Lost But Not Forgotten

Here's a fascinating concept for a book -- Lost Animals: Extinction and the Photographic Record by Errol Fuller profiles species that have gone extinct within the past hundred or so years, specifically, animals that were photographed before they disappeared completely.  In some cases, the photographs presented provide evidence of the last known members of species.  Fuller concisely describes the documented history of each species and the factors that led to its extinction.  Worth the read if only to see the rare photographs.  HM

Beyond Bizarre...

Did you know that ants can form a bridge, there are see-through frogs, albino turtles, and a butterfly with glass wings? If you enjoy the unusual, pick up Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Dare to Look. Filled with 200+ pages of strange facts, crazy pictures and weird wisdom, it will either entertain or shock you. The book is actually divided into chapters featuring animals, art, food, sports, and more. Enjoy, but Beware! DB

Here Be Monsters!

Michael Largo's The Big, Bad Book of Beasts describes both some of the world's most unusual and mundane creatures, real and imagined.  For example, under "D" you'll find entries for Dodo, Dog, Dolichorhynchops (aka Prehistoric "Sea Wolf"), and Dragons.  I particularly enjoyed Largo's well-researched asides on the folklore of various beasts, as well as the numerous illustrations and renderings (such as the detailed Harpy skeleton on p. 187).  Definitely worth checking out!  HM

Giraffes, and Turtles, and Impalas, Oh My!

When I was younger, I loved checking out Zoobooks from the library (in case you're wondering, we do still have them -- they're in the Youth department!).  The glossy pages and the colorful photographs of animals interspersed with fast facts and text was the perfect combination to engage my inquisitive mind.  We've recently added a reference book in the Adult department that has that same feel -- lots of pictures and quick information on just about every animal imaginable, from weevils to whale sharks.  It's called Animal and though it can't be taken from the library, feel free to stop by and take a look -- you might even learn something, like what a Tucuxi is.  HM

Born to Move

Are you looking for amazing views, captivating creatures and stunning photography? Who isn't? Great Migrations by K. M. Kostyal is the book for you. It’s the official companion to the National Geographic Channel Global Television Event. You will get a fabulous up-close look at many migratory animals and learn about the natural obstacles they must overcome throughout their journeys. Colorful, Detailed, Wonderful--National Geographic. DB

Man's Best Friends

The Bond: Our Kinship with Animals, Our Call to Defend Them by Wayne Pacelle is a must-read for animal lovers and advocates. Pacelle is the president of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and brings his wealth of experience dealing with animal rights issues to this engaging read. Through the book, Pacelle describes the innate kinship we have with animals, how that bond has been broken, and what we can do to reconnect. In a few especially gripping sections he details his jailhouse interview with Michael Vick, the bison hunt nipping at the borders of Yellowstone National Park, and the selfless acts of compassion and love shown by volunteers to the animal victims of Hurricane Katrina. The Bond is a truly thought-provoking look into how we as a society interact with the creatures around us, and the sometimes steep price of that relationship.

For more info, check out Wayne Pacelle at the Detroit Zoo on Saturday, August 6th. HM

Gotta Love Dewey!

You don't have to be a librarian to appreciate Dewey's Nine Lives, retired librarian Vicki Myron's second tribute to her library's beloved cat Dewey Readmore Books. Here, Myron tells new stories about Dewey's antics that didn't make the cut for the first book. Also included are tales (tails?) about six other extraordinary cats that are sure to give you a case of the warm fuzzies. If you are a cat owner, this heartwarming read will make you want to track down your feline friend and give him or her a cuddle. And if you don't have a cat, perhaps this book will inspire you to make the trek to the nearest animal rescue and adopt a new best friend. Either way, a wonderful read. And it would make a wonderful gift for the animal lover on your holiday shopping list!

Better than Garfield!

His popular Youtube videos have taken the internet by storm and caused millions of LOLs worldwide. Now Simon's Cat brings his antics to the literary world with his first ever self-titled book. Through simple yet effective black and white drawings, London-based animater Simon Tofield brings to hilarious life the daily adventures of an unnamed cat as he attempts to catch birds, pesters a neighbor's dog, plays with a yard gnome statue, and, as always, finds new and creative ways to demand more food from his hapless human. Although Simon's Cat's behavior is somewhat exaggerated at times, it is obvious Tofield took his inspiration from genuine cat behavior--and tried to remain true to that inspiration as much and as often as possible. This is one of the many reasons Simon's Cat's adventures remain fresh and funny long after Garfield's biting sarcasm has gotten old. A quick read that will have anyone even remotely familiar with cats ROTFL (rolling on the floor laughing).

Homer's Odyssey

Extraordinary dog stories, while fun and heartwarming, have become as common as kibble (Honestly, does anyone really care to hear how Lassie rescued little Timmy from a watery grave in the old well--yet again). Extraordinary cat stories, however... Well, these are a bit more unusual. Perhaps because felines themselves are a bit more selective in their actions, a bit more discriminating in their desire to please.

One such amazing cat is Homer, the hero and title character of Homer's Odyssey, by Gwen Cooper. Blind as a result of a kittenhood illness, Homer was adopted by Cooper out of pity for his seemingly helpless condition. However, Homer soon distinguished himself as not allowing his condition to slow him down and proved himself to be among the most extraordinary of extraordinary cats. Whether catching a fly mid-flight or defending his owner from a burgler, Homer is a shining example of not allowing a disability to diminish one's life in any way. Truly an inspirational and positive read! --AJL

Dog Doctor

Dr. Nick Trout, best-selling author of Tell Me Where It Hurts, once again relates some of his most memorable experiences as a veterinary surgeon. Love is the Best Medicine tugs at your heart and reminds you to treasure the furry friends in your life.