Dog Days of Summer, August 2009

Written by local author/professor/ardent birder Todd Newberry, this book of short essays stands out from the canon of birding literature for its focus on the birder and the philosophy of birding, as well as the birds themselves. This is a beautiful book, thoroughly thoughtful and gracefully written, and sure to appeal to even the most ardent of birders. –Kat

Losing a single sock or glove is the pits. Honestly, what can you really do with one lonely glove or sock? This book provides a creative solution by teaching you how to turn your sock or glove-less misery into super cute new animal friends. Easy to follow instructions and patterns make these projects perfect for crafters of all abilities. The photographs inspire us to creatively reuse and repurpose socks, gloves, and plenty of other materials, into cuddly little creatures. –josie

Edward Gorey’s fabulous illustrations are perfectly paired with the poetry of T.S. Eliot in this cat-themed collection. Originally published in 1939 and purported to have been written for Eliot’s godchildren, it remains a classic book for cat lovers and readers of all ages. Whimsical and witty, Eliots poems and Gorey’s signature illustrations offer yet another reason to love all the kittens in your life, real or fictional. –josie

This book reminds readers to love animals (and people) for the wonderful beings they are, instead of judging them by their looks. Each beautifully illustrated picture of these adorably desperate dogs is accompanied by an equally enjoyable poem. Breathed’s art encourages you to adopt these completely lovable, but not perfect pets. They need a home and love just as much as the dog in the next kennel. –Saraphine

Every year, Great White sharks migrate to the Farallone Islands, just off the coast of San Francisco. Casey spent three seasons on the jagged islands watching the sharks and getting to know the people who study them. Her deep fascination with the fish is contagious, and the book is an excellent blend of adventure and local history. It reminds us how little we know the waters we live by, and what resides there. –Flannery

When Gá, our childrens specialist, put this into my hands I was immediately impressed with the playful and insightful narration. By the end of the story I was aching from the emotional intensity, and loosing a battle against the tears. It is one beautiful and powerful book. -Nici

Cats are bizarre creatures capable of providing hours of entertainment – this we know. The Devious Book for Cats is full of the most accurate descriptions of what it must be like to inhabit the brain of a cat, covering everything from catnip to the art of swiping food. The chapter on cardboard boxes (and why, as a cat, you MUST explore them) is hilarious. I laughed to the point of tears for a good hour straight while reading this book. –Kate

I already had a love of dogs, but this book is the one that got me started on my love of reading to myself. After reading this one, I had to read the whole “series.” Perfect for the young readers in your life—especially if they love dogs. –Clytia

A boy named Pi Patel becomes stranded on a lifeboat with a bunch of castaway animals. Although Martel has larger themes of faith to explore, I believe the real reason for the immense popularity of this book is simply his vivid rendering of what it might be like to be out to sea on a small boat with a 450-pound Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. –Seana