Last Updated on March 30, 2025 by Melanie Haynes
One of my favorite summer pastimes is to sit by the pool reading my favorite book.ย Being an animal lover, I have researched the top 7 books for pet-lovers for both adults and children to read this summer. Choose a book and relax in the story that it tells.
Adult Reads
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
The Art of Racing in the Rain is a novel of a race car driver that believes his dog, Enzo, will be reincarnated as a human. If a dog is prepared enough when it dies, it will come back as a man (or a woman). Enzo also helps his owner Denny in lifeโs valleys, and mountains as man and dog go through life together.
My Dog: The Paradox: A Lovable Discourse About Manโs Best Friend by Matthew Inman
If you are looking for a funny book about dogs, then My Dog: The Paradox: A Loveable Discourse About Manโs Best Friend by Matthew Inman is the book for you. Each page is filled with the most laughable humor for dog owners. This book is a perfect reflection of the ways dogs annoy and entertain humans daily.
A Street Cat Named Bob and How He Saved My Life by James Bowen
A Street Cat Named Bob and How He Saved My Life is a beautiful tale of a street musician on the streets of London. Jamesโ life changed when he met a street cat that he named Bob. Nursing Bob back to health, James did not realize that he was nurturing his soul at the same time.
Marley & Me by John Grogan
Marley and Me is about a cantankerous yellow labrador that continuously causes trouble throughout his thirteen years. The author, John Grogan, tells his story of his familyโs Labrador, Marley. Marley is a typical labrador that is always getting into something with a little extra spice. His family soon realizes that he is who he is and accept him for that. This book goes through Marleyโs life stages until the very end.
Homerโs Odyssey: A Fearless Feline Tale by Gwen Cooper
Homerโs Odyssey is a true story about a lovable feline that made his way into a broken-hearted womanโs home and life. At a time when Gwen Cooper literally couldnโt afford another cat in her home of already two cats, she opens her heart to Homer. Homer, an eyeless beautiful gray cat, makes a significant impact on Gwenโs life.
All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot
Every person in the veterinary field should read this fantastic classic. Even a person that loves animals should read this book to get a look inside the life of a mixed animal veterinarian in the 1930โs. The tales in this book will leave you laughing, crying, and inspired by the career choice of veterinary professionals.
Through a Dogโs Eyes By Jennifer Arnold
Jennifer Arnold, the author of Through a Dogโs Eyes has trained service dogs for over 20 years. Her extreme understanding and bond with the dogs she trains allow a unique perspective of a dogโs talent and skill. This book will no doubt give you a whole new aspect of your relationship with your dog.
Childrenโs Reads
Charlotteโs Web by E.B. White
One of Americaโs beloved classic childrenโs novels is Charlotteโs Web. Charlotte is a spider that lives in a barn and becomes friends with a pig, Wilbur. When Wilburn realizes what the purpose of his life is, he becomes frantic. Never fear, though, the power of friendship is a strong one, and Charlotte spins a unique web with a special message that saves Wilburโs life and makes him famous.
Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
Where the Red Fern Grows is a classic tale of the bond between two Redbone Coonhounds and a young boy. During a time where when you had a dog, you had a lot, this young boy grows into a young man quickly. The book portrays the adventures of owning two coonhounds and the memories that they make.
Old Yeller by Fred Gipson
Old Yeller is the perfect tale of a boy and his dog. A dog that helps to save the boy, his brother, and his family in so many ways. A tear-jerker for sure, but this book is definitely worth the heartache to read of the loyalty of Old Yeller.
Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion
Harry the Dirty Dog is an adorable childrenโs book. Harry is a dog that hates to bathe. After an adventure-filled day, Harry becomes so dirty he is unrecognizable. Such a cute book for those little ones that love dogs.
Iโll Always Love You by Hans Wilhelm
Iโll Always Love You is a beautiful Childrenโs book that portrays the joy of a boy and his puppy growing up together. The book shows them making memories together illustrated with lovely watercolor pictures.
What Pet Should I Get? By Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss always does a fantastic job of illustrating a book a childrenโs book, and this one is no less. What Pet Should I Get is a cute picture book of a brother and sister going to a pet store. In the pet store, they are intensely deciding which pet they should get.
The Haymeadow by Gary Paulsen
Gary Paulsen does a beautiful job of writing a beautiful picture of a young boy taking on a manโs job for a summer. The young boy, John Barron is left with four dogs, two horses, and six thousand sheep. Such a great tale of survival for man and beast.
Who doesnโt love a good book? Dive into these fantastic talesโฆ or tails. If you love dogs, cats, horses, or cattle, there is a book in this collection to satisfy your animal-loving self. Choose a book from the list above for you and the children in your life, take a break from this crazy life, and read about these wonderful animals and the humans that love them. Better yet โ bring one of these on vacation and let us fellow animal-lovers take care of pet sitting for you!!
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