RA RA READ: Beginning Chapters for Animal Lovers

I first created this list years ago, when I weeded Animal Ark (circulation was dropping, the books we still had were in awful condition, and the whole series was out of print). I knew I needed alternatives readily at hand for all the kids who were upset that the books were gone and I had plenty to choose from!

Beginning chapters about animals are always popular, but there are a gazillion series out there so there's no need to stick with the old ones. These are realistic animals only, with the occasional talking animal, and yes, they are 90% dogs.

Animal Rescue, Care, and Working animals

• Vet Volunteers by Laurie Halse Anderson
• Critter Club by Callie Barkley
• My furry foster family by Debbie Michiko Florence
• Good Dog by Cam Higgins
• Shelter Pet Squad by Cynthia Lord
• Lulu by Hilary McKay
• Puppy Place by Ellen Miles
• Jasmine Green Rescues by Helen Peters
• Dog's Day by Catherine Stier

Historical Animal stories

• Dog Diaries by Kate Klimo
• Ranger in Time by Kate Messner
• Horse diaries by various authors

Other animal stories, primarily talking or anthropomorphic animals

• Buddy Files by Dori Butler
• Zoey and Sassafras by Asia Citro
• Dr. Kitty Cat by Jane Clarke
• Animal Inn by Paul Jacobs
• Diary of a Pug by Kyla May
• Down Girl and Sit by Lucy Nolan
• Daisy Dawson by Steve Voake

Originally published in 2016; last updated in 2021