By Sarah Danke

Staff Favorite

Wild at Heart

Man and Beast in Southern Africa
By Peter Godwin and Chris Johns
(National Geographic Insight)

This gorgeous, oversized book contains dozens of full-color photographs that portray wild animals in their natural habitat within southern Africa and as they coexist with the human population. The forward by Nelson Mandela perfectly sets the tone as he describes protecting the wilderness to maintain the land for “our children and our children’s children.” Through beautiful full-color photographs and text, this book attempts to explore the war between conservationists and poachers and the controversial efforts on both sides.

The Little Dog’s
Activity Book
Fun & Frolic for a Fit Four-Legged Friend
By Deborah Wood
(T.F.H. Publications)

While summer activity books often focus on fun things you can do with your large dog, the little dogs often get left out of the party. This book focuses on activities that you can share with your small dog, including outdoor games that take up a lot of space and indoor games that you can play in your living room. If your dog is a slower senior, there are activities for him, too, since dogs of all ages and sizes need exercise to stay happy and healthy.

We Are the Cat
Life Through the Eyes of the Royal Feline
By Terry Bain
(Harmony Books)

Determining what your cat is thinking could potentially be a full-time job, as “mysterious” and “feline” are almost synonymous. This book attempts to crack the cat code, telling you why felines do things such as sit in the sink or attack paper bags. This isn’t human estimation, either; the book is “written” by a feline named Scratch, who represents the perspective of cats everywhere through use of the royal “We.”

They Moved My Bowl
By Charles Barsotti
(Little Brown and Company)

New Yorker readers have been following Charles Barsotti’s adorable little dog cartoons for more than 30 years, and this collection will warm the hearts of his devoted fans. This light summertime read is a great coffee-table book that will delight dog lovers, and everyone else in between.

The Tao of Equus
A Woman’s Journey of Healing and Transformation through the Way of the Horse
By Linda Kohanov
(New World Library)

People who have spent a considerable amount of time with horses know that they are not simply work animals—they are intelligent and have feelings like any other animal. Author Kohanov developed techniques to utilize horses as therapeutic teachers and work with students to strengthen mind-body awareness. Her book reflects her years of experience with horses and deeply explores the bond between humans and these graceful creatures.

Where the Blind Horse Sings
Love and Healing at an Animal Sanctuary
By Kathy Stevens
(Skyhorse Publishing)

Stevens, the founder of the Catskill Animal Sanctuary, which houses abused farm animals, tells stories of unlikely animal friends that came into her life at the shelter. From Paulie, the cockfighting rooster, to Hannah and Rambo, the sheep that are best buddies, the book explores the gentle sentiments that you can bring out in all animals when they’re treated with love and respect.

Curious Creatures, Wondrous Waifs My Life With Animals
By Ed Kostro
(PublishAmerica)

This memoir of Kostro’s lifelong experiences with animals explores encounters that took place beginning at age 3, when animals—including bears, skunks, ducks and raccoons, in addition to dogs and cats—began to shape his life. While not every story has a happy ending, each animal portrayed was special to Kostro’s life and shaped his personality. His story may be personal, but it depicts emotional experiences to which animal lovers of all kinds can relate.

The Simple Truth About Love
By Bradley Trevor Greive
(Andrews McMeel Publishing)

Although countless books have already been written on the subject of love, there’s always something more to say. Animals of all kinds are shown displaying affection toward one another or toward the camera, coupled with captions describing both the beautiful and the ugly sides of love. This pocket-sized companion makes a perfect gift for any occasion.

Dog Days
Dispatches from Bedlam Farm
By Jon Katz
(Villard Books)

Despite the canine-centric title of this book, Dog Days is about more than just lazy dogs in the summertime. Noted animal writer Katz describes his adventures in farm life, where he encounters sheep and chickens, barnyard cats, and a handful of farm dogs. The author not only describes this wide variety of animals, but he concentrates on what humans can learn from animals and their ability to work together in harmony.