Snuggle Up, Sleepy Ones
by Claire Freedman
Ages: 1 – 4
It’s nighttime in the jungle and all the baby animals are settling down as they get ready to go to sleep. This beautifully illustrated tale told in rhyme cultivates appreciation for wild animals.
Issues Covered: Wildlife
Animal Rescue
by Patrick George
Ages: 3 – 5
Becoming a rescue hero for animals is as simple as turning a transparent page in this book for young readers. Children are gently introduced to animal welfare concepts, and the wordless format allows the reader to provide age-appropriate narration.
Issues Covered: Animal Rescue, Captive Animals, Wildlife
Caleb’s Kittens
by Katie Nagy
Ages: 3 – 5
Seven-year-old Caleb may be small, but he has a big mission in life: to find homes for as many homeless kittens as he can! Caleb loves to use his “superpower” to help these friends in need, but what happens when one of those kittens goes missing? Join Caleb and his family on the search for a lost little kitten named Scottie and learn how you can use your special talents, or “superpowers“ to make a big difference in the world!
Issues Covered: Animal Rescue, Companion Animal Adoption, Companion Animal Overpopulation
A Home for Dakota
by Jan Zita Grover
Ages: 3 – 7
Dog No. 241 lives in a crate in a cold, dark barn in a puppy mill breeding operation. One night, rescuers arrive and take her and the other dogs away to lead new and happier lives. Soon, despite her fears, she finds herself in a warm, secure foster home, being bathed and groomed and loved. Eventually renamed Dakota, she is ready for adoption. Not only does she find a forever loving home where she can continue to recover, but Dakota helps someone else to recover too.
Issues Covered: Animal Cruelty, Animal Rescue, Companion Animal Adoption
The Forgotten Rabbit
by Nancy Furstinger
Ages: 3 – 7
A baby rabbit is chosen as an Easter present, but is soon forgotten by the family’s children as they pursue other activities. Her cage is moved outside, and she is rarely tended. As winter comes, she grows weak with hunger and curls into herself to disappear. Then, one night, a girl called Rosalita takes her out of her cage, telling her that she has a new home, one in which she will never again be forgotten. Enjoying love, care, and a new name—Bella—she takes to the fun of agility lessons.
Issues Covered: Animal Neglect, Companion Animal Care
Chickpea Runs Away
by Sarat Colling
Ages: 4 – 6
Chickpea the cow lives in an overcrowded barn on a large farm. She watches as her friends and family are taken away and never return. One day, the farmer leads Chickpea and all the rest of the cows outdoors to a scary-looking truck, and Chickpea knows she shouldn’t go. She leaps the fence and escapes into the woods. For the first time ever, Chickpea discovers the world outside the farm and, thanks to some delicious plant-based pie, she makes new friends who welcome her with loving hearts.
Issues Covered: Farm Animals, Veganism
Dave Loves Chickens
by Carlos Patino
Ages: 4 – 6
Dave is a quirky monster from another planet who knows all sorts of fun and interesting facts about animals. Dave simply loves the chickens on Earth and encourages others to appreciate them and not eat them!
Issues Covered: Farm Animals, Veganism
A Boy and a Jaguar
by Alan Rabinowitz
Ages: 4 – 7
Alan loves animals, but the great cat house at the Bronx Zoo makes him sad. Why are they all alone in empty cages? Are they being punished? More than anything, he wants to be their champion–their voice–but he stutters uncontrollably. Except when he talks to animals…then he is fluent. Follow this autobiographical picture book as Alan searches for his voice and fulfills his promise to speak up for animals, and people.
Issues Covered: Captive Animals, Wildlife, Respect for All
Pablo Puppy’s Search for the Perfect Person
by Sheila Hamanaka
Ages: 4 – 7
Everyone wants to find the perfect dog for their family. Now, meet Pablo Puppy who is searching for the perfect person! He turns to Natasha, a wise old shelter dog who gives Pablo a few pointers. Natasha talks to Pablo about what to look for in a person, and it is not based on what the person looks like, the language they speak, or their physical abilities, but the love and care they will provide. It is a tribute to the special relationship between young and old, and offers a happy ending for both Pablo and Natasha.
Issues Covered: Animal Rescue, Companion Animal Adoption, Companion Animal Care
Tails Are Not for Pulling
by Elizabeth Verdick
Ages: 4 – 7
If pets could talk, what would they say? Maybe “Fur is for petting, backs are for scratching, noses are for nuzzling . . . and tails are not for pulling!” Children and animal companions belong together, but it is important for early learners to understand how to touch animal companions in safe and respectful ways. This book explores the basics of kindness by describing appropriate human and animal companion interactions.
Issues Covered: Companion Animal Care
Tiffany Rolls On
by Stephanie Itle-Clark
Ages 4 and up
Tiffany begins her life in a puppy mill and lives in poor conditions, but is rescued by an animal protection organization. After her rescue, Tiffany struggles to play like the other dogs due to her injuries and weak legs. With the help of her foster mom, Ashley, Tiffany gains strength in both body and spirit while she waits for her adoptive family. Tiffany discovers independence and positivity when she gets a wheelchair that gives her the ability to run and play.
Issues Covered: Animal Adoption, Animal Rescue, Companion Animal Care, Disabilities, Puppy Mills
May I Pet Your Dog?
by Stephanie Calmenson
Ages: 4 – 8
Issues Covered: Companion Animal Care
Before You Were Mine
by Maribeth Boelts
Ages: 4 – 8
A little boy imagines what life was like for his new dog before he adopted him from a shelter. Maybe he had a boy who loved him, but the family had to move and couldn’t keep him. Maybe he belonged to someone who didn’t appreciate how mischievous puppies can be. Maybe he was treated badly, and now he can be shown all the love he’s been missing. This boy wonders about all of these things, but maybe they don’t matter. Because now, his dog is home.
Issues Covered: Animal Shelters, Animal Neglect
Call the Horse Lucky
by Juanita Havill
Ages: 5 – 6
While visiting her grandmother in the country, Mel discovers a neglected horse. Moved by the sight of the thin pinto with sad, glazed eyes and eager to help him, Mel starts a rescue process that results in the horse being moved to a rescue ranch. At the rescue ranch, Mel learns about horse care, and continues to bond with the horse she has named Lucky.
Issues Covered: Animal Neglect, Animal Rescue, Companion Animal Care
Are You Ready for Me?
by Claire Buchwald and Amelia Hansen
Ages: 5 – 9
Getting a dog can be a wonderful moment in a family’s life—or the beginning of a bad situation for everyone. In Are You Ready for Me?, engaging text and colorful pictures show two children at an animal adoption center, trying to decide if they are prepared to care for a dog for its entire life. There’s a contract at the end of the book for parents and kids to check off. An online kit is available to those who want more information about living with a dog.
Issues Covered: Companion Animal Care
Max Talks to Me
by Claire Buchwald and Karen Ritz
Ages: 5 – 7
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. Alex is learning that every good relationship is a two-way street. By observing and listening to his dog, by sharing good times and bad, he and Max are earning each other’s love and devotion. Parents will appreciate the information about animal communication and 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.
Issues Covered: Human/Animal Bond, Companion Animal Care
“Let’s Get a Pup!” Said Kate
by Bob Graham
Ages: 5 – 7
There are lots of dogs of all shapes and sizes at the animal shelter. But Kate and her mom and dad know they want Dave the moment they see him. He’s small and cute and a perfect fit for the end of Kate’s bed. But then they see Rosy, who is old and gray and broad as a table. How can they take home just one dog when there are so many wonderful animals who need a home? Bob Graham creates an original, endearing family in a touching story that will appeal to animal lovers everywhere.Companion Animal Overpopulation, Companion Animal Adoption
Issues Covered: Companion Animal Overpopulation, Companion Animal Adoption
The Chimpanzees I Love: Saving Their World And Ours
by Jane Goodall
Ages: 5 – 8
As a child, Jane Goodall dreamed of living with the wild animals of Africa. As a young woman, she amazed the world with her groundbreaking discoveries about chimpanzees, which she documented in her acclaimed National Geographic television specials. Ever since, Dr. Goodall has campaigned unceasingly for the protection of the chimpanzee now an endangered species. This moving, personal account will inspire readers of all ages to join in her vital work.
Issues Covered: Endangered Species, Activism, Wildlife
If You Were My Baby: A Wildlife Lullaby
by Fran Hodgkins
Ages: 5 – 8
A sweet-dream bedtime book for nature lovers! The children in your life will learn about animals in nature, and fall asleep knowing that they, along with animal babies, are loved and secure.
Issues Covered: Wildlife
Lucky Pigs
by Susan Rooker
Ages 5 – 8
Listen as Nikki retells her piglets’ favorite bedtime story. It is the story of how she escaped a factory farm, give birth to piglets on a “mound of dry ground” and how they came to live in peace at Farm Sanctuary, Watkins Glen, NY. In the end, Nikki does not know if her piglets believe that the story she tells is true. She doesn’t mind. She knows they will live long and happy at Farm Sanctuary. More of us are becoming aware of from where our food comes and how the animals involved are treated. This story can open discussions for older children or can be read as a simpler story for younger children.
Issues Covered: Farm Animals
The Bravest Cat: The True Story of Scarlet
by Laura Driscoll
Ages 5 – 8
Here’s the heartwarming, true story of the cat who risked her life to save her five kittens from a burning building. Written for very young readers, The Bravest Cat! follows the feline family’s recovery and their eventual adoptions into loving homes.
Issues Covered: Companion animals, Animal Heroes
Tarra and Bella: The Elephant and Dog Who Became Best Friends
by Carol Buckley
Ages: 5 – 10
Best friends come in all shapes and sizes! After retiring from the circus, Tarra became the first resident of the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee. When other elephants moved in and developed close friendships, only Tarra remained independent? until the day she met a stray mixed-breed dog named Bella. It was love at first sight as this unlikely duo became inseparable. They ate together, slept together, and even understood each other?s language. And when Bella suffered a severe spinal injury, Tarra stayed by her side and was there for her until Bella regained her health. Brilliant color photographs of Tarra and Bella at home in the Elephant Sanctuary deftly illustrate this inspiring story of companionship, and an informative note about the Sanctuary provides a great resource for parents and teachers.
Issues Covered: Animal Emotions
Buddy Unchained
by Daisy Bix and Joe Hyatt
Ages: 5 – 10
What is life like, day after day, for a dog kept outdoors in all weather on a chain or a rope, alone all day—a dog whose owners, for the most part, forget that he’s alive? Buddy, a lovable mixed-breed dog, has had such an existence. 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.
Issues Covered: Animal Neglect, Animal Adoption, Animal Abuse
Maggie’s Second Chance
by Nancy Furstinger and Joe Hyatt
Ages: 5 – 10
In a compelling story, movingly illustrated, the issue of animal abandonment is brought to life. Maggie, a pregnant lab mix, is left behind in her people’s deserted house. Discovered by the realtor, Maggie is brought to the pound where her puppies are born. When Jeff, a fourth-grader, reads a newspaper story about Maggie’s puppies being adopted while Maggie is not, he learns from his teacher that Maggie will be euthanized if no one adopts her. This knowledge galvanizes Jeff and his classmates to successfully plan and petition their town council to build an animal shelter. Maggie is given her second chance—taken to the new town shelter, where she is eventually adopted. Maggie’s Second Chance is based on the true story of Texas fourth-graders who founded an animal shelter in their town. The final page offers factual comprehensive information on how to help abandoned dogs.
Issues Covered: Companion Animal Overpopulation, Companion Animal Adoption, Activism
Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving
by Dav Pilkey
Ages: 5 – 10
The incomparable Dav Pilkey adapts Clement Moore’s classic Christmas poem to tell his wacky Thanksgiving tale. The day before Thanksgiving, eight boys and girls take a field trip to a turkey farm. They have fun playing with eight exuberant turkeys but are shocked to learn that Farmer Mack Nuggett plans to kill all the turkeys for Thanksgiving dinners. So the children decide to smuggle all the turkeys home, and all their Thanksgiving dinners become vegetarian this year. The turkeys’ lives are saved!
Issues Covered: Farm Animals, Activism, Vegetarianism
The Great Kapok Tree
by Lynne Cherry
Ages: 5 – 10
One day, a man exhausts himself trying to chop down a giant kapok tree. While he sleeps, the forest’s residents, including a child from the Yanomamo tribe, whisper in his ear about the importance of trees and how “all living things depend on one another” . . . and it works. Cherry’s lovingly rendered colored pencil and watercolor drawings of all the “wondrous and rare animals” evoke the lush rain forests, as well as stunning world maps bordered by tree porcupines, emerald tree boas, and dozens more fascinating creatures.
Issues Covered: Deforestation, Habitat Destruction
Senna Helps the Sea Lions (And You Can Too!)
by Megan Pincus Kajitani
Ages: 5 – 10
This is a true story of a seven-year-old girl who encountered a crisis in her beach community and decided to do something about it. Find out how Senna helped the California Sea Lion pups, and what YOU can do every day to help them, too — no matter where you live! Get inspired by Senna’s story to find your OWN passion for making a difference. All profits from this book go to marine mammal rescue and humane education for kids! Illustrations include friendly cartoons and photos of real sea lion pups at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center.
Issues Covered: Activism, Marine Life
The Kind Garden
by Scott Reeve
Ages 4 – 7
Join young Mya as she takes an unexpected journey into The Kind Garden accompanied by a surprising animal guide who introduces her to the Happy Fruit, Noble Tree and much more! What wonderful things does she learn during her travels? Does she actually go on this adventure or is it only a dream? We hope children and families everywhere enjoy this fun adventure and learn the value of life too.
Issues Covered: Animal Compassion, Veganism, Organic Gardening
Junebug: No Life Too Small
by Nicole Daniels
Ages 5 – 6
June helps her friends see that we should not harm anyone, even the smallest of beings. She demonstrates kind and gentle actions we can take to keep bugs and little critters out of harm’s way.
Issues Covered: Animal Protection, Respect, Taking Action
How The Little Fox Saved Her Coat
by Rosa Close
Ages: 5 – 10
It is a children’s story about a little fox that went to town to meet the little children in the school playground to tell her story. She was met with love and affection, and the little children promised to protect her as well as all the other furry critters in the forest. It was the beginning of a long lasting friendship. The book is written bilingually in several languages.
Issues Covered: Wildlife
It’s Raining Pups and Dogs!
by Jeanne Prevost and Amelia Hansen
Ages: 5 – 10
Lauren is angry with her father for having their dog Scout spayed, dashing her hopes of having the fun of raising puppies. To show Lauren why they made the decision not to breed Scout, Lauren’s dad takes her to visit a large animal shelter. Seeing the hundreds of dogs waiting for rescue, many with little hope of finding a home, Lauren comes to understand why they spayed Scout: there are too many dogs and too few homes for them. The realistic, captivating art features shelter dogs. The final page of the book offers information for parents and other adults about pet overpopulation and the importance of spaying and neutering.
Issues Covered: Companion Animal Overpopulation, Companion Animal Adoption
Lost In The Woods: A Photographic Fantasy
by Carl R. Sams II and Jean Stoick
Ages: 6 – 8
A beautiful springtime fantasy from the creators of the best-selling Stranger in the Woods. This New York Times bestseller is a quiet story about trust and patience. Nature lovers of all ages will appreciate the amazing photography and gentle words which weave a tale about a young fawn waiting for her mother’s return. From a red-winged blackbird to a hissing goose,woodland creatures keep watch over a young fawn they believe is lost in the woods. But the book also delivers a message: most fawns found alone in the woods are not lost or abandoned. In fact, newborn fawns spend their first weeks without mom because her scent will attract predators to her young.
Issues Covered: Wildlife, Animal Emotions
And Tango Makes Three
by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
Ages: 6 – 10
And Tango Makes Three is the bestselling, heartwarming true story of two penguins who create a nontraditional family. At the penguin house at the Central Park Zoo, two penguins named Roy and Silo were a little bit different from the others. But their desire for a family was the same. And with the help of a kindly zookeeper, Roy and Silo get the chance to welcome a baby penguin of their very own.
Issues Covered: LGBT, Respect for All, Celebrating Differences, Animal Emotions
Come Visit the Animal Sanctuary
by Howard Edelstein 
and Terry Cummings
Ages: 7 and up
Donna is interested in volunteering at a farm animal sanctuary. Terry takes her on a tour of the sanctuary so that she can become familiar with it and meet the amazing animals who all call it home. She hears some of the animals’ stories and decides that she definitely wants to help out, knowing she will enjoy spending time with the sanctuary residents.
Issues Covered: Animal Rescue, Farm Animal Protection, Volunteering
Harley Saves the Day
by Karen Patterson
Ages 7 – 10
Harley is a loving dog with a big body and a loud bark. When Anthony adopts him from the animal shelter in town, the two immediately become best friends. It comes as a surprise when they encounter neighbors on their morning walk who are frightened by Harley’s physical features. Despite Anthony’s attempts to showcase Harley’s friendly personality, neighbors put pressure on him to keep Harley inside and away from their homes. One day, there is an emergency in the neighborhood and Harley saves the day. Then, the neighbors realize that they unfairly judged Harley for how he looked, and they were not seeing him for the special dog that he is.
Issues Covered: Animal Adoption, Human-Animal Bond, Implicit Bias
Hope: A Pig’s Tale
by Randy Houk
Ages: 7 – 11
A pig named Hope is rescued from a factory farm.
Issues Covered: Farm Animals, Animal Rescue
Lucky
by by Monica Engebretson and Melodee Strong
Ages: 7 – 9
Lucky tells the tale of a parrot who is captured in the wild and eventually regains his freedom with the help of a young Indonesian boy. Based on a true story, Lucky gently awakens readers to the plight of captive birds and birds captured in the wild. This beautifully illustrated book is printed on recycled, chlorine-free paper to protect the environment and the world’s forests. Proceeds from the sale of this book benefit avian welfare, rescue and conservation. The story is also a natural fit for a wider educational curriculum including geography and culture of Indonesia, the natural history, behavior and physical characteristics of parrots and tropical forest ecosystems, as well as real-life conservation efforts. The dedicated website www.LuckyTheLorikeet.com incorporates all these topics. In addition, children can meet the real Lucky in a narrated documentary video clip available on the website – truly a rare and inspiring opportunity.
Issues Covered: Captive Animals, Wildlife
How to Heal a Broken Wing
by Bob Graham
Ages: 7 – 9
In a city full of hurried people, only young Will notices the bird lying hurt on the ground. With the help of his sympathetic mother, he gently wraps the injured bird and takes her home. In classic Bob Graham style, the beauty is in the details: the careful ministrations with an eyedropper, the bedroom filled with animal memorabilia, the saving of the single feather as a good-luck charm for the bird’s return to the sky. Wistful and uplifting, here is a tale of possibility — and of the souls who never doubt its power.
Issues Covered: Wildlife
Steven the Vegan
by Dan Bodenstein
Ages: 7 – 10
Steven and his classmates go on a field trip to a local farm sanctuary. While there Steven’s classmates learn that he is a vegan. Steven, along with many of the farm animals, teach his friends why for him, animals are his friends, not his food. Each day more children are being introduced to the concept of the vegan lifestyle. The idea of not eating meat, or drinking milk may open a child up to ridicule and harassment. Steven the Vegan gives these children ideas on how to deal with the situation, and how to explain why animals are friends, not food.
Issues Covered: Veganism, Farm Animals
Beautiful Joe
by Marshall Saunders
Ages: 8 – 12
The fictionalized story, which the author relocates to a small town in Maine, recounts numerous adventures of Joe and the other animals and people in and around the “Morris” household and the little barn and barnyard that serves as a playground for children and a home for a variety of animals. Above all, “Beautiful Joe” is a call for an end to cruelty to animals, a message which it delivers effectively in the course of a story enjoyed and loved by generations of readers young and old.
Issues Covered: Animal Cruelty, Activism
Charlotte’s Web
by E. B. White
Ages: 8 – 11
Some Pig. Humble. Radiant. These are the words in Charlotte’s Web, high up in Zuckerman’s barn. Charlotte’s spiderweb tells of her feelings for a little pig named Wilbur, who simply wants a friend. They also express the love of a girl named Fern, who saved Wilbur’s life when he was born the runt of his litter.
Issues Covered: Farm Animals, Human/Animal Bond, Respect for All
Do Animals Have Feelings Too?
by David L. Rice
Ages: 8 – 12
This collection of true stories of animal behavior is not only captivating and thought-provoking, but also a terrific way for teachers and parents to have children to consider feelings–whether animal or human. A young antelope was being dragged into a river by a crocodile. A nearby hippopotamus saw what was happening and charged the croc, which released the antelope. The hippo gently pulled the antelope up the riverbank, comforting and protecting it until it died. Was this compassion? A zoo monkey routinely used a banana to bribe a moose to carry him across a moat designed to keep him confined to a small island. Was this cleverness?
Issues Covered: Animal Emotions
Claude and Medea: The Hellburn Dogs
by Zoe Weil
Ages 9 – 13
Claude and Medea aren’t expecting an odd substitute teacher to change their lives. Nor are they anticipating the dangerous adventure in store for them. They seem like normal kids. But are they? Claude has famous parents and sticks to the rules. Medea’s got a scholarship to a fancy private school and can’t get in trouble. How is it that they are thrown together, trying to outsmart Manhattan criminals? And why do they care so much about the weird Ms. Rattlebee? Find out what makes this unlikely pair begin to view the world differently, and to risk everything.
Issues Covered: Activism, Animal Testing, Respect for All
Sunny and Friends
by Janis Kell
Ages: 6-10
Melinda, who volunteers at an animal shelter, has a dream where the animals at the shelter tell her their stories of how they became homeless. The animals share their feelings and their hopes to find loving forever homes. These stories raise awareness about the importance of responsible animal guardianship and animal adoption.
Issues Covered: Companion Animal Adoption, Companion Animal Homelessness and Overpopulation, Animal Neglect
Sprig the Rescue Pig 
by Leslie Crawford
Ages: 4-7
Sprig is packed into a fast-moving truck with dozens of other pigs. He doesn’t know where they’re going but his nose knows there’s something better out there. So with one dramatic leap, Sprig sets out on an adventure that leads him to his new best friend, a girl named Rory. Inspired by true events, this light-hearted tale introduces kids to an intelligent and inquisitive pig who finds his way to a good life.
Issues Covered: Farm Animals, Animal Rescue
Gwen the Rescue Hen 
by Leslie Crawford
Ages: 4-8
Gwen has spent her whole life in a big egg-laying hen house, so she knows very little about what chickens can do. A tornado turns her world upside-down, landing her in a strange new place that’s nothing like the hen house. Using her wits, Gwen dodges danger at every turn until she finds safety and friendship with a boy named Mateo. Together they discover how extraordinary an ordinary chicken really is.
Issues Covered: Farm Animals, Animal Rescue