2 and up

Even though Dolores is only four years old and quite a handful herself, she really wants a cat. When she and her sister adopt Duncan, who is also four years old, Dolores learns that making friends with a cat requires patience and that the rewards of a cat’s company are worth the wait. Themes of responsible pet ownership and developing a relationship with a cat through patience and trust are discussed.

Part of the  Humane Education Ambassador Reader  program.

Nico & Lola
Written by Meggan Hill, photography by Susan M. Graunke
Recommended for ages 2 and up

This is the story of a little boy who takes on the great responsibility of caring for his aunt’s Pug named Lola. Beautiful and touching photographs fill each page and tell a tale of how the boy learns to be “so kind” to Lola and give her everything she needs to be healthy and happy. This book would be a great way to introduce young children to the responsibilities involved in caring for an animal. Themes of responsible pet ownership are discussed.

A Home for Nathan
Written by Claudia Roll, illustrated by Finn Rizer
Recommended for ages 3 and up

Follows the story of a cross-eyed kitten who is adopted by a shelter volunteer and goes on to teach kids about responsible pet ownership and the value of caring. 
Topics included in this book are responsible pet ownership, therapy cats and the purpose of an animal shelter are discussed.

Part of the Humane Education Ambassador Reader program.

Recommended for ages 3 and up

This is a gentle story of a young boy who wonders what his loving dog’s life was like before he was adopted from a shelter. Colorful illustrations bring this book to life. Themes of kindness, animal adoption, curiosity and friendship are discussed.

Ginger is a lucky cat who loves his basket, his little girl and his delicious meals. When the little girl brings a kitten home as a friend for Ginger, the older cat is not happy about sharing his bowl and basket. Ginger hides in protest, letting the girl know that certain steps must be followed for a settled cat to adjust to life with a frisky kitten. Themes of bringing a new animal home, respecting an animals feelings, responsible pet ownership and patience are discussed.

Ginger Finds a Home
Written and illustrated by Charlotte Voake
Recommended for ages 3 and up

In this story, a heartwarming friendship grows between a little girl and a stray cat she later names Ginger.  In his previous life, Ginger foraged for food wherever and whenever he could, and slept in a patch of weeds.  As Ginger learns to trust the little girl, he quickly adjusts to his new life as her companion. Themes of trust and patience in developing a relationship with a cat are discussed.

Part of the  Humane Education Ambassador Reader  program.

Little Flower
Written by Gloria Rand, illustrated by R.W. Alley
Recommended for ages 3 and up

Little Flower is a potbellied pig who lives with an older woman named Miss Pearl. One day Miss Pearl falls and only Little Flower is around to help. Find out how Little Flower comes to Miss Pearl’s rescue in this delightful story, and watch how Miss Pearl’s neighbors change their perception of the little pig after she helps Miss Pearl. Friendship, kindness and what to do in an emergency situation are all themes this book brings alive for readers.

Freckles and Willie
Written by Margery Cuyler, illustrated by Marsha Winborn
Recommended for ages 4 and up

Freckles and Willie are best buddies until a new neighbor moves in and Willie neglects his four-legged friend. How will Willie show Freckles that he still cares? The story shows the enduring nature of the bond between a person and a dog. Themes of friendship and apologizing are discussed.

Part of the  Humane Education Ambassador Reader   program.

Following the death of her cat, Kate is lonesome for a new pet. The family goes to the local animal rescue center for a puppy, and falls for a large, older dog in the process. The book extols both the reasons to adopt from a shelter and the rewards of giving an adult dog a second chance.

Part of the Humane Education Ambassador Reader program.

Max Talks to Me
Written by Claire Buchwald, illustrated by Karen Ritz
Recommended for ages 4 and up

Alex and his dog Max are true friends-the kind that share each other's excitement, comfort each other when they are sad, wait together when parents are away, and have fun wherever they are. By observing and listening to his dog, by sharing good times and bad, Alex and Max are earning each other's love and devotion. Parents will appreciate the information about the dog-child bond that they will find at the end of Max Talks to Me. Children will want to share Max and Alex's adventures and friendship over and over as they read the gentle, engaging story and look at the beautiful illustrations. Themes include communication with a dog, dog body language and behaviors, responsible pet ownership and the animal-people bond are discussed.

Part of the  Humane Education Ambassador Reader  program.

My Cat Copies Me
Written and illustrated by Yoon-duck Kwon 
Recommended for ages 4 and up

My Cat Copies Me is an entertaining story illustrating the bond between a young girl and her cat. The cat becomes a source of inspiration and adventure for the girl, while they both provide companionship for and listen to each other. The book features simple storytelling with colorful illustrations. Listening to a cat and friendship are themes discussed in this book.

Written by Susan Katz, illustrated by Stacey Schuett
Recommended for ages 4 and up

Told with an engaging series of poems that tie together to form a plot, Oh, Theodore! is the touching story of the relationship between a boy and his guinea pig. As the boy patiently learns about Theodore's needs through trial and error, a definite bond forms between the two. Fun, colorful and realistic illustrations are abundant throughout.

Patience and guinea pig behaviors are themes discussed in this book.

Part of the  Humane Education Ambassador Reader   program.

So, What's it Like to be a Cat?
Written by Karla Kuskin, illustrated by Betsy Lewin
Recommended for ages 4 and up

What is it like to be a cat? A curious boy interviews his gray cat in a playful rhyming story of the similarities and differences between cats and people. The story shows that the first step in taking care of a cat is taking the time to observe and listen to learn the cat’s likes and dislikes. Themes of listening to a cat and responsible pet ownership are discussed.

Part of the  Humane Education Ambassador Reader  program

Lucky Boy
Written by Susan Boase
Recommended for ages 5 and up

Boy, a small, brown and "kind of stinky" dog, is neglected and bored in his backyard. Mr. Miller is recently widowed and struggling with his loss. One night Boy digs his way under the fence, and when Mr. Miller discovers him in his yard the following morning, it's love at first sight. Themes of neglect and then friendship are discussed in this book.

Part of the  Humane Education Ambassador Reader  program.

Mrs. Crump's Cat
Written by Linda Smith, illustrated by David Roberts
Recommended for ages 5 and up

When Mrs. Crump finds a yellow cat on her porch step, she tells the cat to “shoo." She leaves the door ajar, however, and the cat slips into her home and into her life. As Mrs. Crump learns to care for the cat’s needs, she comes to appreciate the cat’s companionship as well. “Before you know it, you’ll be…wondering how you ever got along without [the cat],” Mrs. Crump’s new friend Mr. Henry says. Through colorful, playful illustrations, the story shows how cats make good company. Themes of stray animals, responsible pet ownership and how animals can affect people’s attitudes are discussed.

Part of the  Humane Education Ambassador Reader   program.

Although he insists he is “not afraid of anything” Daniel avoids dogs. What happens when Daniel comes home to find his mom has agreed to pet sit for Bandit? After hiding from the small brown-and-white dog all day, he encounters her alone at night cowering from the noise of a thunderstorm. When Daniel sees the dog’s fear his own dissolves; he provides her cuddles. In the course of the story Daniel moves from angry and fearful to kind and open-hearted. Overcoming fears and helping animals are themes discussed in this book.

A Very Unusual Dog
Written by Dorothy Joan Harris, illustrated by Kim LaFave
Recommended for ages 6 and up

Jonathan's dog is imaginary, but he still takes good care of him, providing food, walks, affection and a comfortable place to sleep. Jonathan’s grandmother shows him a photo of a cat she once loved and tells him her current apartment does not allow pets. To ease her loneliness, Jonathan gives “Dog” to her and tells her how to care for him. The story shows the power of love and memory, and how animals – even imaginary ones – can provide companionship. Themes of companionship and responsible pet ownership are discussed.

Happy in a new home, Buddy tells the story of his former life of neglect, abuse, and finally, rescue, to live a good life with a family that cares about him. Information is included for parents and other adults about resources they can readily contact when they encounter a dog being abused. Themes of animal abuse and neglect and responsible pet ownership are discussed.

Part of the Humane Education Ambassador Reader program.

(Listen to an audio clip of a Humane Education Ambassador Reader volunteer reading this story or read the transcript.)

Orville: A Dog Story
Written by Haven Kimmel, illustrated by Robert Andrew Parker
Recommended for ages 6 and up

Orville spends all of his days chained in the yard and barking to tell the world how unhappy he is. But when Sally moves in across the street, Orville finds himself getting a second chance at life. Themes of stray animals, dog chaining, how dogs react to different people, and companionship are discussed.

Part of the Humane Education Ambassador Reader program.

Pole Dog
Written by Tres Seymour, illustrated by David Soman
Recommended for ages 6 and up

How does a dog become a “Pole Dog?"  This story follows the life of an older dog in the days after he is left by a pole along the highway until he is spotted by a family driving by. How the dog survives alone and how he feels are poignant themes in this realistic portrayal of the life of an abandoned dog. This book is a reminder of a dog’s unwavering desire for security. Themes of abandoning an animal and a animals need for security are discussed. 

Told from a dog named Belle’s perspective, this chapter book is about a young dog who is mistreated by her first owners and finds herself in a loving home with people who understand and care for animals. Find out how Belle learns to trust new people and even saves a little girl because of the bond between them. This book offers young readers a glimpse of what dogs might be feeling and thinking in various situations. Themes of animal cruelty, abuse, trust and friendship are discussed. Belle’s Star has been nominated for a New Mexico Book Award. Themes of animal abandonment and friendship are discussed.

Second Chance: How Adoption Saved a Boy with Autism & His Shelter Dog
Written by Sandra J. Gerencher, illustrated by Virginia Cody
Recommended for ages 7 and up

Find out how this shelter dog adjusts to his new home and what happens when he befriends a young boy with autism. This book invites the reader to explore the transition into a new environment from the dog’s perspective. The book is filled with softly blended watercolor photos. Themes of adoption, unconditional love and friendship are discussed.

The Very Best of Friends
Written by Margaret Wild
Recommended for ages 7 and up

When James died suddenly, his wife Jessie, in her grief, shuts her husband's cat, William, out of her life. But eventually Jessie opens herself up to William and tries to win his trust and affection.Themes of grieving and an underlying theme that all friendships need careful tending and generous amounts of love.

A Day, a Dog
Written by Gabrielle Vincent
Recommended for ages 7 and up

of an abandoned dog. In remarkable black-and-white pencil drawings, the artist shows us the dog being heedlessly thrown out of a car, chasing after it fruitlessly and giving up, at last, unwittingly causing a major highway accident. Reviewers have described it as "a powerful documentary in picture-book form" and "a passionate condemnation of cruelty to animals and a work of art that shouldn't be missed." Themes of abandonment and animal cruelty are discussed.

Hachiko Waits
Written by Leslea Newman, illustrated by Machiyo Kodaira
Recommended for ages 8 and up

This short chapter book supplemented by black-and-white illustrations tells the story of Hachiko, a dog who waits faithfully at the train station for his person to return, not knowing he has died. The station master and commuters step in to help care for Hachiko as he prefers the station to another home. Strangers donate funds to create a statue in his honor after the dog’s own death. The story shows how a bond develops when a person respects and understands a dog, and how much a dog in the community affects everyone who comes in contact with him. The book is based on a true story and includes an author’s note and a glossary of Japanese words.

Themes of the close bond between one dog and his human companion, friendship, death and community involvement are discussed.

The MAGIC SQUAD and the Dog of Great Potential
Written by Mary Quattlebaum
Recommended for ages 8 and up

Calvin is a underachiever who is content to be average ... until the day he visits the local shelter and falls in love with a huge, friendly mutt with "great potential" named Train. Calvin's quest to train Train and find him a good home mirrors his own personal struggle to realize his own potential. Themes of self reflection and animal shelters and volunteers attempts to train dogs to help their chances of being adopted are discussed.

Phantom Stallion: The Wild One
Written by Terri Farley
Recommended for ages 8 and up

Sam moves from the city to live on her Dad’s ranch in Nevada where she encounters a mysterious mustang. Through Sam, readers learn about domesticated and wild horses and the difficult choices to be made for their care. They experience the strength of friendships among horses and people and the respect these friendships call for. This book is the first of a series. Themes of friendship and respect for domestic and wild horse are discussed.

Stealing Thunder
Written by Mary Casanova
Recommended for ages 8 and up

Libby has always wanted a horse of her own, and caring for her neighbor’s horse is the next best thing. When she discovers Thunder is being abused, Libby knows she has to rescue him, no matter what the risk! In this exciting adventure, Libby finds her own voice as she stands up for what she believes in a world of adults who think they know best. Themes of animal abuse and the human animal bond are discussed.

Straydog
Written by Kathe Koja
Recommended for ages 8 and up

High school misfit Rachel is content just volunteering at the local animal shelter and writing stories, until she meets a feral collie who inspires her to build relationships and confront her own emotions. Themes of volunteering, stray animals and relationship building are discussed.

Beautiful Joe a Dog’s Own Story
Written by Marshall Saunders
Recommended for ages 9 and up

This is a sweet story of a dog who has his tail and ears cut off by a dog abuser but ends up in a wonderful and loving home with a family who takes great care of him. The beginning of this book is quite violent and could frighten young readers, but the story does have a happy ending. This book highlights the treatment of animals and the power of a loving family.

Forever Dog
Written by Bill Cochran, illustrated by Dan Andreasen
Recommended for ages 3 and up

A young boy named Mike works his way through the grieving process after his beloved dog Cory passes away. This book can help children understand the death of a pet and the feelings that often surround this experience. Soft illustrations bring the character’s emotions to life. It is probably a good idea to have a box of tissue handy when you read this book. Themes of friendship and pet loss are discussed.

Desser the Best Ever Cat
Written by Maggie Smith
Recommended for ages 3 and up

A touching story of Desser the cat, who comes to live with a man as a kitten, grows up as the man matures. Desser bonds with the man’s daughter, watching over her as a baby, playing with her as a young child, then one day Desser gets sick and dies. Themes of pet loss and the human-animal bond are discussed.

Goodbye Mousie
Written by Robie H. Harris, illustrated by Jan Ormerod
Recommended for ages 3 and up

When a young boy’s pet mouse dies, he is in disbelief, then angry and sad. The boy’s family helps the young boy understand that Mousie is not alive anymore and together the boy and his family bury Mousie in the back yard. The young boy begins to accept Mousie’s death and expresses his emotions surrounding the death of his pet. Pet loss and grief are themes discussed in this story. 

The Tenth Good Thing About Barney
Written by Judith Viorst, illustrated by Erik Blegvad
Recommended for ages 4 and up

A young boy deals with his beloved cat Barney’s death. His family has a funeral and buries Barney in the garden. The boy thinks of nine good things he remembers about Barney. Where is Barney now, cat heaven or the ground? The boy asks his father. The boy’s father takes him out to garden and plant flowers and explains that Barney is now helping the flowers grow. Find out what the boy thinks the tenth good thing about Barney is in this touching story. Pet loss is the overall theme of this book.

Goose's Story
Written by Cari Best and illustrated by Holly Meade
Recommended for ages 3 and up

This colorful true tale is about a goose who has lost a foot and has to learn to balance, eat, swim and fly with only one foot. The goose learns to adapt to this challenge with the help of some supportive and compassionate humans and one understanding dog named Henry. Find out what else this goose can do by reading this remarkable story. Overcoming obstacles, seasons, animal behaviors and kindness are themes discussed in this book.

Owl Moon
Written by Jane Yolen, illustrated by John Schoenherr 
Recommended for ages 3 and up

Owl Moon is a charming story about owling -- or owl watching. One cold winter night, a father takes his daughter to search for the great horned owl. Follow the young girl as she learns owl behaviors and the respect for this majestic creature, as well as the importance of not disturbing nature. Beautiful wintery pictures fill this book.

Hey Little Ant
Written by Phillip and Hannah Hoose, illustrated by Debbie Tilley
Recommended for ages 4 and up

When a boy is about to squish an ant he stops and asks the ant if he can hear him, and the ant begs him not to squish him because he has nest mates and is needed. The ant asks the boy to take his perspective: “If you were me and I were you, what would you want me to do?” The story ends with the boy’s foot still up and the question is posed to the reader: “What do you think the kid should do?” This book can be a good conversation starter for parents and teachers to start children thinking about other’s perspectives.

Respect for wild life themes are suggested. Hey, Little Ant has been added to this list, despite the anthropomorphic ways the ant is depicted, because of its capacity to promote perspective taking and critical thinking.

How to Heal a Broken Wing
Written by Bob Graham
Recommended for ages 4 and up

When a bird flies into a building and breaks his wing, no one notices except a young boy named Will. Will cares for the bird with the help of his mom and dad. With rest, time and hope the bird’s wing heals and he flies away. There are very few words in this book and the story is largely told by the many bright illustrations. Themes of caring for wild life is discussed.

Caution should be taken when reading this book with a child. Most people do not have the proper knowledge and skills to handle the care of wildlife on their own. United Animal Nations (UAN) does not recommend attempting to rehabilitate birds on your own as this books suggests. Instead, UAN recommend contacting your local Fish and Wildlife office and bringing the animals to a wildlife care center.

Night Rabbits
Written by Lee Posey, illustrated by Michael G. Montgomery
Recommended for ages 4 and up

When a young girl and her father visit their cabin and discover that rabbits are eating the lawn that the father had tended to all year long, the young girl creatively decides to put lettuce out for the rabbits so they will not eat the grass and so that the “rabbits can dance on the lawn that belongs to them, to my father and me.” Visual imagery helps the reader see this story and appreciate the rabbits. Themes of respect and coexisting with wildlife are suggested.

Sparrow Girl
Written by Sara Dennypacker, illustrated by Yoko Tanaka
Recommended for age 5 and up

A plan is hatched to get rid of all of the sparrows in China because they are eating all of the grain. But what happens when all of the sparrows are gone? This is a heartbreaking story of a little girl who enlists the help of her older brother to save as many sparrows that they can. This book reminds us of the delicate balance between all living things. Wild life, the food chain and death are themes discussed in this book.

Tenzin’s Deer: A Tibetan Tale
Written by Barbara Soros, illustrated by Danuta Mayer
Recommended for ages 5 and up

“This is a story of the power of compassion…” A wise young Tibetan boy finds a young deer who has been struck by an arrow. The boy helps the deer and listens to his intuition and his dreams to help guide the deer’s care and healing. A friendship between the boy and the deer develop and then the boy shows that he loves the deer enough to allow her to return to the wild. Themes of friendship and respect for wild life are discussed.