North Shore Animal League America will be highlighting one book every month related to animals. Below you will find our current book of the month. If you purchase the book from Amazon.com, a percentage of your purchase will be donated back to the League.

August '07 – “Warriors #1: Into the Wild”  by Erin Hunter

Gr. 6-9. For generations, four clans of wild cats have shared the forest according to laws laid down by powerful ancestral clans. But now things are changing: ShadowClan has banished WindClan and is threatening RiverClan and ThunderClan by insisting on hunting rights within their territories. What's more, each year the TwoLegs encroach further into the forest, and prey is becoming scarce. A prophecy reveals, "Fire alone can save [the] Clan." Into this dangerous situation wanders a "kittypet," a young, bright orange tomcat whose courage earns him, despite objections by some, a place as an apprentice ThunderClan warrior and the new name of Firepaw. In this first spine-tingling episode in the planned Warriors series, Firepaw learns the ways of the wild life, facing many dangers and treachery both within and without his new clan. Intelligence notwithstanding, the cat characters are true to their feline nature, making this sure to appeal to fans of Clare Bell's long-popular Ratha's Creature (1983) and its sequels and also to followers of Brian Jacques' ongoing Redwall series.  - Sally Estes
Copyright © American Library Association.

“Great series for pre-teens. My eleven year old daughter has been going through this series with a loyalty unmatched so far by other titles. When Harry Potter's last book was released she asked for the next Warriors book. I have not read the books but she tells me about the different cat tribes and their adventures. She laughs out loud, she gets worried, but most importantly she is loving reading these books.” - “Dances with Wools” Stephens City, VA United States

July '07 – "Lauren's Story: An American Dog in Paris" by Kay Pfaltz

Lauren, a young, starving beagle, matures into a cosmopolitan dog that takes on Paris from its cafés and cinemas to its gardens and salons. She is also the center of a small group of well-defined, fully individuated characters. Readers who love art, music, literature, history, and obviously animals will enjoy vicariously traveling with Pfaltz and Lauren. Their excursions are full of historic places and notable people, engaging and usually stimulating to readers. Unconditional love is the recurring theme of this book, whether it is between narrator and dog or, more broadly, dog and humanity. Reflective passages are well integrated into episodes of romance, travel, and health crises; further, they are inspirational and pertinent to the theme. Though poignant, the book is not sad, but heartening.

Excerpted from Sally Ketchum's review, Forward magazine

"Best Dog Book Out There - Kay's deep love for Lauren - and all animals - includes the necessary ingredients of joy and humor. There are moments throughout the book, especially toward the end when Lauren begins to fall ill, that you, the reader, will hold your breath for too long until the crisis is resolved. And, equally, there are moments of such hilarity, that you will stop breathing simply because you are laughing so hard. Lauren's Story literally has it all: heartbreak, despair, courage, joy and always, love. You definitely want to own this book, and buy it for everyone you know.."

- Rita M. Reynolds, author of Blessing The Bridge, What Animals Teach Us About Death, Dying, and Beyond

June '07 - - "Urban Tails: Inside the Hidden World of Alley Cats" by Sara Neeley (Author), Knox (Photographer)

In cities and towns across the world, feral cats roam unnoticed, with generation after generation making their way through gritty lives filled with disease and hardship. When photographer Knox began noticing the growing colony of cats in the alley behind his Atlanta music studio, he entered a complex world of feline families struggling for survival. In many ways brutal, this world, he discovered, was also filled with strong family bonds, intriguing personalities, and fun. Urban Tails, featuring Knox's striking images and Sara Neeley's lively text, celebrates these survivors at the intersection of nature and industry as they play in the sun one minute and crouch dramatically beneath a semi the next. Urban Tails is a powerful testament to such operations, giving readers a glimpse into a hidden world of lives that, while not ideal, can be filled with beauty and love.

"Absolutely brilliant! The book combines some of the most effective and affective writing with stunning photos. The picture on the cover is just the tip of the iceberg. Knox's skills with the camera are to be lauded among those of the greatest wildlife photographers in the world. Sara Neeley's words, too, provoke emotional responses I didn't think were possible when discussing alley cats: sympathy, empathy, fraternity, joy, and so on. I highly recommend this title for anyone and especially for cat lovers." - Robert S. Kadel "Wee Planet"

May '07 - "The Latchkey Dog: How the Way You Live Shapes the Behavior of the Dog You Love" - by Jodi Andersen (Author)

Does your dog's schedule need more arranging than your own? Does the mere prospect of leaving your dog make your spine stiffen? While you are at work earning the money to buy dog food, is your dog having your dining room chairs for lunch? Are you searching for the line on your tax form that says "co-dependent?" If the answer to even one of these questions is "yes," the odds are that you are living with a Latchkey Dog.

With more men and women on career paths that require extended office hours leaving "nine to five" in the dust, the dog, which was for centuries a worker, has now become a waiter. The dog's day no longer revolves around "what can I do?" but instead "where is everybody?"

Anyone who has ever owned a dog knows well the depth of love and attachment that instantly develops, rearranging your heart-and your life-so that nothing will ever be the same again. Add to this love a good dose of daily guilt at leaving your beloved canine behind, and the result is a dog whose behavior resembles that of El Nino It seems that somewhere between Donna Reed and surfing the Net, we've created the Latchkey Dog.

April '07 - "The Forever Dog"
by Bill Cochran (Author), Dan Andreasen (Illustrator)

No one knows exactly what kind of dog Corky is, but if you ask his owner, Mike, the answer is simple: "He's my dog."

Mike and Corky are best friends; they do everything together. In fact they even make a plan. Mike tells Corky that they will always do everything together-forever. It is their Forever Plan.

And it works well. From one year to the next Corky is right there with Mike. Until one day, when Mike comes home from school and Corky isn't there . . . The story of how Mike comes to accept Corky's death forms a simple, poignant portrait of a special friendship that both celebrates the joys of owning a pet and becomes a heartfelt guide for anyone who is coping with the loss of a loved one

March '07 - " Why Do Dogs Drink Out of the Toilet?: 101 of the Most Perplexing Questions Answered About Canine Conundrums, Medical Mysteries and Befuddling Behaviors"
by Marty Becker, Gina Spadafori

In the bestselling spirit of "Why Do Men Have Nipples?" comes this irreverent yet informative look at the myths, behaviors and surprising facts about our canine companions. When you open your home and your heart to a dog, you open a Pandora's box of questions: How can I get him to stop jumping on my friends and family? Why is she eating her own poop and should I try to stop this? In this entertaining book, Dr. Marty Becker, "America's Favorite Vet," and syndicated columnist Gina Spadafori give pet owners the skinny on things they may think about but never dare to ask about dogs, like: How do seeing-eye dogs know when a red light changes to green? Can dogs get sunburned? Are dogs ticklish? Can you re-name your adopted dog if you hate his name? Can dogs cure asthma? Should dogs wear seat belts? Can dogs really hear those silent whistles? Whats the best way to break up a dog fight? Why do dogs get stuck together and face away from each other after mating? (that doesn't look comfortable) Can a grown dog recognize his littermates if he sees them years after being separated? Can you trust someone your dog doesn't like? Do female dogs have "biological clocks"? Why do dogs love to swim but hate to take baths? With its mix of humor and practical information, this book is the perfect gift for dog-lovers.

" …I recently came across this little gem of a book and I LOVE IT !! By just living with animals, you tend to understand them, but there are many new and interesting ideas and knowledge in this book that just knocked my socks off !! I love the way it was written, I can tell these people truly love their animals, and I learned, learned, learned !! My dogs feel that I am educated now, and who else's opinion really matters ?."

February '07 - "Do Cats Always Land on Their Feet?: 101 of the Most Perplexing Questions Answered About Feline Unfathomables, Medical Mysteries and Befuddling Behaviors" by Marty Becker, Gina Spadafori

While we all know it's a fact that cats rule the household, there are many facts people don't know about their feline friends, and they're here for the revealing in this quirky compendium for cat-lovers (and those who tolerate them). Dr. Marty Becker and syndicated columnist Gina Spadafori, compile the best questions they've ever received from readers and fans to give people the skinny on things they've never dared to ask about cats but often wondered (or not) like: Is it true that cat sex lasts only three seconds? Do cats always land on their feet? Do cats have nine lives? Why do cats' claws detract? What’s the best way to give my cat medicine? Do cats need a good flashlight or can they see fine in the dark? Do feline feces have healing powers? Does my crazy aunt hold the record for the number of cats living in a single dwelling? Where did the term "cat's pajamas" come from? Does my cat nap too much? Is it true that cats are the only domestic animal whose penis points backwards? Why does a cat arch its back? What exactly is in that hairball my cat just coughed up? With an entertaining mix of laugh-out-loud humor and practical information, this is the perfect gift for any cat lover.

"A very interesting and an enjoyable book. It is really a fun to read it. I read it once and then read it again….If you want to have fun while getting information about your cat, do not miss this book."

January '07 - "Scared Poopless: The Straight Scoop on Dog Care" by Chiclet T. Dog and Jan Rasmusen

This clever and informative book has won two national awards: the 2006 Benjamin Franklin Award for Best Health Book and the USABookNews Award for the Best Animal/Pet Care Book. Now it's a finalist for best Care and Health Book from the Dog Writers Association of America.

Description:
Much of what we all know about dog care is myth, outdated information or advertising propaganda. Get a crash course in everything dog with a charming distilling of the newest information from top experts across the country. Read it for the two years of research. Have fun with the 90 wild color photos, thought-provoking trivia and commentary from the narrator: an opinionated and wickedly witty four-pound dog.

"This is a wonderful book! I have rarely been so impressed by any publication -- Jean Hofve, DVM, Editor-in-Chief, Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association

"Imagine a book on canine health care that's also fun to read." Animal Wellness Magazine

December - "You Had Me at Bow Wow" by Jack Ziegler

This hilarious book of dog cartoons reminds us why we give them free room and board. Jack Ziegler can’t resist the occasional comment on human affairs in dog disguise, but he also has a lot to say about pups on their own terms. From howling at the moon to refusing to fetch, from the merits of canned versus dry food to those irresistibly wagging tails, these cartoons—some of which have appeared in The New Yorker, though many are published here for the first time—will brighten any canine-lover’s day.

November - "Doggy Style" by Jane May

Two paws up for "Doggy Style!"

Many books have poked fun at the complexities of urban relationships, especially the ones that happen in the big apple. But Doggy Style is truly a riot-- portraying the relationship of a Manhattan couple going through their crazy ups and downs, as seen through the eyes and ears of a magnetic mutt! You certainly don't have to be a dog lover to love this one. In fact, you won't want to put it down. And when you finish, you'll be howling for more!

"For the Love of a Dog"
Patricia McConnell

October - "For the Love of a Dog" byPatricia McConnell

For those of us who deeply cherish our dogs but are sometimes baffled by their behavior, For the Love of a Dog will come as a revelation-a treasure trove of useful facts, informed speculation, and intriguing accounts of man's best friend at his worst and at his very best. Readers will discover how fear, anger, and happiness underlie the lives of both people and dogs and, most important, how understanding emotion in both species can improve the relationship between them. Like the Other End of the Leash, this book is a combination of science, stories and practical advice that can improve the relationship between dogs and people all over the world. 

"Patricia McConnell's book is a wonderful guide to the inner life of dogs. ...Her chapter on 'Happiness' is a superb practical guide to increasing the happiness and joy of our pets and ourselves."
--John Ratey, M.D, co-author of Driven to Distraction

September - "Pieces of My Heart: Writings Inspired by Animals and Nature" by Jim Willis

As a "voice for the voiceless," Jim Willis touches human hearts as deftly as he bonds with the animals he rescues. His writings have inspired animal lovers around the world in over a dozen languages. Pieces of My Heart is a soulful, heartfelt tribute to animals and a plea for compassion. As you immerse yourself in its truths you'll reach for the nearest animal to hug, you'll smile through tears, and you'll feel the urge to run barefoot in the grass.

"Jim Willis makes a connection with the hearts and souls of animals that all humans should strive for. His writings read as if the creatures he so passionately cares for penned them. He powerfully reinforces the concept and importance of the human-animal bond, and that bond is evident in nearly everything he writes. Pieces of My Heart comes closer to speaking the minds of our non-human animal brethren and speaking up for Creation than anything else you'll ever read."
- Dick Weavil, Publisher, AnimalTalk newsletter

August - "Through Katrina's Eyes: Poems from an Animal Rescuer's Soul" by Ed Kostro

"The early days of September 2005, thousands of people felt compelled to assist the victims of Hurricane Katrina in some way, and many of us soon traveled to the devastated Gulf Coast. And for the majority of us who did, the close encounters we had with her victims changed us forever.

This book of poems depicts some of my thoughts and emotions during my pet rescue efforts in the Gulf, and it contains some of the stories of the many remarkable souls I encountered on my Katrina journeys, both human and animal.

These are the stories of the victims and of their rescuers whose eyes I will remember for the rest of my natural days."

- Ed Kostro

June - “Bring Me Home! Cats Make Great Pets!” by Margaret H. Boham

At last—a practical, hands-on guide to help you determine if your family is ready for a kitten or a cat. Cats are usually fairly self-sufficient and wonderfully entertaining, but they do require some attention and care. With loads of information and a fun, family-friendly style, this book provides a realistic understanding of the responsibilities of cat ownership. Information and interactive activities include:

• Worksheets that help you make informed decisions, keep good records, and more


• Questions and charts to help you determine if your family is ready for cat ownership, whether to get a kitten or a cat, where to get your pet, and more


• Checklists covering cat-proofing your home, vaccinations your new pet should have, items you'll need before bringing your cat home, and other aspects of being a responsible pet "parent"


• Cat care chore charts, including the dreaded litter box duty


• Suggested activities, including pages for kids to color


• Resources to keep with your pet's records and information

April - "1,001 Things You Always Wanted to Know About Cats" by J. Stephen Lang

Think you know everything about your feline companion? In 1,001 Things You Always Wanted to Know About Cats, trivia specialist and certified cat fancier J. Stephen Lang puts your whisker wisdom to the test with 1,001 tantalizing trivia tidbits. From myths and legends to famous cat lovers (and haters), "catty" phrases to cartoon kitties, bewildering behavioral quirks to mating and motherhood, you ll learn about: five U.S. presidents who adored cats... and one who hated them with a passion; why cats enjoy kneading their human companions with their paws; a breed of cat with webbed feet who swims for his seafood supper; the most popular male and female cat names today. With these and 997 other delicious trivia morsels, you'll discover an abundance of unexpected delights on every page!

The heartwarming and unforgettable story of a family in the making and the wondrously neurotic dog who taught them what really matters in life.

Excerpt from the Book:
John and Jenny were just beginning their life together. They were young and in love, with a perfect little house and not a care in the world. They then bought home Marley, a wiggly yellow furball of a puppy. Life would never be the same.

Marley quickly grew into a barreling, ninety-seven-pound steamroller of a Labrador retriever, a dog like no other. He crashed through screen doors, gouged through drywall, flung drool on guests, stole women's undergarments, and ate nearly everything he could get his mouth around, including couches and fine jewelery. Obedience school did no good - Marley was expelled. Neither did the tranquilizers the veterinarian prescribed for him with the admonishment, "Don't hesitate to use these."

And yet Marley's heart was pure. Just as he joyfully refused any limits on his behavior, his love and loyalty were boundless, too. Marley shared the couple's joy at their first pregnancy and their heartbreak over the miscarriage. He was there when babies finally arrived and when the screams of a seventeen-year-old stabbing victim pierced through the night. Marley shut down a public beach and managed to land a role in a feature-length movie, always winning hearts as he made a mess of things. Through it all, he remained steadfast, a model of devotion, even when his family was at its wit's end. Unconditional love, they would learn, comes in many forms.

Is it possible for humans to discover they keep to happiness through a bigger-than-life, bad-boy dog? Just as the Grogans. 

HOMEMADE TREATS FOR MAN'S BEST FRIEND With 50 canine-tested, veterinarian-approved recipes, The Ultimate Dog Treat Cookbook has something to delight every canine connoisseur. Dog lovers can stir up appetizing homemade treats for their beloved pooches using easy-to-find ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions. Recipes include Peanut Butter, Honey Nut Cheerios Balls, Taco Treats, Birthday Blueberry Pupcakes, Halloween Treats, Frozen Magic Meatballs, and more. 

Excerpt from Book:
Peanut Butter - Honey Nut Cheerios Balls

1/4 cup natural peanut butter
2 cups Honey Nut Cheerios
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Warm the peanut butter in the microwave for about 1 minute, until it's soft enough to mix with the other ingredients
3. Add the rest of the ingredients to the peanut butter, mixing gently but thoroughly.
4. Form rounded teaspoons of the dough into balls, squeezing each ball in your hand to press it all together. This will reduce some crumbling during baking.
5. Place on greased cookie sheets and back for 10 minutes or until the bottoms are golden brown.
6. Remove from the oven, let cool thoroughly, and store in an airtight container.