Pets Book Reviews | Self-Publishing Review

A Dog Named 647 by Nancy Kay

A heartwarming and heroic tale about fighting for what you believe in, A Dog Named 647 by Nancy Kay is an intensely emotive middle grade read with an inspiring crusader for animals at the helm.

While walking in the forest one day, Mia finds a malnourished golden retriever with a belly full of puppies, only to have the pooch snatched away by an angry man from a nearby kennel. Convinced that #647 is being mistreated, and overwhelmed by the immediate connection she feels for her furry friend, Mia enlists her friend Cassie to investigate the mystery of Pine Valley Puppies. […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2025-09-05T18:09:51+02:00September 5th, 2025|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Middle Grade Fiction Book Reviews, Pets Book Reviews|

Review: USA: Where Dogs Have More Rights Than You Do by Robert Okine

With a playful philosophy and unabashed reporting on the state of the union, USA: Where Dogs Have More Rights Than You Do by Robert Okine is an observant romp through America, with amusing evidence provided through the lives and luxuries of man’s best friend.

An alphabetical journey like no other, this whimsical travelogue takes readers from the glorified sled dogs of Alaska and the penthouse pups of New York City to dog-friendly real estate in Delaware and two-stepping hounds from Tennessee. With a keen eye for easily overlooked facets of the country, Okine gives an entertaining and frequently tongue-in-cheek overview […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2025-08-13T11:49:58+02:00July 14th, 2025|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Pets Book Reviews, Travel Book Reviews|

Our Serum Run Story by Marla B. Brodsky, Illustrated by Lara Renner & Tabetha Kopta

An inspiring children’s story of big dreams, big dogs, and amazing resilience, Our Serum Run Story: By the T’s, U’s, V’s & Me! by Marla B. Brodsky tells a thrilling tale of the author’s journey to an epic race in Alaska with her sled team of Huskies.

Told from the perspective of her dauntless dogs, who love nothing more than snow, running, and snuggling with their Mama, the story bounces between charming anecdotes of canine freedom and gritty days of hard work on the trail. After months of training in harsh winter conditions, the sled team drives cross-country to Nenana, […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2024-12-17T14:01:27+02:00December 13th, 2024|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Children's Book Reviews, Pets Book Reviews|

Millie! The Last Chapters by Louis David Lavalle & Roseanne Lavalle

Audiences will be inspired to hold their precious pets tight while reading Millie! The Last Chapters, the adorable true story of a cherished, special pooch by Louis David Lavalle and Roseanne Lavalle.

Louis and his wife Roseanne don’t call Millie a dog: they view her as a person and a special member of the family. Roseanne first spots the spunky Yorkshire Terrier in the window of a NYC pet store on a rainy Spring evening, the runt of a litter bred in St. Louis. With her big ears, left eye freckle, and resplendent gold and blue-gray coat, Millie soon […]

Michelle Hogmire2022-07-07T02:54:49+02:00July 7th, 2022|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Memoir Book Reviews, Pets Book Reviews|

Review: Memoirs of an Angel by Jim Huggins

How much do animals know? What can pets offer and share if given the chance? These are questions that are explored and answered in Memoirs of an Angel by Jim Huggins.

Having had a beloved dog in his life – a German Shepherd named Smokey who passed away in 2002 – Huggins began to feel lonely after Smokey was gone. Drawn to the breed and also driven by a passion for animals that have suffered abuse after his own childhood of feeling unwanted, Huggins began searching for a possible replacement. That’s when he learned about Cadie, a “boomerang” award winner […]

SPR2020-03-11T10:59:23+02:00March 8th, 2020|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: Memoir Book Reviews, Pets Book Reviews|

Cute Poodles, Sweet Old Ladies and Hugs: Veterinary Tales by Dr. P.J. Miller

For anyone who’s ever wondered what goes on behind closed doors in a veterinary clinic, Cute Poodles, Sweet Old Ladies and Hugs provides an entertaining glimpse into the world of pet care.

P.J. Miller, a real-life vet. is a transplanted New Yorker who set up his practice in Florida, supported by a sassy and very competent support staff. Miller provides a wide spectrum of patient and owner anecdotes that are oftentimes hilarious (Mrs. Sweet and Cuddles) and sometimes poignant (Katie and Willy). The book is a tongue-in-cheek misnomer, as Miller’s practice seems to consist of less-than-grateful owners and those who […]

Marta Cheng2018-05-09T10:17:42+02:00August 11th, 2017|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Memoir Book Reviews, Non-Fiction Book Reviews, Pets Book Reviews|

Review: Sophie by Edward “Skip” Biron

A dog can become almost human, according to author Edward “Skip” Biron, presenting a darling Bichon Frise as an excellent example in his non-fiction book, Sophie.

Being a rare breed, Sophie was rather expensive, but the woman destined to become her owner and best friend – Polly Pelletier – was very lonely, having recently moved from Maine to Washington state after a bad marriage. Working from home and rarely going out, she used a website for picking the best breed of dog for one’s personality, purposely describing herself as nearly impossible to get along with. “The answer came […]

Barbara Scott2019-02-11T09:22:53+02:00March 12th, 2017|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Biography Book Reviews, Pets Book Reviews|

Review: Puppy Drama by Andra Gillum, Illustrated by Andy Case

★★★★★

In Doggy Drama, the earlier book in this series, it followed a dog named Riley, who has to deal with the pitfalls of a new baby in the house. It’s an endearing, and instructive look at how to adapt to a new member of the family. Now the tables have turned in Puppy Drama and Riley’s the older sibling, while a new puppy, Lucy, is introduced, who has to contend with Riley’s antics.

Just as in Doggy Drama, we get a not-so-subtle message about adapting to a growing family in amusing and effective ways. Here Lucy is […]

Lysa Grant2017-01-11T06:08:13+02:00December 7th, 2016|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Children's Book Reviews, Pets Book Reviews|