Rescue Pet Book List
1. “Frizzy Izzy Goes Home” By Bree Muehl, Illustrated by Amy Huzil
Helen Woodward Animal Center doesn’t just provide a safe space for rescues, we also published a book on pet adoption! Izzy’s story is one of many rescue pets, with lessons in responsibility and empathy. The steady rhymes and bright illustrations tell a fun story everyone will love.
2. “My Name is Sugar” By Stacy Snyder, Illustrated by Anne Johnson
The unlikely rescue story we didn’t know we needed! Sugar is a miniature horse with a flare for adventure with his trusty best friend, Charger. Author Stacy Snyder is a Rancho Santa Fe, California local who rescued Sugar and Charger. She has even done readings of Sugar’s story at the Center.
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Author Stacy Snyder reading Sugar’s story at Helen Woodward Animal Center -
Sugar makes a friend.
Rescue Dog Books for Kids
3. “Before You Were Mine” By Maribeth Boelts, Illustrations by David Walker
Have you ever wondered what life was like for rescue pets before they were saved? This story finds a little boy imagining the maybes and what ifs of his new pet’s old life.
4. “Pick A Pup” By Marsha Wilson Chall, Illustrations by Jed Henry
The next step to adopting a new pet is choosing a forever best friend to take home. Sam finds himself in a similar situation when he visits his local shelter. Riddled with laughs and fun, this book discovers the challenges of finding the perfect pet. But like Sam discovers on his visit, they find you.
5. “Buddy Unchained” By Daisy Bix, Illustrations by Joe Hyatt
This touching story is a representation of what many rescue pets experience. It’s a heartfelt read that will teach your children the value of empathy toward animals, and the illustrations express as much emotion as the words on the pages of this book.
6. “Madeline Finn and The Shelter Dog” By Lisa Papp, Illustrations by Lisa Papp
This is a story about a little girl named Madeline Finn who decides to help rescue animals by finding supplies to donate to her local shelter. It’s a nice reminder that adoption isn’t the only option to help animal shelters. (If you and your child are interested in giving back, Helen Woodward Animal Center has a wish list of the much needed supplies that can make the animals’ stays a little better.)
7. “Can I Be Your Dog?” By Troy Cummings
This quirky tale is a fun twist to the traditional rescue story. Arfy, an alley dog, writes letters to the people in his neighborhood looking for someone to take him in. He is a polite roommate who doesn’t mind sharing as long as he can find a home.
8. “Operation Rescue Dog” By Maria Gianferrari, Illustrations by Luisa Uribe
Many surprises are in store in this book about a girl and a dog who find each other by chance. As they heal from their own struggles, they learn to lift each other up, showing once again that animals save us as much as we save them.
9. “Adventures with Moby” By Vicki Fragasso, Illustrations by Vicki Fragasso
Moby, a dog adopted from an animal shelter, teaches his mom the importance of adventure and love. He also shares his wisdom and gentle nature with his friends. Although content, Moby still has a secret wish.
Rescue Cat Book for Kids
10. “Pablo The Rescue Cat ” By Charlotte Williams, Illustrations by Angela Perrini
Here’s another story that pulls at the heart. A lonely little girl decides to adopt a new best friend to feel at home. A story that paints a picture of how our pets can change our outlook on life.
Rescue Rabbit Book for Kids
11. “The Forgotten Rabbit” By Nancy Furstinger, Illustrations by Nancy Lane
Cats and dogs aren’t the only orphan pets who need forever homes. Bella the rabbit was an Easter present who was soon forgotten after the excitement. Saved and nurtured back to health, thanks to a new friend, Bella finally finds her true home.
Kids Reading To Animals
12. “Madeline Finn and The Library Dog” By Lisa Papp, Illustrations by Lisa Papp
Madeline Finn is back again! (Because it wouldn’t be a full circle reading list if we didn’t have a book about books.) Madeline is learning how to read, but like many kids, she’s finding it difficult — that is, until she arrives at the library and meets Bonnie, the library dog. With Bonnie’s help. Madeline starts to read out loud to her and doesn’t stop until she succeeds.
Something many budding readers relate to is the struggle of learning to read without judgement of mistakes. Luckily for them, Helen Woodward Animal Center has a Paws and Pages: Reading to Animals program where kids can bring their favorite books and read to our Education animal ambassadors. Reptile or mammal, it does not matter, they love to listen. Check out dates and registration details here to help out your new reader thrive!