Team Kindness Book Club

As an author herself, Team Kindness creator Diane Rose-Solomon is passionate about the power of books. This selection of books are entertaining and educational choices that will inspire Kind Kids to make a difference! These books are perfect additions to any classroom or family library, and make wonderful gifts for kids who love animals.

JJ The American Street Dog Books

I wrote JJ The American Street Dog and How He Came To Live In Our House and JJ Goes to Puppy Class to celebrate the joy of adoption—and talk about some of the challenges! I hope you love them.

JJ The American Street Dog and How He Came To Live In Our House: Maya has wanted a dog for as long as she can remember. Just when her parents decide to buy her one, her Uncle Jerry finds a homeless puppy that he can’t keep. Although Mom is skeptical about keeping a dog from the street, she agrees to take in the pup and they name him JJ. Before long, JJ warms his way into their hearts, and Maya and her family learn about homeless animals and how they can be a part of the solution to end pet overpopulation.

JJ Goes to Puppy ClassJJ Goes To Puppy Class is a beautifully illustrated story that helps pet loving families teach their children about patience, consistency, kindness, responsibility and unconditional love — just some of the important values parents and educators endeavor to impart in school age children.

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A Dog Called Meatball: And His Brother Chicken Nugget

“Cute story from the perspective of a stray dog (and his brother), illustrating some of what dogs go through as they are out on their own. Offers great insight for kids to learn empathy for strays and make any family eager to adopt shelter dogs and welcome them to their ‘forever home’.” —Amazon Reviewer

The From Alone to A Home Collection is a series of shelter stories all inspired by true events. A Dog Called Meatball, the first book in the series, follows one stray puppy as he is suddenly whisked away from his stray puppy brother and brought to an animal shelter. He learns how animal shelters work, meets a few new friends, and waits to be adopted. All the while, wondering if he will ever see his brother again. A portion of the proceeds from sales of these books will be donated to help provide care and comfort for animals in animal shelters.

Jeannie Houdini: A Hamster’s Tale

“. . . With an interesting layout of full and partial illustrations, this sweet picture book entertains, especially on the pages that depict Sophia hunting the missing hamster down. A friendship between Sophia and the mischievous pet is inevitable as she discovers the commonalities between Jeannie’s small world and her own miniature playhouse.” – Kirkus Reviews

Twins Martina and Mateo wanted a hamster as a pet but find caring for Jeannie a chore. Their younger sister, Sophia, loves Jeannie and sets out to solve the mystery of why Jeannie continues to escape from her cage. This endearing and engaging story of a growing friendship is also instructive about the needs of small animal companions, often referred to as pocket pets.

Santa’s Dog

“A sweet, powerful Christmas story.” – Kirkus Reviewsreview

In this rhyming picture book and Christmas story, readers follow the adventures of Santa’s best dog, Lance, when he falls out of the sleigh one Christmas Eve. He’s taken in by the animal shelter and then brought home by a military family who needs some help as Dad is called to serve his country. When Christmas Eve comes ‘round the next year, Lance must decide whether to return to the North Pole with his friend Santa or stay with his new family.​​

A sure favorite for anyone who loves dogs, in particular rescue dogs, SANTA’S DOG is a heartwarming tale for youngsters and the young-at-heart.

Nobody’s Cats
“Great for both children and adults to teach about strays and feral kitties! We learn great lessons from caring for all creatures no matter their station in this world.” – Toonces the Driving Cat, Amazon review

After stopping some kids from throwing rocks at a group of cats, a boy finds a little black kitty starving and shivering in the snow. He wants to save the poor little black kitty but doesn’t know how! With the help of a friendly volunteer, he learns all about community cats. The neighbors call them “Nobody’s cats”, but what will they think when the boy springs into action and becomes a superhero to help the little black kitty and the rest of the community cats?

How I Love and Care for My Happy Cat
How I Love and Care for My Happy Cat is a playful approach to helping your child learn what it means to take care of their cat. A happy cat is part of a happy family! Your child will love reading along as the structure of the book is great for early readers and story time sessions.

Written by Valerie Ingram and Alistair Schroff of the Lakes Animal Friendship Society, this book is based on ten years of experience in teaching animal care in the classrooms of northern British Columbia, Canada.

All proceeds support our animal welfare projects. For more information check out www.lakesanimalfriendship.ca.

Start Off on the Right Paw
“Since I liked Denise Fleck’s first book, Don’t Judge A Book By Its Cover, I decided to buy this one, and was not disappointed. If your considering adding another doggie to your pack, this is a great read. I think these books should be in school libraries. They’re truly great.” – Amazon review

Mary-Alice’s best friend Claire decides to adopt a ‘sister’ for her Pit Bull Rex, so the girls pay a visit to the local animal shelter. There they meet Bonsai, a Japanese Akita, very much in need of a forever home. For 6 long months, people have passed her by misjudging her to be too old, too big or too something. With the help of Claire’s mom, the girls give this loving dog a chance but must first Start Off on the Right Paw, properly introducing Bonsai to Rex and M.A.’s best friend, Mr. Rico. Along the way the girls understand the need for pet safety and excitedly await their chance to volunteer and help other animals in need.

Lipstick on a Pug

Lipstick on a Pug Book Cover_TK blog postIt’s the 1970s, and life changes completely for a little girl named Laurren when she meets the most curious, incredible creature she has ever seen. With its wrinkly face, bulging eyes, and a nose that looks like it’s been smashed by a freight train, it’s the most pitiful creature she’s ever seen…and the most loveable. Her name is Tuttie, and she’s a pug. Her owner left her at the vet’s office and never came back so Laurren and her family adopt her. Laurren and Tuttie are two peas in a pod. They become inseparable. Then one day, Laurren’s grandma brings her a pair of red clip-on earrings and bright-red lipstick. That’s when Laurren learns that when you put lipstick on a pug, you can conquer the world.

Danny Dog: A rescue dog finds his forever home:

Based on a true story, the award-winning Danny Dog – A rescue dog finds his forever home is the heartwarming story of an adorable little dog. Found on the street, he was taken in and cared for by a pet rescue organization. The little dog endured dashed hopes and disappointment before finally experiencing the joy of finding his forever home. This uplifting story, geared toward children (ages 4 and up), serves to teach them two valuable lessons:

1) The importance of giving pets a second chance.
2) The vital role of pet rescue organizations in securing a forever home.

Danny’s endearing story – from the street to his forever home – will be an inspiration to both children and adults, alike.

Danny Dog is a 2015 winner of a Family Choice Award which recognizes the best in children’s and parenting products. The book was also named to RedRover Readers list of “Recommended Books with Humane Themes.”

“Danny Dog is a heartwarming story that is both educational and entertaining…. Danny danced off the page and into my heart! I would love all children to read this wonderful book… It makes you smile. I give it a 10!”

– Carrie Ann Inaba, Judge on “Dancing with the Stars” and Founder, Carrie Ann Inaba Animal Project.

 

Before You Were Mine:

A little boy imagines what life was like for his new dog before he adopted him from a shelter. Maybe he had a boy who loved him, but the family had to move and couldn’t keep him. Maybe he belonged to someone who didn’t appreciate how mischievous puppies can be. Maybe he was treated badly, and now he can be shown all the love he’s been missing. This boy wonders about all of these things, but maybe they don’t matter. Because now, his dog is home.

Winner of the Humane Society KIND Children’s Picture Book Award and the ASPCA Henry Bergh Children’s Book Award, this touching story celebrates all who support, care for, and adopt shelter dogs.

The Girl Who Lives on the Rainbow

This is the story of Grace, a little girl who absolutely loves all animals.

She befriends every animal that she meets and spends all of her time loving and taking care of any animal in need. Grace becomes very sad when any animal passes away but is quite relieved when she discovers the truth of where they all went. Grace wants to make sure that everyone knows that their beloved pets are safe and happy and well loved, even when they can’t be seen.

Tiffany Rolls On

Meet tiny Tiffany and her big personality in this touching story of compassion, determination, and triumph.

Readers will discover the dark and dank place (a puppy mill) where Tiffany began her life, and experience her rescue and hope for a brighter tomorrow. Yet even after her rescue Tiffany struggles to play like the other dogs, due to her injuries and weak legs. With the help of her foster mom Ashley, Tiffany gains strength in both body and spirit while she waits for her adoptive family. Tiffany discovers independence and positivity when she gets a wheelchair that allows her to run and play like the other dogs. Tiffany Rolls On promotes perspective building and empathy for others, while also supporting conversations about both animal welfare and the fact that our commonalities outweigh our differences. Perfect for ages 4 and up, Tiffany’s story can be useful in a variety of humane-themed lessons, including discussions about disabilities, animal welfare, adoption, and companion animal care.

Color Me Home

Nanette Martin of Shelter Me Photography has put together a wonderful coloring book, which is now available for purchase.

The book has sketches of 31 shelter pets drawn by a professional artist and includes stories about each dog, the shelter at which we met him or her, the breed (or best guess) and QR codes to access the color image (to download and print) and a pledge to help end puppy mills.

Out Of The Cold

“This a terrific book for teaching children humane education and responsible pet ownership. I would highly recommend this wonderful book for anyone’s library!! Artwork is beautiful, great job on telling this true story!” – Debbie, Amazon Review

Molly the dog is cold and wet on her tight chain in her muddy yard. When she finally breaks her chain and escapes, danger lurks around the corner. Billy and Anna want to help Molly stay safe and warm, but they can’t do it alone. With the help of their classmates and the community, Billy and Anna find a creative way to get Molly “Out of the Cold”.

How I Love and Care for My Happy Dog

How I Love and Care for My Happy Dog is a playful approach to helping your child learn what it means to take care of their dog. A happy dog is part of a happy family! Your child will love reading along as the structure of the book is great for early readers and story time sessions.

Written by Valerie Ingram and Alistair Schroff of the Lakes Animal Friendship Society, this book is based on ten years of experience in teaching animal care in the classrooms of northern British Columbia, Canada.

All proceeds support our animal welfare projects. For more information check out www.lakesanimalfriendship.ca.

Buzzy and Thomas Move into the President’s House

“This is a great way to get children interested in history. Linking animals into historical figures lives makes it easy for children to see that famous people are just like them.” – Amazon Review

It’s 1801 and life is good for Buzzy the dog. She lives with Thomas Jefferson at Monticello, but her life turns upside down when Thomas tells her that they’re moving to the President’s House. Buzzy doesn’t want to move. She’s afraid to leave the comfort of Monticello. What will she do? This enjoyable childrens leveled reader for ages 4 – 8 teaches kids about President Jefferson, the new breed of dog he brought home from France and confronting issues about moving. If your child loves books by Robert Dawson like “Ben and Me,” then he’ll love Buzzy! Historical fiction at it’s best: learning from the pets of famous people in history.

“Let’s Get A Pup!,” Said Kate:

“This is first-rate child’s fare. . . . Sure to make both listeners and readers feel warm and happy when they put it down.” – BOOKLIST (starred review)

There are lots of dogs of all shapes and sizes at the animal shelter. But Kate and her mom and dad know they want Dave the moment they see him. He’s small and cute and a perfect fit for the end of Kate’s bed. But then they see Rosy, who is old and gray and broad as a table. How can they take home just one dog when there are so many wonderful animals who need a home? Bob Graham creates an original, endearing family in a touching story that will appeal to animal lovers everywhere.

Toby Says Be A Buddy Not A Bully:

When Toby steps into the path of a dog who bullies him and shreds his beloved stuffed teddy-bear toy, feelings get hurt. This beautifully illustrated book teaches children about the importance of kindness, respect, acceptance and being considerate of others, including pets.

Winner: Mom’s Choice Award; –Mom’s Choice Awards

Winner: GOLD in Reader’s Choice Awards –Reader’s Choice Awards

Parent Tested Parent Approved Award winner –Parent Tested Parent Approved Award winner

Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover:

Awarded the Maxwell Medallion and Voted “Best Children’s Book” by the Dog Writers Association of America. Mary-Alice and her friends like pretty clothes and hanging with the in-crowd, but when she requests a puppy for her birthday, her parents decide the fluffy one with the pink bow in the pet store window may not be the best choice. Instead, Mary-Alice ends up at the local Animal Shelter where she not only saves the life of a loving older dog, but learns that once you look beyond the plain cover of things, you can be treated to the true joys that lie underneath! Looking beyond the cover is truly canine in that dogs do not judge others based on their income, beauty or status. They live in the moment, rejoicing in every kindness they are shown. Humans, young and not-so-young, can learn pawmazing lessons from our four-legged friends when they Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover.