Connie’s Book Club
Get cozy with a good dog and a good book
Curl up with a good dog and a good book. Editor-in-Chief Connie Wilson’s top picks for the fall season.
Paris-Chien: Adventures of an Ex-Pat Dog By Jackie Clark Mancuso
Two things inspired this delightfully charming illustrated children’s book—Jackie Clark Mancuso’s own time in the City of Light and a scruffy little Norwich Terrier named Hudson. In Paris-Chien, Hudson, newly relocated from the US to France, learns that while moving to a new place and making friends can be difficult, it can also be an amazing adventure. A wonderful book to share with the children in your life.
The Mountaintop School for Dogs and Other Second Chances By Ellen Cooney
Cooney’s beautiful novel of redemption and second chances shows that rescue is really a two-way street. The titular Mountaintop School for Dogs is a sanctuary where abused dogs recover from their pasts and are helped on the road to healing. But they are not the only ones forging a path to recovery. A woman outrunning her own down-on-her-luck circumstances lands a job at the Sanctuary out of necessity but, while working to rehabilitate and rescue these wayward dogs, finds she is rescued right back.
Sophie: Inspired by a Real Story Dog By Y. Hoch
Guaranteed to delight dog lovers of all ages, this winningly illustrated children’s book about friends, love, and self confidence follows Sophie, a Welsh Corgi, on quite the journey. After receiving an invitation from her sister in London to attend a royal wedding, Sophie and her friends embark upon an adventure in which they solve a mystery and rescue a priceless stolen cheese recipe, so the princess may marry the man she loves. Get ready for a new favourite in the bedtime story rotation!
Harlow & Sage (and Indiana): A True Story About Best Friends By Brittni Vega
This story of dog friendship might just be the cutest thing going. It made us smile, brought tears to our eyes, and made us want to go hug our dogs. There are a lot of adorable duos out there, but this pair—plus newcomer puppy Indiana— might just be our favourite.
Underwater Puppies By Seth Casteel
Photographer Seth Casteel, the man behind national bestseller Underwater Dogs, is back with a new book guaranteed to also be a smash hit: Underwater Puppies. His surprising photographs capturing what’s happening below the surface make for arresting portraits both fascinating and funny. Simultaneously gorgeous and otherworldly, the book’s exuberant pups had us at the get-go.
Animal Stars: Behind the Scenes with Your Favorite Animal Actors By Allen and Linda Anderson
Learn more about the animals that enchant us on the big screen in Animal Stars. This book not only offers a look into the fascinating world of these talented animals, but also provides insights into their training and daily life, as well as their bonds with their celebrity costars who have fallen in love with them. Actors, directors, and trainers all weigh in with behind-the-scenes stories and highlights.
Animal Wisdom: Learning from the Spiritual Lives of Animals By Linda Bender
Animal advocate and veterinarian Linda Bender draws on a lifetime of experience to craft this beautiful and thoughtful exploration of the interconnectivity between people and the sentient creatures we share our world with. It’s a welcome reminder of what our animals friends can teach us, how we can better communicate with them, and the many ways they can change our lives for the better. This inspiring look at our relationships with animals—and how they deepen and enrich our lives—is filled wonderful anecdotes that will keep you turning the pages. If you’re looking for a deeper, more spiritual connection to animals, this is the book for you.