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. more>

Karen Dugan includes elements of humor to lighten Chicu’s story, a tale that might be similar to that of thousands of other exotic birds that are trapped, smuggled, and sold into lives of captivity. Parrots are long-living birds who flourish in flocks with mates and families, flying freely and happily through the treetops; in their captive existence—which may be fifty or sixty years, or longer—they often endure isolation and a tedious, neglected life without proper care or human attention.

Through more than seventy striking, full-color illustrations, Chicu’s story opens a window into the life of these exotic birds whose very beauty leads to their imprisonment, birds whose unique qualities call out for understanding and care.
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Jim, his mom, and Molly, their cat, come back from the vet’s office after Molly has been spayed. Jim wants to know why Molly shouldn’t have kittens. “I like kittens,” he says. In this delightfully imagined journey into what might happen if Molly the cat should have litters of kittens, Jim’s mom shows him that Molly’s (and her kittens’) potential for multiplying would change their lives—and not for the better!
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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... more>

2008 KIND Children's Honor Book

by Daisy Bix
illustration by Joe Hyatt

What is life like, day after day, for a dog kept outdoors in all weather on a chain or rope, alone all day--a dog whose owners, for the most part, forget that he's alive? Buddy, a lovable mixed-breed dog, has such an existence... more>

KokoCat, a well-loved housecat, has seen the world only from the safety of her windows. One day, she takes advantage of an open door and runs away to explore.

Once outside, she finds that life is more complicated and less enjoyable than she bargained for. Hungry, lost, and alone, KokoCat takes shelter under a trash bin, dreaming of her former life and the people who care about her. more>

In a compelling story, movingly illustrated, the issue of animal abandonment is brought to life. Maggie, a pregnant lab mix, is left behind in an abandoned house. Discovered by the realtor, Maggie is brought to the pound where her puppies are born.

Maggie’s Second Chance is based on the true story of Texas fourth-graders who, with their teacher’s assistance, founded an animal shelter in their town. The final page offers factual comprehensive information on how to help abandoned dogs. more>

While visiting her grandmother in the country, Mel discovers a neglected horse. Moved by the sight of the rib-thin pinto with the sad, glazed eyes and eager to help him, Mel starts a rescue process that results in the pinto’s being moved to a horse rescue ranch to revive him and treat his problems. At the ranch, Mel learns about horse care and continues to bond with the horse she has named Lucky. more>

Lively, charming art illuminates this zesty modern fable. Ms. April loves her field and forest, pond and hill. When widespread land development forces animals from their rural homes, Ms. April invites them to live safe and protected on her land. With Ms. Mae, a resourceful fox (and her closest friend), she shelters the animals until the day she falls ill and greedy enemies seize the moment to invade her land, bulldozers poised. At this moment of peril, Ms. Mae steps in to match wits with their adversaries.
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Dog # 241 has lived for years in a crate, with crates of dogs around and above her. As part of a rescue operation at a puppy mill, she is renamed Dakota and nurtured in a foster home that helps her to heal in body and spirit from a life of deprivation, lack of vet care, and the basic comforts of life. She becomes an essential and happy partner to a girl who has herself experienced severe challenges.
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Almost every parent has heard: "Please, can we get a dog?" Now there is a book that helps families answer that question, a book that supports either answer. Are You Ready for Me? shows what life will be like with a dog, both the responsibilities and the joys....

New! Downloadable 24-page kit to help your family decide if you are ready for a dog. more>

by Daisy Bix
illustration by Amelia Hansen

In this first-ever children's book about dog parks, dogs Sam and Lucy eagerly take part in a dog fiesta of movement and fun, running off-leash, free to cavort, to meet and greet, to leap and chase... more>