Year of the Pet Book Reviews

The Year of the Dog: Tales from the Chinese Zodiac
By Oliver Chin, illustrated by Miah Alcorn
(Immedium, Inc.)

Although he’s not first in the New Year cycle proper, the dog is the first of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac to be featured in this new series by Oliver Chin. The book follows Daniel, a pup born on New Year’s Day as he explores the world, befriends a girl named Lin, and learns how to become (hu)mankind’s best friend. Each of the 11 other zodiac characters is introduced as Daniel runs into them in his travels. This fun book is a great way to kick off the Year of the Dog for kids and grown-ups alike.

The Wisdom of Yo Meow Ma: A Spiritual Guide from the Ancient Chinese Philosopher Cat
By Joanna Sandsmark
(Ulysses Press)

We hate leaving our feline friends out when it comes to celebratory situations, so this one is for the mousers. This enjoyable book of life lessons is told through the fanciful eyes of Yo Meow Ma, an ancient cat philosopher whose scrolls were unearthed from a tomb in China. Yo Meow Ma spreads his wisdom through allegorical tales, like that of Yao Lee, the lazy cat whose story cautions readers to not to leave their happiness in the hands of others. In the wise words of Yo Meow Ma, “Live each of your nine lives as if you have only one.”

The Complete Petrosexual: A Handbook of Style for the Modern Dog
By Sterling Sugar Magnolia as told by Nola Thacker
(Stewart, Tabori & Chang)

“You want to wear your collar—you don’t want it to wear you,” advises Shug, the canine-narrator of this witty guide book for dogs seeking to get the best out of life, and their wardrobe. But the book does more than just warn Fido of the dangers of mixing sunglasses and feathers, it offers up Shug’s expert insight on everything from personal hygiene to catering choices, to ensuring a dog’s entrance into proper society. Delightfully clever and fun, this book is sure to bring a smile to your face.

Animal Talk: Life Lessons from our Furry Friends By John Lund, text by Peter Stein
(Andrews McMeel Publishing)

This adorable photo exposé is a great pick-me-up to beat the winter blues. It’s hard to resist 75 pages of fur-covered philosophers preaching the benefits of yawning and napping at every opportunity. And there’s no better way to celebrate “The Year of the Pet” than to listen to what they have to say for once—even if it is coming from
a droopy-eyed Basset Hound commenting that “Chief Researcher at the Institute for Lazy People” would be a nice career choice.

Cats and Their Slaves: An Anthology of Worship
By Michelle Lovric
(Chicago Review Press)

In stores April 2006
Throughout time man has been obsessed with cats. Literary figures such as Edgar Allan Poe and Robert Louis Stevenson, and even modern day Hollywood stars like Halle Berry and Antonio Banderas have all acknowledged their fascination with our feline counterparts—which is documented in this charming anthology. Each section of the book includes a space dedicated to detailing noteworthy cat guardians and their pets and is adorned with eye-catching vintage illustrations, making it a great gift or the perfect addition to your coffee table.

What the Dogs Have Taught Me
By Merrill Markoe
(Villard)

Brought to you by the same author as Stupid Pet Tricks, this collection of amusing essays will have you laughing out loud. Award-winning comedy writer Merrill Markoe knows a thing or two about dogs; in one section of the book she spends an entire day alongside her pets tipping over trash cans, intermittently napping, and digging holes under the fence. But what’s great about this book is Markoe’s ability to admit to the ridiculous when it comes to our pets—and our lives for that matter. The book also includes non-pet related essays about life, love, and how to revise your priorities while waiting for the world to end.

How to Be a Dog Psychic
By Danika Nadzan
(Fair Winds Press)

Ever wonder what your pooch is thinking when he looks up at you with those big round dewy eyes? This book can help you find out. In How to Be a Dog Psychic, animal communicator Danika Nadzan teaches her readers how to strengthen their natural intuitive and psychic skills in order to understand what their dogs are trying to tell them— telepathically. Nadzan claims that being able to crack the canine code, such as finding the meaning of frantic tailwagging, can help guardians understand and address the various reasons for misbehavior.

Cooking the Three Dog Bakery Way

By Mark Beckloff and Dan Dye

What better way to show appreciation for your pooch than by making him a home-cooked “Pawshake Cake.” This cookbook has got something for every canine-friendly occasion—yappetizers, entrées, dogserts,and even holidog treats. From the “World’s Original Bakery for Dogs,” this book is chock full of easy-to-make recipes and also includes health tips, nutritional factoids, and other practical advice.

Cats
By Hans Silvester, text by Hubert Comte
(Abrams)

Spend a day in the life of a cat. Photographer Hans Silvester uses the Greek Islands, where cats were once considered sacred, as a backdrop for his visually captivating photo journal about (hu)man’s other best friend. Cats isn’t just another coffee table book; it is perfect for both feline lovers and young readers— offering both fact-filled text in addition to a glimpse into the exciting and often humorous world of these intriguing creatures.

The Chinchilla Handbook
By Sharon L. Vanderlip, DVM
(Barron’s Educational Series, Inc.)

Who would’ve imagined these cozy little critters would also make good pets? From their origins in the wilds of South America to a time when they faced near extinction, these diminutive rodents have captured the hearts of many pet lovers. This handy guidebook is full of important information about finding and caring for this interesting creature and asks the reader hard-nosed questions regarding the time and commitment involved in living with one of these cuddly companions.

The 25 Best Reptile and Amphibian Pets
By R.D. Bartlett
(Barron’s Educational Series, Inc.)

How many times has your pleading child begged you to adopt an Australian Bluetongued Skink? If you’ve taken his want seriously, this handy guide will tell you everything you need to know about the Skink and 24 other reptiles and amphibians. Important issues are discussed including the adoption of captive-bred animals such as these, aquarium care, and health basics. After reading this book, you may be welcoming into the family your very own Japanese Fire-Bellied Newt!

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