In honour of Pet Appreciation Day earlier this week, this week’s theme for my Friday Library Recommendations is Pets.
My first choice is a fabulous non-fiction books, How To Talk To Your Pet by Dr James Greenwood, illustrated by Jack Viant. Bursting with fun facts, humour and heart, this brilliantly accessible guide lifts the lid on the secret world of animal communication, making it perfect for curious young readers and animal‑loving families alike.
Dr Greenwood, known to many from Fur Babies and The Pets Factor, uses real veterinary knowledge to explain the clues our pets give us every day – from helicopter‑whirling dog tails to super‑alert cat ears. Children will love discovering why rabbits behave the way they do (even the slightly yucky bits!), and the book gently encourages empathy by helping readers think about what animals need as well as what they’re trying to say.
The lively illustrations add heaps of charm and make even the trickiest ideas feel simple and engaging. It’s the sort of book children dip into again and again, proudly sharing new facts with anyone who’ll listen – including the family pet.
Warm, funny, and wonderfully informative, this is a must‑read for budding vets, devoted pet owners, or anyone who just wants to understand their furry friends a little better.
My next choice is Pia’s Pet Club by Serena Patel, illustrated by Emma McCann. If you’ve ever lived with someone who really, really wants a pet, then Pia will feel instantly familiar, and utterly endearing.
In this lively and laugh‑out‑loud new series from the award‑winning team behind Anisha, Accidental Detective, we follow Pia, a girl whose love for animals is as enormous as her parents’ determination to say “No pets allowed!”
But Pia is nothing if not resourceful. When her friend Hari’s puppy, Luna, proves to be a whirlwind of naughty antics, Pia spots her chance. If she can help train Luna, surely her parents will see she’s responsible enough for a pet of her own? What follows is a warm, funny, and wonderfully chaotic journey as Pia and her animal‑mad friends create Pet Club, complete with big ideas, big hearts, and a puppy who hasn’t quite learned the meaning of “sit”.
Full of expressive, hilarious illustrations that leap off the page, this book is perfect for newly confident readers who enjoy humour, friendship, and a dash of mischief. Children will race through it with huge grins, cheering Pia on as she tries to prove she really is ready for a fluffy friend of her own.
Huge apologies if this book leads to pet‑related pleas at home!
And finally, I’ve chosen Letters To A Dog by Piers Torday, illustrated by Alice McKinley; a tender, comforting read that beautifully blends hope, humour and the healing power of imagination.
Jamie, our young protagonist, is in hospital, anxiously waiting for a life‑changing operation. As if that isn’t tough enough, he’s also fallen out with his dad, leaving visits strained and silent. Piers handles these big emotions with such sensitivity that readers can’t help but root for Jamie from the very first page.
When Nurse Shirley suggests Jamie writes to the dog he dreams of adopting, it feels like a small moment of kindness, until a reply arrives. From the dog. What follows is a gentle, uplifting exchange that gives Jamie a lifeline just when he needs it most. The letters bring warmth, reassurance, and plenty of soft humour, showing readers how stories, and the right words at the right time, can help us feel a little less alone.
This is a beautifully crafted book for readers who enjoy heartfelt tales about friendship, family, and finding courage during difficult moments. It’s perfect for sharing at home, sparking conversations about feelings, worries and the importance of connection. A quietly powerful story with a huge, comforting heart.
Happy reading!
