*Please note that the ages included are general guidelines indicating the difficulty of the reading level. Any of the picture books, both fiction and non-fiction can be read aloud to students of all ages and can be used to accompany your curriculum.

COMPANION ANIMALS, Nonfiction: These books will help children develop the understanding necessary for building a long-lasting and meaningful bond with the animals that share their homes.

ASPCA Pet Care Guide for Kids, Birds
Mark Evans, 1993 Dorling Kindersley, NY, NY
This book addresses every aspect of bird care in an easy-to-understand style. Colorful, appealing photos emphasize the text. Fun and educational for adults and children. Ages 8 and up.

ASPCA Pet Care Guide for Kids, Fish
Mark Evans, 1993 Dorling Kindersley, NY, NY
If you think a good home for your fish is a bowl of water, please think again as you read this volume. This book addresses everything from species selection to creating the appropriate environment for your fish. Ages 8 and up.

ASPCA Pet Care Guide for Kids, Guinea Pigs
Mark Evans, 1993 Dorling Kindersley, NY, NY
Learn how to keep your guinea pig content and healthy. This book is fully illustrated with colorful photographs and is written in an easy-to-read style. Ages 8 and up.

ASPCA Pet Care Guide for Kids, Hamster
Mark Evans, 1993 Dorling Kindersley, NY, NY
What is a hamsterlarium? The answers to this and many other questions about hamster care are offered here. Colorful photos enhance the easy-to-read material. Ages 8 and up.

ASPCA Pet Care Guide for Kids, Kitten
Mark Evans, 1993 Dorling Kindersley, NY, NY
There is a lot to know before bringing a new kitten home. This book is ideal for any child, or adult who wants to know more about the world of cats and how to be a responsible caretaker. Ages 8 and up.

ASPCA Pet Care Guide for Kids, Puppy
Mark Evans, 1993 Dorling Kindersley, NY, NY
Where to find your new puppy, what to feed the dog and when to take him/her to the veterinarian - these are all questions that are answered in this beautifully photographed books. Ages 8 and up.

ASPCA Pet Care Guide for Kids, Rabbit
Mark Evans, 1993 Dorling Kindersley, NY, NY
Can a rabbit live happily in your home? Only if you understand his or her needs. This book will help you learn everything from the art of choosing a rabbit to building an appropriate cage. Ages 8 and up.

Beautiful Joe
Marshall Sauders, 1990 Storytellers Ink, Seattle, WA
A classic in the tradition of "Black Beauty," this book tells the true story of a dog who was rescued from an abusive farmer in 19th-century Maine. Readers will learn about the compassion and courage of people who fought against cruelty to animals in the early days of the humane movement. Ages 9-11.

COMPANION ANIMALS, Fiction:

Blossom Comes Home
James Herriot, 1988, St. Martin's Press, NY, NY
A heartwarming story of a cow who is no longer producing milk and has thus lived out her usefulness…or has she? A beautiful and simple tale about aging also reinforces that each of us is special. It also subtly introduces many issues for discussion, from aging and farming practices to loyalty in friendships. Ages 4-8.

Chewy Louie
Howie Schneider, 2000, Rising Moon, Flagstaff, AZ
Who'd guess a puppy could do so much damage? In this hilarious tale, little Louie practically eats his family out of house and home, even munching on the front porch! Thankfully, he grows up. Besides being a fun read and a seriously funny lesson on patience (pets are for life!), the story offers good opportunities to discuss solutions to pet's misbehavior - starting with early and proper training. Ages 4-8.

I Really Want a Dog
This book tells of a young boy who learns about the responsibilities of owning and caring for a canine companion before he visits the animal shelter to find a pet. Ages 3-8

"Let's Get a Pup!" Said Kate
Bob Graham, 2001, Candlewick Press, Cambridge, MA
Kate and her parents go to an animal shelter to adopt a puppy and it's love at first site, twice! In this sweet and humorous tale, a 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." Winner of NAHEE's 2002 KIND Children's Book Award. Ages 4-8.

The Monster Who Ate My Peas
Danny Schnitzlein, 2001, Peachtree Publishers, Atlanta, GA
This boy hates peas so much that he'd give his soccer ball, his bike, anything to avoid eating one. But what happens when he's asked to give up Ralph? Will his scruffy dog end up in the monster's jaws? Or will peas prevail?
Ages 4-8.

Morgan the Dog: The Day the Magic Began
Heather Irbinskas, 2002, Morgan House Press, Tucson, AZ
When Brittany visits the animal shelter, she finds Morgan, a mix whom no one wants. While she and the dog are ot in the shelter's play yard, a sudden storm puts both of them in danger. After a daring rescue, both the girl and her dog get the second chance they deserve. Ages 4-8.

Shiloh
Phyllis Naylor, 1991, A Yearling Book, Dell Publishing, NY, NY
This 1992 Newbery medal winner features an 11 year old boy named Marty who tries to rescue a loveable beagle from an abusive neighbor. Interwoven in this riveting tale are a number of thought-provoking dilemmas about animal protection and moral choice. Though this story has a happy ending, most readers will realize that the outcome for many animals is not so fortunate. First-rate! Ages 10 and up.

Shiloh Season
Phyllis Naylor, 1996, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, NY, NY
Fans of Shiloh will love this equally gripping sequel with a compelling message about the importance of kindness. One caveat: readers may want to note that it is generally not advisable to allow your dog to run outdoors unsupervised, nor should dogs be allowed triple fudge ice cream. These are the only flaws in an otherwise powerful reading experience. Ages 10 and up

Tabby
Alliki, 1995, HarperCollins Publishers, NY, NY
A story about a girl and her father who adopt a cat from an animal shelter. The girl and cat become fast friends and befriend a lost white kitten. This lovely picture book illustrates positive pet ownership and offers many opportunites for discussion. Ages 2-6.

Unknown
Colin Thompson, 2000., Walker & Company, NY, NY
Visit this animal shelter and meet some of the critters in their care. Meet Grown-too-large, Stray, and a whole cast of canine characters named for the reasons that brought them to the shelter. Cowering in a cage among them is Unknown, the shy dog that on one notices. When disaster strikes, this shrinking violet shows her true colors, proving you can't judge a book by its cover. Ages 4-8.

ILLNESS, DEATH AND GRIEVING

Cat Heaven
Cynthia Rylant, July 1997, Scholastic, Inc, NY, NY
Via simple verse and bold, folk-art illustrations, Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant invites readers to visit Cat Heaven, a place where cats have an eternal supply of catnip, tuna, and warm laps. God created Cat Heaven, with fields of sweet grass where cats can play, kitty-toys for them to enjoy, and angels to rub their noses and ears. Full color. Ages 4-7.

Dog Heaven
Cynthia Rylant, August 1995, Scholastic, Inc, NY, NY
This picture book tells of a place called "Dog Heaven, where there are endless fields for running; clear lakes filled with teasing, honking geese; and loving angel children playing everywhere. There are tasty biscuits shaped like cats and fluffy cloud beds for sleeping, memory trips back to favorite spots and people, and cozy homes with petting hands. Ages 4-7.

I'll Always Love You
Hans Wilhelm, 1985, A Dragonfly Book, Crown Publishing, NY, NY
We follow a boy and his dog "Elfie" as they grow up together, Elfie faster than the boy. Finally Elfie grows old and dies, and the death and burial are described in simple, honest terms that young school children can understand. In his sadness and grief, the boy takes comfort in knowing that he told Elfie, "I'll always love you," every night. This stresses the importance of family ritual and mutual support in dealing with the loss of a loved one. Ages 5 and up.

The Tenth Good Thing about Barney
Judith Viorst, 1988, Aladdin Books, Macmillan Publishing, NY, NY
This gentle story, with pen and ink illustrations, successfully examines the pain and sadness a child experiences at the loss of a companion animal. It can be helpful for classroom use when the issue of death arises. Ages 5 and up.

GENERAL NON-FICTION

Can We Be Friends? Nature's Partners
Alexandra Wright, 1994, Charlesbridge Publishing, Watertown, MA
Children will enjoy reading about the types of friendships that exist in the natural world. An element of humor and irony is evident in the more unlikely partnerships, such as that between the crocodile and the Egyptian plover who sits on the croc's lower jaw while gently plucking leeches from between his host's teeth. The book ends on the theme of all creatures living in harmony. Ages 7-10.

How Animals Behave: Animal Parents
Jeremy Cherfas, 1991, Lerner Publications, Minneapolis, MN
Photographs and text depict the mysterious ways in which varied species reproduce and raise their young. Some pair up for life, others leave their eggs to hatch on their own and others are single parents. Ages 9-11.

Zoobabies
Carolyn Fireside, 1991, A Constance Sullivan Book, Villard Books, NY, NY
Celebrity photographer Michael O'Neill shot black-and-white photos of 25 young zoo animals ranging in age from a few weeks to a few years old. The portraits depict animals who seem to display a range of emotions quite similar to humans. Are we anthropomorphizing, or is there a closer link between humans and animals than we'd care to acknowledge? All ages.

Zoobooks: Endangered Animals
John Bonnett Wexo, 1993, Wildlife Education Ltd., San Diego, CA
An illustrated study of how humans must preserve animals' habitats and respect their basic needs so that species will not become extinct. Ages 9 and up.

GENERAL FICTION Telling the tales, often through animal's eyes, that teach valuable lessons.

A Day, A Dog
Gabrielle Vincent, 1999, Front Stree, Asheville, NC
A wordless picture book of black and white line drawings, this book is a poignant vignette in the life of an abandoned dog. Suitable for advanced student and nonreaders alike, this unique "documentary" offers plenty of opportunities for creative writing and class discussion. Ages 10 and up.

Bears Barge In
Joni Sensel, 2000, Dream Factory, Enumclaw, WA
What would happen if you woke up to chipmunks in your cupboards and coyotes in your closet? This zany rhyming book traces the story of a habitat taken over by humans, and later, of a neighborhood gone wild. At a time when housing developments crowd out wildlife as never before, this book stresses an important point - that animals need space to live. At the end are tips for peacefully coexisting with our wild "neighbors." Ages 4-8.

Black Beauty
Ann Sewell, 1990, Storytellers Ink, Seattle, WA
A simplified retelling of the classic about a magnificent horse who goes through a series of owners until he finds a permanent happy home. A clear message emerges that animals have feelings and needs and deserve to be treated kindly. The story is as relevant and moving as it was in 1890. Ages 9-11.

Fireflies!
Julie Brinkloe, 1995, Aladdin Books, Macmillan Publishing, NY, NY
In this tale, a boy catches fireflies and enjoys putting them in a jar to watch them grow. When he realizes that the insects are far more majestic when lighting up the sky, he sets them free. The book effectively demonstrates respect for all life. Ages. 5-7.

Go Home! The True Story of James the Cat.
Libby Phillips Meggs, 2000, Albert Whitman and Co.
This picture book, based on a true story, teaches children about kindness. It's about an older cat, with a collar, that everyone assumes has a home. In reality, though, the cat is lost, hungry, and lonely. The book follows the cat on its rounds from winter to late summer, eventually showing how a family that once dismissed the animal ("Go home!") comes to its rescue. This is a story about belonging and being loved that young children can understand. Ages 4-8.

The Great Kapok Tree
Lynne Cherry, 1990, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, NY, NY
A must-read for humane and environmental education, this book brings perspective to the great wealth of resources in the Amazon rainforest by focusing on a single tree. A young man falls asleep while chipping at a great Kapok tree. He dreams that the animals that depend on the tree come and speak to him, then awakens to find himself surrounded by the animals. Newly enlightened, he picks up his ax and leaves the forest. Ages 6-10.

Herman and Marguerite: An Earth Story
Jay O'Callahan, 1996, Peachtree Publisher, Ltd., Atlanta, GA
This charming tale features animals working together to rejuvenate their environment and co-exist. Illustrations are done in a modern "cut-out" style. The book is upbeat and informative. Ages 9-12.

Hey, Little Ant
Phillip and Hannah Hoose, 1998, Tricycle Press, 1998
Follow the conversation between an ant and a boy who's being urged by his friends to crush him. This wonderful work teaches children to value even the smallest critters, and the open-ended conclusion lets readers decide how the story will end. Ages 4-8.

Hope
Randy Houk, 1995, The Benefactory, Inc., Fairfield, CT
This is a delightful story in verse about the rescue of a pig called Hope. Although the book gives a glimpse into the issue of modern factory farming, children will enjoy reading about the sanctuary for Hope and will admire the caring people who dedicate their lives to helping animals. Ages 7-10.

Koko is Lost
Judith Weisbrot, 1992, Barndoor Publishing Co., Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Koko is a little dog whose family moves away and leaves him behind. Lonely and frightened, he wanders the streets until his is picked up and taken to an animal shelter, where a family adopts him and promises to love him forever. Helps young readers see the world through the eyes of an abandoned pet. Ages 3-5.

Koko Meets Camille
Judith Weisbrot, 1992, Barndoor Publishing Co., Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Here are the further adventures of Koko as he meets the new family pet, a cat. Ages 3-5

Koko at Home
Judith Weisbrot, 1992, Barndoor Publishing Co., Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Koko tells his own story about the joys and challenges of live at home. Good color illustrations. Ages 3-5.

Only One Woof
James Herriot, 1985, St. Martin's Press, NY, NY
An illustrated story about two pups, once who becomes a champion, the other who stays on the farm and becomes the shepherd's favorite. A simple, realistic tale with a message that everyone is special. Ages 3-6.

William's Story
Debra Duel, 1992, Storytellers Ink, Seattle, WA
This story illustrates how a cat struggles to survive when his family moves and leaves him behind. It teaches that, since animals have feelings too, they need loyalty and love from their human friends, and inspires young readers to be compassionate toward stray animals. Ages 7-9.

ECOLOGICAL EXPLORATIONS Environmental issues

For the Love of Our Earth
P.K. Hallinan, 1992, Ideals Children's Books, Nashville, TN
This brightly illustrated book is a celebration of our planet and a call to make the world a better place. In a cheery and upbeat tone, the author depicts children making positive contributions (i.e. cleaning up the neighborhood, being kind to other children and animals, respect for people of all backgrounds, etc) to their community. A hopeful and inspiring book. Ages 6-9.

Oil Spill
Christopher Lampton, 1992, The Millbrook Press, Brookfield, CT
This book discusses the problem of oil spills, informing readers about environmental dangers and cautioning that even small spills can play havoc with nature, animals and sea life. The author suggests steps to prevent unnecessary oil waste within our communities. Ages 8-12.

YOUNG ACTIVISTS' HOW-TO Ways to empower kids who want to save the earth and it's animals.

The 50 Simple Things that Kids Can Do to Save the Earth
EarthWorks Group. Andrews & McMeel, NY, NY
Full of easy-to-understand information, this book features scientific experiments that will inspire children and adults to act as protectors of plants, air, water and wildlife. Ages 10 and up.

The City Kid's Field Guide
Ethan Herberman, 1989, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, NY, NY
This book provides a comprehensive look at wildlife in the city, including insects and arthropods. The text is informative and the photographs are excellent. Most appropriate for ages 10 and up.

I Can Save the Earth
Anita Holmes, 1993, a Division of Simon & Schuster, NY, NY
This book provides vital information pertaining to the increasing problems concerning our environment and depleting natural resources. A fun read for children of all ages, this book focuses primarily on wildlife and environmental preservation. Contains some great ideas for kids and could motivate them to do something postive for the world. Ages 9-14.

WILDLIFE

Coyote at Pinon Place
Deborah Dennard, 1999, Soundprints, Norwalk, CT
Take a closeup look at this adaptable animal against a backdrop of vividly illustrated landscapes. Coyote's adventures are a good springboard for discussion of habitat destruction, human encroachment, animal survival, the role of predators, and the value of natural resources to all living beings. Toddler/Preschool. (Micro book)

One Child
Christopher Cheng, 2000, Crocodile Books, Northampton, MA
This quietly sobering but ultimately inspiring book about problems facing wild animals and the environment shows what good things can come form the efforts of just one child. Ages 4-8.