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Recommended Reading
Featured Books
- Books on Pet Loss
 Jasper’s Day
 by Marjorie Blain Parker
2002
Having watched their beloved dog Jasper grow weak and tired from cancer, Riley’s family made the difficult decision to have him euthanized and plan to make his last day a very special one. Beautifully illustrated snapshots of the day's small pleasures address topics such as pet loss, grief, and euthanasia as a way of alleviating a dying pet's pain.
The author, Marjorie Blain Parker, was born in Edmonton and grew up in Calgary. She told the Alberta SPCA: “The story was inspired by friends of ours who, years ago, spent such a day with their own dog. I was so touched by the idea of celebrating their pet's life in this way. I hope to touch my readers as well as help them through their own difficult times by showing that Riley will be OK after Jasper is gone.”
This book is highly recommended for any school library. You can download accompanying worksheets and an activity guide. |
 The Tenth Good Thing About Barney
by Judith Viorst
1971
My cat Barney died last Friday. I was very sad. I cried…
So begins this simple story told from the perspective of a child to whom all children can relate when they lose a beloved pet. As the child tries to remember the 10 best things about Barney, the author aptly handles both the emotions stemming from the loss of a beloved pet and the questions about the finality of death which naturally arise in such a situation. A teacher's guide and suggested learning activities can be found at Learning to Give. |
The Forever Dog
by
Bill Cochran
2007
The deep friendship between a boy and his dog is lovingly portrayed in warm prose and appealing art. Corky, who "seemed to be built from other dogs' spare parts," and Mike are inseparable, and they plan to be "best friends forever." Cochran gently leads readers through a difficult plot in which Corky dies, and Mike, with the help of his mother, comes to accept that the Forever Plan will have to work in a different way. In the satisfying conclusion, he lets the memory of his dog "all the way into his heart." |
 Desser the best Cat Ever
by
Maggie Smith
2003
In Smith's tribute to Dexter, a beloved pet, a girl narrator unspools "Desser's" history while weaving in family stories. The tone of pictures and text saddens when the cat begins to age. Smith's expert handling of the family's grief and their communication about their feelings of loss will aid any child or adult experiencing a similar situation. |
It's Okay to Cry
by
Maria Luz Quintana
1998
It's Okay To Cry contains warm, compassionate stories that help people to find hope and healing after the death of a beloved pet. Sixty-two people who have lost pets including dogs, cats, horses, birds and working animals share their stories. Included are stories of Robert Weatherwax, Sr., the owner and trainer of Lassie, as well as Jack Hanna, former zoo director. |
 When Only the Love Remains
by
Emily Margaret Stuparyk
2000
The death of an animal friend is often completely devastating. This book of poems shows how the author turned the pain of pet loss into a healing experience and is a memorial to a pet rabbit named Poochie, whose life and death changed the author forever. For those who have ever suffered the loss of a beloved pet, here is a book that will validate your own feelings of pain and sorrow, and recognizes your need to grieve.
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Picture Books/Early Readers(K-3)
indicates Canadian content
 Hey, Little Ant
by Phillip and Hannah Hoose
1999
This parable about mercy and empathy asks readers to look at life from an insect's point of view. A boy converses with the tiny ant he wants to "squish." The ant pleads with the boy to spare him. A great conversation starter about how we and animals (even insects) are alike and different, and how peer pressure can lead to bullying. Can be performed as a song (the music is appended). |
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 Tails Are Not for Pulling
by Elizabeth Verdick
2005
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! Toddlers and pets belong together – as long as toddlers don’t chase, grab, squeeze, yank, and tease. In simple words and colourful illustrations, this book teaches the basics of kindness to animals: careful handling, awareness, safety, and respect. It also includes helpful tips for parents and caregivers. |
 Mrs. Crump's Cat
by Linda Smith
2006
When Mrs. Crump finds a cat on her doorstep she tries to shoe him away however the cat slips inside the house and into Mrs. Crump's life. Mrs. Crump learns how to properly take care of the cat and grows to appreciate the cat's company. This is a great story of how cats can provide companionship and unconditional love. |
Nico & Lola
By Meggan Hill
2009
This book is a great way to introduce young children to the responsibilities of owning a pet. Nico, a little boy takes on the responsibility of caring for his aunt's Pug named Lola. The boy learns to be kind by giving Lola everything she needs to be healthy and happy. |
 If I Had a Dog
by Carolyn Jackson
2006
Six-year old Maxine is passionate about dogs and would love to have one of her own. When Maxine and her big brother Hugh set out for the park one day, they encounter many different dogs in many circumstances and Maxine learns how to approach them safely, reading and reacting to their own particular body language. This book could be used as an introduction to pet care and safety. |
 You Can’t Rush a Cat
by Karleen Bradford
2003
When Jessica visits her grandfather for a few days, he tells her about a feral cat living in the bushes near his house. Despite his efforts, the cat refuses to come out. Jessica asks her grandfather to be patient, claiming, “You can’t rush a cat.” As the weather turns cold, they keep trying to get the cat to come inside until it finally learns to trust these humans. This book could help to illustrate the perils faced by cats left to live and reproduce on their own. |
 Clip-Clop
by Eleanor Koldofsky
2005
This nostalgic story offers a glimpse into urban life at the turn of the century, when horses were common sights on city streets, bringing ice and coal and pulling fire wagons. Young Consuela loves horses and shows the hard-working creatures as much kindness as she can. This story would accompany a history lesson, especially emphasizing the importance of animals in establishing our society. |
Jasper’s Day
by Marjorie Blain Parker
2002
Having watched their beloved dog Jasper grow weak and tired from cancer, Riley’s family made the difficult decision to have him euthanized and plan to make his last day a very special one. Beautifully illustrated snapshots of the day's small pleasures address topics such as pet loss, grief, and euthanasia as a way of alleviating a dying pet's pain.
The author, Marjorie Blain Parker, was born in Edmonton and grew up in Calgary. She told the Alberta SPCA: “The story was inspired by friends of ours who, years ago, spent such a day with their own dog. I was so touched by the idea of celebrating their pet's life in this way. I hope to touch my readers as well as help them through their own difficult times by showing that Riley will be OK after Jasper is gone.”
This book is highly recommended for any school library. You can download accompanying worksheets and an activity guide. |
The Tenth Good Thing About Barney
by Judith Viorst
1971
My cat Barney died last Friday. I was very sad. I cried…
So begins this simple story told from the perspective of a child to whom all children can relate when they lose a beloved pet. As the child tries to remember the 10 best things about Barney, the author aptly handles both the emotions stemming from the loss of a beloved pet and the questions about the finality of death which naturally arise in such a situation. A teacher's guide and suggested learning activities can be found at Learning to Give. |
 One Duck
by Hazel Hutchins
1999
A duck nests in a field and goes about the business of hatching her eggs. A farmer, who doesn't know about her, decides it's time to turn the soil. As his tractor gets closer and closer to the hidden nest, the animal senses danger, but is determined to protect her eggs, and flies off only at the last possible moment. Seeing the duck, the farmer stops his tractor and moves the nest. The next day, the duck is seen leading her newly hatched ducklings to a pond. This story illustrates how, with a little care, human interests and those of nature can co-exist. |
 Orville: A Dog Story
by Haven Kimmel
2003
Orville, an ugly, homeless dog who has just about given up on life, is discovered one morning by a couple who decide he will make a good watchdog. After they clean him up, they realize he is bigger and wilder than they thought, so they put him on a chain. He barks to let the world know just how miserable he feels, but the more he barks, the more the people stay away. Just before he’s about to be sent to the pound, however, Orville finds a way to connect with a lonely young woman who has moved in across the street. This story demonstrates the life a chained dog and the possibilities that lie ahead when chains are broken – both for dogs and humans. |
 How Smudge Came
by Nan Gregory
1995
When Cindy, a young woman with Down syndrome, finds a puppy amid the garbage, she knows that's no place for a puppy. She brings him home and takes her to the hospice where she works, where a patient also falls in love with him. But when told she can't keep a dog, Smudge ends up at an SPCA animal shelter – though not for long. This is a great picture book for preschoolers and beginning readers that gently raises many discussion points about the responsibilities of pet ownership and attitudes toward people with disabilities. |
 The Giving Tree
by Shel Silverstein
1964
Every day the boy would come to the tree to eat her apples, swing from her branches, or slide down her trunk . . . and the tree was happy. But as the boy grew older he began to want more from the tree, and the tree gave and gave. This moving parable for readers of all ages offers an affecting interpretation of the gift of giving and acceptance of another’s capacity to love in return. It also illustrates the importance of responsible stewardship and how much we receive from nature. |
 The First Dog
by Jan Brett
1998
A simple, imaginative tale of how the first domestication of a wild animal may have occurred. Kip, a cave boy living at the end of the Ice Age, is followed on his journey home by a Paleowolf, who – smelling the boy's roasted Woolly Rhino bones – begs for a treat. Each time the boy stops to rest and eat, the wolf hound senses danger and flees, saving the boy's life, too. |
 In Flanders Fields
by Norman Jorgensen
2002
On a World War I battlefield, a young soldier risks his life to rescue a robin caught in barbed wire separating enemy lines. His courageous act dramatically affects not just the robin, but all who witnessed it. This fable provides an opportunity to discuss the realities of war, the meaning of sacrifice and how an act of kindness to animals can raise the spirits of people. This short picture book is suitable for upper elementary to junior high grades. Teaching notes can be downloaded from the Freemantle press website.
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 Max Talks to Me
by Claire Buchwald
2008
Max Talks to Me is a story of love and devotion between a young boy, Alex and his beloved dog Max. The story captures the caring behaviours and trust that fosters a rich relationship between child and his pet. For more information about the author and the book, please visit the gryphon press website. A classroom guide is available with discussion questions as well as worksheets. |
 “Let’s Get a Pup!” Said Kate
by Bob Graham
2001
When Kate and her parents go to their animal shelter to adopt a puppy, it’s love at first site...twice! In this sweet, humorous tale, a young family decides that two dogs are better than one—especially when one is wee and bouncy, and the other "old and gray and broad as a table." A fun way to introduce the joys – and struggles – of pet ownership. |
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 Buddy Unchained
by Daisy Bix
2006
Buddy Unchained is a deeply moving look at a dog abandoned and adopted. The story is simple yet of vast importance, and at the end we want nothing more than to make sure that all the Buddys of the world are loved and cared for like this patient, easy-to-please pup. |
 Dogku
by Andrew Clements
2007
When a homeless dog shows up at the back door, a family takes him in, feeds and bathes him, and names him. Written entirely in haiku, the pet experience is a clever, fun introduction to the poetic form and an engaging lead-in to a class writing exercise. |
 Fred Stays With Me!
by Nancy Coffelt
2007
Sometimes I live with my mom. Sometimes I live with my dad.
Told from the point of view of a young child whose parents are divorced, this simple book follows a girl and her dog from one parent's house to the other's, giving her a sense of continuity and stability. With a simple text and childlike language, the story expresses and addresses a child's concerns, highlights the friendship between child and pet, presents a common ground for the parents, and resolves conflict in a positive way. |
 Before You Were Mine
by Maribeth Boelts
2007
The little boy wonders what his dog's life was like before he was adopted from the shelter. Did he have a name and family who loved him? How long had he been alone? This is a heartwarming story about how adopting an animal can bring happiness and comfort to a pet as well as the new owner. |
Upper Elementary Chapter Books Fiction
indicates Canadian content
 Dog House Blues
by Jacqueline Pearce
2005
Erika struggles to deal with being bullied by other pre-teen girls. She is torn by her love of her family’s numerous pets adopted by her veterinarian mother, and the shame of being nicknamed “dog girl.” Written for the BC SPCA Kids’ Club, the love and intimacy with which Pearce describes the dogs in this book is evident. The humorous personalities of Erika’s dogs are based on the real life incidents of pets which belong to Pearce’s friends. A good lesson on how relationships between humans – and animals. |
 Any Pet Will Do
by Nancy Shouse
2005
This fun-filled chapter book begins with nine-year-old Jeremy’s father telling him “Pets are a huge responsibility,” inspiring the determined Jeremy to start a petsitting business to discover the type of pet that’s best for him. Along the way Jeremy – and his parents – learn how much fun and how much work it is to have a pet. The endnote from the author cautions that Jeremy’s example is not one to be followed, and points out how Jeremy could have researched pet needs before caring for them. A free teachers’ guide can be downloaded from the Orca Book Publisher's website. |
 A Dog's Life: the Autobiography of a Stray
by Ann M. Martin
2005
Squirrel is not like most dogs. Born a stray, she must make her own way in the world, facing busy highways, changing seasons, and humans both gentle and brutal. Her life story, in her own words, is marked by loss, but also by an inspiring instinct to survive. It brings home the hardships endured by animals who are lost or abandoned. |
 Beautiful Joe
by Margaret Marshall Saunders
1893
Born in Nova Scotia, Margaret Marshall Saunders (1861-1947) taught school briefly before starting her career as a novelist. Her second book, Beautiful Joe, achieved international recognition. Inspired during a visit to Meaford Ontario about 1892, it is based on the story of a dog rescued from a brutal master by a local miller, William Moore. Margaret relocated the story to a small town in Maine and changed the family's name to Morris to win a literary contest sponsored by the American Humane Education Society.
The book was first published in 1893 and quickly became the first Canadian book to sell more than a million copies. It was printed in at least ten languages and seven million copies had been sold by 1939. Miss Saunders was awarded the Companion of the British Empire (CBE) in 1934 in recognition of her contribution toward securing humane treatment for animals.
More information at www.beautifuljoe.org |
 Because of Winn-Dixie
by Kate KiCamillo
2000
Ten-year-old Opal Buloni begins her account of the summer her life changed because of Winn-Dixie, a goofy stray dog she adopted. Author Kate DiCamillo earned one of the highest honors in children's books when Because of Winn-Dixie was designated a Newbery Honor Book for excellence.
For more information and teacher's guides, visit the Candlewick Press Website |
Hoot
by Carl Hiaasen
2002
In his first novel for a younger audience, Carl Hiaasen plunges readers right into the middle of an ecological mystery, made up of endangered miniature owls, the Mother Paula's All-American Pancake House scheduled to be built over their burrows, and the owls' unlikely allies--three middle school kids determined to beat the adult system Sure to be a hit for middle school mystery fans. |
 Shiloh
by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
1992
When 11-year-old Marty chances upon a mistreated beagle pup, he is not prepared for the ethical questions he has to face. Should he return the dog to its owner, only to have the animal abused again? Should he tell his parents? Should he steal food to help the poor creature? As Marty grapples with these questions, it will prove thought-provoking for readers young and old alike. Two sequels – Shilo Season and Saving Shilo – complete the trilogy.
Download Lesson Plans and Worksheet Activities courtesy of the Animal Humane Society. |
 Dog Lost
by Ingrid Lee
2008
A stray pit bull and a boy whose father is a violent alcoholic both have much to fear and when they try to find comfort from one another they find more obstacles to overcome. Tackling issues such as the turmoil of dysfunctional families, the sinister underworld of dog fighting, and the despair of terminal illness, this hard-hitting book is a page turner that lends itself to serious discussion. |
Upper Elementary Non-Fiction
indicates Canadian content
Animal Smarts
Author: Sylvia Funston
1997
Animal Smarts, one of The Secret Life of Animals series, details fascinating findings about all sorts of creatures, from our everyday pets to exotic wildlife from remote places around the world. Sylvia Funston, former editor-in-chief of OWL and Chickadee Magazines, is a multi-award-winning science author and editor provides readers with up-to-date information on how animals behave and what that tells us about what goes on in their heads.
A teacher-made quiz is available for download. |
Being Caribou: Five Months on Foot with a Caribou Herd
by Karsten Heuer
2007
This 48-page picture book chronicling the 2003 epic journey through the wild country straddling the Canada-Alaska border by newlywed Albertans Karsten Heuer and Leanne Allison will appeal to upper elementary or early junior high students. It documents the physical hardships, unexpected dangers and wondrous discoveries they encountered as they followed the 100,000 caribou over 1500 km on their annual trek to safe (but environmentally threatened) calving grounds by the Beaufort Sea.
Find out more about their trip and the caribou migration at www.beingcaribou.com |
Birdhouses (Kids Can Do It)
by Renée Schwartz
2005
Building birdhouses is a great way to get chickadees, bluebirds, swallows, wrens and many other kinds of birds to nest in your backyard. And with fewer old trees around for birds to nest in, building birdhouses is not only fun, it's important. Nine different designs are identified for different bird species. |
Birds of Prey Rescue: Changing the future for endangered wildlife
by Pam Hickman
2006
In Birds of Prey Rescue, you'll meet people from around the world who are fighting to ensure a future for these magnificent birds, including an Alberta rancher who helps burrowing owls on his land. The author is a biologist with the Federation of Ontario Naturalists. |
The Kids’ Horse Book
by Sylvia Funston
2005
The Kids’ Horse Book is part reference book and part activity book. Full of detailed illustrations and evocative photographs, this ultimate guide to everything "horsey" brims with information on breeds, grooming, riding techniques and horse communication, plus captivating stories and amazing facts. The entertaining format encourages browsing or reading from cover to cover. One spread is a history lesson, the next, a horse board game. |
Pigs Aren't Dirty, Bears Aren't Slow: And Other Truths About Misunderstood Animals
by Joanna Boutilier
2005
The facts on animals with bad raps. Lifelike illustrations and fascinating text invite the reader to explore and discover the truth about ten animals whose true selves are often quite surprising. Ben Hodson's beautiful, lifelike illustrations depict the true nature of each featured creature, while his hilarious cartoons exaggerate the behavioral misconceptions. Such as pigs are indeed clean creatures; they prefer sleeping on the highest ground in a pen -- away from where any waste might drain. |
The Scoop On Poop
by Wayne Lynch
Here’s a novel way to learn about animals! Award-winning author and photographer Wayne Lynch takes a fun and scientific look at poop in the animal world. Children will be fascinated to find out that some wild animals eat their dung, others use it to send messages or mark their territory, and some even squirt it on themselves to cool off. Filled with amazing facts, animal stories, and colour photographs, The Scoop on Poop will change the way you look at droppings forever. |
Wild Animals in Captivity
by Rob Laidlaw
2008
Wild Animals in Captivity is a powerful, dramatically presented book that focuses on the life of wild animals living in captivity around the world. This eye-opening look at the lives of captive wild animals shows the best that captivity has to offer, as well as some of the worst. The lessons it contains will set children on the path to compassion and advocacy, so that they can make the world a better place for all animals, both captive and wild. |
The Tale of Pale Male
by Jeanette Winter
2007
This is the incredible true story of a Red-tailed Hawk that makes himself at home in the most unlikely of places-atop a high-rise apartment building in New York City. Named Pale Male by his many fans, this majestic bird not only endures in this urban environment, he thrives. But when the residents have Pale Male's nest removed from their building, a historic battle--and triumph--ensues, uniting bird lovers everywhere. To see pictures of this legendary bird visit the Pale Male website. |
Jr. & Sr. High - Fiction and Non-Fiction
indicates Canadian content
The Eco-Diary of Kiran Singer
by Sue Ann Alderson
2007
The Camosun Bog has Existed for 2000 years, but, like wetlands everywhere, it has been encroached on by an expanding urban landscape. In The Eco-Diary of Kiran Singer, Sue Ann Alderson chronicles one child's encounter with the bog and the Crazy Boggers who are working to protect and restore it. Full of humor and gentle irony, this is an intimate, child's eye view of the natural world. The book is a warning but it is also a celebration of life and of our potential to make a difference. |
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Being Caribou: Five Months on Foot with a Caribou Herd
by Karsten Heuer
2007
This 48-page picture book chronicling the 2003 epic journey through the wild country straddling the Canada-Alaska border by newlywed Albertans Karsten Heuer and Leanne Allison will appeal to upper elementary or early junior high students. It documents the physical hardships, unexpected dangers and wondrous discoveries they encountered as they followed the 100,000 caribou over 1500 km on their annual trek to safe (but environmentally threatened) calving grounds by the Beaufort Sea.
Find out more about their trip and the caribou migration. |
Being Caribou: Five Months on Foot with an Arctic Herd
by Karsten Heuer
2007
This 235-page narrative chronicling the 2003 epic journey through the wild country straddling the Canada-Alaska border by newlywed Albertans Karsten Heuer and Leanne Allison will appeal to high school and advanced junior high students. It documents the physical hardships, unexpected dangers and wondrous discoveries they encountered as they followed the 100,000 caribou over 1500 km on their annual trek to safe (but environmentally threatened) calving grounds by the Beaufort Sea. At the same time, it delves into the authors’ motivations, physical and emotional tribulations, and the internal changes brought about as they had to move, act and think like caribou in order to keep up with the herd.
Find out more about their trip and the caribou migration. |
Hoot
by Carl Hiaasen
2002
In his first novel for a younger audience, Carl Hiaasen plunges readers right into the middle of an ecological mystery, made up of endangered miniature owls, the Mother Paula's All-American Pancake House scheduled to be built over their burrows, and the owls' unlikely allies--three middle school kids determined to beat the adult system Sure to be a hit for middle school mystery fans. |
 Black Beauty
by Anna Sewell
1877
The original title page for this classic novel read: “Black Beauty: The Autobiography of a Horse, translated from the original equine, by Anna Sewell.” Black Beauty is considered the first novel in the genre of animal autobiography.
Sewell’s intention in writing the book was to promote the humane treatment of horses, and Black Beauty is credited with having the greatest effect on the treatment of animals of any publication in history. The book resulted in legislation protecting horses and a changed public attitude about animal pain and the traditional and fashionable practices that caused suffering for horses. Visist the enotes.com website for a
Summary and Study Guide.
The entire text can be found online for free at Project Gutenberg |
Books for Teachers
 Last Child in the Woods
by Richard Louv
2005
In his ground breaking work about the staggering divide between children and the outdoors, journalist and child advocate Richard Louv directly links the absence of nature in the lives of today's wired generation to some of the most disturbing childhood trends: the rise in obesity, attention disorders, and depression. This book brings together a body of research indicating that direct exposure to nature is essential for healthy childhood development and for the physical and emotional health of children and adults. Louv offers practical solutions to heal the broken bond |
 Keepers of the Animals: Native Stories and Wildlife Activities for Children
by Michael J. Caduto and Joseph Bruchac
1999
A beautifully written and illustrated book, Keepers of Animals helps parents and teachers educate children about "our relationship with animals." The stories, 27 in all, demonstrate the power and importance of animals in Native North American traditions and are more relevant today than ever. |
 Rediscovery: Ancient Pathways, New Directions
by Thom Henley
1996
For over 25 years, the rediscovery program has drawn from timeless wisdom of Aboriginal elders to help teach youth to respect the earth and each other. This collection of over 130 outdoor activities based on native traditions from around the world will inspire youth of any age and background to discover and respect the world within themselves, the cultural worlds between each other and the natural world around them |
 Teaching Compassion: A Guide for Humane Educators, Teachers, and Parents
by Pamela Raphael with Libby Colmand and Lynn Loar
1999
Through lessons that teach respect, responsibility and compassion for all life, children learn about the importance of caring fro themselves and others. By caring for animals, children make the connection to caring for |
 The Power & Promise of Humane Education
by Zoe Wiel
2004
Learn how to engage young people to explore social justice, environmental ethics, animal protection and more. Get the keys to unlock each young person’s potential – and your own -- to be a force for good and to help lead us to a better future. |
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