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Dog Lovers Book Club - February 2017

Dogs have a way of making our lives feel complete. They’re there for us through good times and bad, with their wholehearted engagement in life a lesson to us all on living in the moment. 

WOOF: A BOOK OF HAPPINESS FOR DOG LOVERS
by Anouska Jones

Woof is a compendium of delightful quotes that capture the essence of our affection for these wonderful animals. Some are by famous people (Aldous Huxley, Mark Twain, Charles M. Schulz, Milan Kundera), others not; some are philosophical, others light-hearted but all are memorable. 

Accompanied by beautiful photography, and presented in a high-quality gift format, this is a collection of quotes to treasure. 

Hardback, 160 pages
Publisher: Exisle Publishing, 1st October 2016


RRP: $29.99 at www.booktopia.com.au



GET FIT WITH YOUR DOG 
by Karen Sullivan

Get Fit with Your Dog is a blueprint for better health for both you and your dog.

With dog obesity (and human) in Australia running at an all-time high and exercise by both species in steady decline, it's time for some informed action!


This book tells you all you need to know about the dangers of being overweight, the benefits of exercise, physical and psychological, and the healthiest weight-loss regime to follow - for both you and your four-legged friend. Discover the dangers of loving your dog too much, by giving him too much food and treats. Learn how to get fit, be happier, and live longer - together. Help your dog to go from fat to fit at your side and enjoy doing it: the benefits will be mutual...

January may have been "National Walk your Dog Month" but it is never too late to put your best paw forward! 


Paperback, 112 pages
Publisher: Quarto UK (Imprint Ivy Press), 1st February 2017


RRP: $16.99 from www.booktopia.com.au


THE DOMESTIC DOG
Its Evolution, Behavior and Interactions with People

by James Serpell


Why do dogs behave in the ways that they do? Why did our ancestors tame wolves? How have we ended up with so many breeds of dog, and how can we understand their role in contemporary human society? Explore the answers to these questions and many more in this study of the domestic dog. 

This updated second edition incorporates two decades of new evidence on dog evolution, behaviour, training, and human interaction. 
It includes seven new chapters covering topics such as behavioural modification and training, dog population management, the molecular evidence for dog domestication, canine behavioural genetics, cognition, and the impact of free-roaming dogs on wildlife conservation. 

It is an ideal book for anyone interested in dogs and their evolution, behaviour and ever-changing roles in society.

Paperback, 424 pages
Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 8th December 2016 (2nd edition)

RRP: $105.00 from www.booktopia.com.au


THE DOGS OF LITTLEFIELD
by Suzanne Berne


From Orange Prize-winning author Suzanne Berne, this suspenseful and hilarious comedy explores the unease behind the manicured lawns of suburban America.

Littlefield, Massachusetts was named one of the "Twenty Best Places to Live in America": full of psychologists and college professors, proud of its fine schools, its girls' soccer teams, its leafy streets, and quaint village center...

Yet, when sociologist Dr. Clarice Watkins arrived in Littlefield to study the elements of "good quality of life" someone begins poisoning the town's dogs. Are the poisonings in protest to an off-leash proposal for Baldwin Park-the subject of much town debate-or the sign of a far deeper disorder?

Paperback, 288 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster, 10th January 2017


RRP: $31.99 at www.booktopia.com.au

Book Club - Kids' Corner

DOG STORIES
illustrated by Jules Faber

Twelve barktastic dog stories for children! There are stories about Bad Buster, The Dog Kisser, Susie the Wonderdog, The Dog who Forgot and even The Magic Piddle that will appeal to the newly independent reader with their larger font and manageable word count. Funny, touching, cute, fantastical, weird, disgusting - there's a dog story in here for everyone...

With children looking for something to read that doesn’t need too much effort and concentration, short stories are the ideal solution.


Paperback , 208 pages
Publisher: Random House Australia, 28th November 2016
For Ages: 6 - 9 years old


RRP: $14.99 from www.booktopia.com.au



A DOG WEARING SHOES

by Sangmi Ko

This sweet and hilarious doggy adoption tale features a pooch wearing -wait for it- bright yellow shoes!

When Mini finds a small moppet of a dog, with fluffy ears, no collar, and wearing yellow booties, she understandably wants to take it home. Despite Mum's insistence that the dog probably already has a family, Mini gets attached and is awfully proud of her new pal, who can sing, sit, and give both paws. 

But when the pup runs off one day at the park, Mini comes to understand how someone else out there might be missing the little guy too.

This story perfectly captures the undeniable bond between dog and owner and there may be a lesson about responsible ownership too!

Hardcover, 48 pages
Publisher: Random House Children's Books, 29th September 2015
For Ages: 4 - 7 years old

RRP: $32.99 at www.booktopia.com.au 

DON’T CALL ME CHOOCHIE POOH!
by Sean Taylor, Kate Hindley


From Sean Taylor, the author of Hoot OwlMaster of Disguise, and Kate Hindley, illustrator of Worst in Show, comes a hilarious new picture book starring a very small fed-up dog... 

What’s an adorably small canine with a big personality to do? This dog doesn't want to be carried in a handbag (how embarrassing!) or eat heart-shaped Mini Puppy Treats (I mean, come ON!) and under no circumstances does he ever want to be called ... Choochie Pooh! 
If only his owner understood...

All he wants to do is play with the big dogs in the park – chase sticks, jump in muddy puddles and be an ordinary, proper dog!

Paperback, 32 pages
Publisher: Walker Books Ltd, 1st February 2017
For Ages: 3+ years old


RRP: $16.99 from www.booktopia.com.au

SHOW ME! DOGS
My First Picture Encyclopedia
by Megan C Peterson, Jennifer Zablotny

From whiskers and withers to muzzles and puggles, there's so much to know about dogs! 
Show Me Dogs has more than 100 facts and definitions about our furry four-legged friends.

This book is a great introduction to dogs, especially for families looking to adopt a pet dog. Information is well organised into sections: dogs, breeds, designer breeds/mutts, puppy to dog, a dog's body, dog health, dog behaviour, dog senses, playing with dogs, dog shows/contests, feeding dogs and working dogs.

Hardcover, 32 pages
Publisher: Capstone Global Library Ltd (A+ Books: Show Me!), 26th January 2017

RRP: $41.99 at www.booktopia.com.au

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