Alte FriedmanCharlotte’s Web By E. B. White
This product was recommended by Saurav Ahuja from ExcelTrick
No one can say they didn’t cry when Charlotte’s Web came to a close. Whether it was the sage old spider or her trusty pig companion, they were guaranteed to win your heart. The one where we realized that there is a time and a place for everything.
Carl the Cantankerous Cat By Donna Paul
This product was recommended by Donna Paul from That’s So Montessori
Carl the Cantankerous Cat is the PURRfect book with non-human characters. With Carl as the main character, the reader gets a fun and relatable look at his pampered life as a rescue cat. This picture book offers 30+ pages of full-color, visually pleasing images and tons of advanced words making it longer than the typical read-aloud story. With this book, readers will be busy learning for hours! While this book was created with the elementary child in mind, it is also adored by readers of all ages, even adults. If you’re looking for a fun book with non-human characters, then turn your attention to Carl because this picture book is guaranteed to please!
Lily and the Octopus By Steven Rowley
This product was recommended by Alex Getts from Intuitive Souls
As an avid reader, I was mesmerized by how jubilant yet impactful Lily and the Octopus is. It’s a touching story that takes on heavy themes and weaves them with a fun-filled, magical adventure. Without revealing too much, the story involves a Dachshund and an Octopus. Every page keeps you smirking and wanting more. At the same time, the novel sheds meaningful light on the painful topics it takes on, and will make you cry more than once. The less you know about it going into it, the better, and you will certainly walk away with a newfound appreciation for the world around you.
Alfie the Doorstep Cat By Rachel Wells
This product was recommended by Brian Jones from Best in Edmonton
A lovely, heartwarming tale told by a cat (Alfie). Alfie lost his home after his owner passed away, and he was left to fend for himself until he found another caring owner in Edgar Road. Alfie then moved in with a number of other residents, and after a rocky start, he won the hearts of almost everyone he encountered. I loved reading Alfie’s thoughts because, as I soon learned, he is a very perceptive and intelligent cat. I also loved reading about his adventures. I suggest this to anyone in need of encouragement, especially to anyone who enjoys cats and has at least two feline friends in their life.
The Spider and the Fly By Mary Botham Howitt
This product was recommended by Brian Jones from Best in Edmonton
A spooky spider with a Vincent Price impersonator’s face lures an innocent-appearing female fly into his den. In lyrical prose reminiscent of a Vincent Price movie, Mary Howitt tells this gothic tale. Parents should be aware that young kids might become anxious after the ending. A wise stranger’s flattering words to young people can lead to their demise, as illustrated in the wonderful tale The Spider and the Fly. The book also makes the point that it is wise to exercise extreme caution when interacting with strangers because you cannot determine their true intentions until it is too late.
The Dalai Lama’s Cat By David Michie
This product was recommended by Jack Williams from HandymanReviewed
A treasure of a book on the Power of Miaou that is especially illuminating. The charming story of a cat that the Dalai Lama adopts as a pet serves as the cover for a multi-layered treatise on the application of Buddhist teachings, titled The Dalai Lama’s Cat. You will be surprised by how much you can enjoy the story considering that If you hardly ever read self-help books and have very little background in Buddhism. Hats off to the author for deftly figuring out how to use this (self-described) The Most Beautiful Creature That Ever Lived to turn what would otherwise be a dry and academic read into a charming and entertaining narrative.
Old Bones the Wonder Horse By Mildred Mastin Pace
This product was recommended by Jack Williams from HandymanReviewed
Exterminator, an excellent racehorse who ran from 1915 to 1945, served as the inspiration for the story. Few people were willing to look past their initial impression in order to discover the wisdom and understanding in his wide set eyes. Bones speaks emotionally. It serves to remind the reader that what is inside is what really matters. This book could be used to teach students in grades 5-7 about what defines true friendship or what makes a person beautiful.
Green Eggs and Ham By Dr. Seuss
This product was recommended by Ava Collins from Adelaide Examiner
The story’s central theme concerns Sam I Am, a man who tries to win over the wise old man. It also reflects the generational divide between those who are set in their ways and those who are willing to explore possibly different ways of living. However, as you read this story, you can’t help but keep turning the pages. As a result of playing the give and take game that strengthens relationships in real life, Sam and the gentleman create a bond that is far stronger than it could have ever been. In both characters, we can see a little (or a lot) of ourselves, and I think the author is attempting to make a statement about our own humanity.
The Cat in the Hat By Dr. Seuss
This product was recommended by Ava Collins from Adelaide Examiner
I’ve always thought that Dr. Seuss is a master of mayhem based on this book. When the children’s mother isn’t home, he forces this smarmy Cat to barge into their home, where he then makes a huge mess.. Simply put, reading this book is a ton of fun. Whether you are a child or an adult has no bearing. The majority of the words are sight words, making it simple enough for beginners to read. The rhymes have a wonderful rhythm that is typical of Dr. Seuss’ books, and the story is delightfully silly. The age range for this is from 4 to 8, but it’s also excellent practice for older children who need assistance identifying and learning.
A Dog’s Purpose By W. Bruce Cameron
This product was recommended by Hannah Sanderson from Clever Canadian
Highly recommendable for animal lovers. This touches on the universal search for an answer to life’s most fundamental question: Why are we here? It is more than just another endearing dog story. This book tells the tale of Bailey, a special dog who seeks to understand the meaning of his many lives. The world is seen through the eyes of a dog in this book, which really makes you feel like one.
The Tale of Peter Rabbit By Beatrix Potter
This product was recommended by Hannah Sanderson from Clever Canadian
Beatrix Potter’s characters deviate from social expectations and suffer the consequences. When Peter Rabbit eats his neighbor’s vegetables, he violates the social contract. Peter quickly loses the trappings of society as he is pursued for his crimes, including his shoes and clothes, until he is reduced to his original animal form—naked, shivering, and driven outside. He is unable to locate the gate that will allow him to return to his secure home from the Garden of Sin. When he finally succeeds in escaping, his family shuns him and hangs an effigy of him in the garden as a warning.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe By C.S. Lewis
This product was recommended by Jenna Adams from Avenue Perth
Hits every important point for a good fantasy book. The woods, an enormous family, animal talkers, Secrets, Mystery, Saga and series ought to be read by every kid. Here, the imagination can soar. Four kids got into the house. 1 sets out on an exploration and gets lost in the land of Narnia. And the others go after her. What happens when people don’t listen to one another is demonstrated in the book. Lion-hero Aslan aids in illuminating the meaning of sacrifice. This book transports you into a magical world, similar to its own Narnia.
The Maze Runner By James Dashner
This product was recommended by Samantha Odo from Precondo
The Maze Runner is a great book for anyone who likes dystopian novels or suspenseful books in general. The book is well written and keeps you guessing throughout. It has Grievers, which are non-human characters. The Grievers are monstrous, nightmarish creatures that lurk in the dark corners of The Maze. They are fast, agile, and deadly, with razor-sharp claws and teeth. They are also seemingly intelligent and seem to be able to communicate with one another. Overall, the book is one of the most entertaining ones available.
Kindred By Octavia Butler
This product was recommended by Sofia Perez from Character Counter
It’s the story of a modern black woman who is suddenly transported back in time to the antebellum South, where she must grapple with the brutal reality of slavery. Though the characters are not strictly human, Butler does an excellent job of exploring the dynamics of power, race, and gender. It’s a compelling and thought-provoking read that I think you’ll enjoy.
Illuminae By Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
This product was recommended by Beth McCallum from Oh So Spotless
Illuminae is an epic but accessible sci-fi novel told through letters, CCTV footage, emails, and more. One of the main characters — Aidan— is artificial intelligence. His job is to keep the ship running and the passengers safe. But things get complicated when he becomes corrupt and develops feelings for one of the humans on board. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat and guessing all the way through. Plus, there are two sequels, so you can enjoy even more drama.
Three Days In Undead Shoes By Dee J. Holmes
This product was recommended by Mimi Paul from Kyte Digital
This book is really interesting and focuses on the main character and her dog in a world full of zombies. The story is told from the POV of our main character. This short book reads like a cinematic zombie movie. Very intriguing, highly recommended.
The Friend By Sigrid Nunez
This product was recommended by Erika Barnes from Petsmitten
One of the central characters of the story is a Great Dane that is left behind by its deceased owner. The dog then forms an unexpected relationship with its new owner who goes through their own emotional turmoil throughout the story. This book is a fantastic insight into a dog owner’s mind and if you didn’t want a dog before you read it, you’ll definitely want one after!
Harry Potter By J.K. Rowling
This product was recommended by Dr. Staci Holweger from Lifepatches
The Harry Potter series has sold over 500 million copies around the world, making it the best-selling book series in history. The Boy Who Lived may have grown up, but his adventures will live forever. Harry’s creator, J.K. Rowling, has transcended the world of literature by being an entrepreneur and creating a world that is used in many different mediums including film, merchandise, and will be coming to the stage soon!
Animal Farm By George Orwell
This product was recommended by Chris Kowalski from Autopadre
The most significant political allegory ever written uses a cast of animal characters to highlight the failures of the Russian Revolution, and why base instinct and biological drives will always overwhelm and subvert any system designed to help the masses and promote equality. Why? Because greed and need wil always overwhelm the desire to succeed.
Nutty The Squirrel By Shawnte Hughes
This product was recommended by Jocelyn M. Reaves from Fireside Insights
In a nutshell, pun intended the book talks about friendship between the main character, a squirrel by the name of Nutty and two of his forest friends. It depicts that in times of despair he could always rely on them. However, one day, he had a problem of which he contacted his friends for help. Unfortunately, this specific time, they exhausted all of their means but ultimately couldn’t solve the problem. In that moment of what Nutty thought was hopelessness, he then decided to just believe in himself and he came to realization that just because his friends couldn’t help him this time, that he shouldn’t give up and he could still try on his own. This book relays a strong and empowering message to remind children and even adults that it’s important to believe in yourself. To never count yourself out and giving up isn’t an option!
The Hobbit By J.R.R. Tolkien
This product was recommended by Kevin Harris from NANBF
The Hobbit is about, well, a hobbit who puts aside his grievances regarding adventures to undertake a huge quest to help a group of dwarves and retrieve gold from a gigantic, fire-breathing dragon. It’s a book about courage and perseverance, and I find myself reaching for it every few years or so for a re-read, normally in audio form when I’m at the gym. I recommend everyone read it at least once.
Baby Palm By Dilek Mir
This product was recommended by Dilek Mir from Mir House
This Kirkus Starred review book is a heartwarming tale for children told through the perspective of palm trees. The book is selling in museum gift shops, boutiques, book stores, and toy stores. It teaches about letting go, growing up, and the connection between humans and trees.
Hollow Kingdom By Kira Jane Buxton
This product was recommended by Bridgette Witte from Culinary Debates
Hollow Kingdom presents a bird’s eye view of the catastrophe we all want and need–especially when the bird in question is a plucky, Cheeto-loving tame crow. The narrator braves the horrific implosion of the human world as she leads us through vividly imagined animal realms with an infinite amount of heart and comedy. A stunning, completely unique debut that highlights the profound dichotomy of humanity’s deadly defects and enduring spirit.
The Last Unicorn By Peter S. Beagle
This product was recommended by Jen Jones from Your Dog Advisor
The Last Unicorn is a fantasy novel about a unicorn who is the last of her kind and must find her way in the world without any other unicorns to guide her. It’s an amazing book that I would recommend to anyone who loves reading fantasy novels! My particular favorite is when the unicorn rescues a prince and his two horses, who are captured by a witch. It was so funny and heart-warming at the same time!
Emperors of the Deep By William McKeever
This product was recommended by Cherelle Johnson from Thatsister
Emperors of the Deep by William McKeever is a non-fiction book about sharks, the terrifying yet so mysterious beings lurking beneath the surface of the water. There are some humans in this book but don’t worry, the sharks are the main priority. When reading this book, I learned so much about sharks and their behavior, habitat, diet, and such. Any wildlife enthusiast would love to get a hold of this book as it contains so much fun and interesting information.
