If you like... animal stories
Annotation:Longlisted for the Guardian First Book Award, this quirky novel features Mr Chartwell, a man-sized black dog who answers an advert for a flatmate in 1964. He is self-absorbed and conscienceless, determined to make trouble and strangely seductive. Despite this apparently dark theme, the book is fundamentally light-hearted.
Annotation:A New York Times bestselling novel. The dog-narrator takes us on a journey through several lives, while he searches for his purpose in living. A heartwarming tale about love with a humorous and insightful dog's eye commentary on human relationships.
Annotation:Enzo, the canine narrator, is an endearing dog who has a "nearly human soul." He tells the story, in retrospect, of his life with his owner Denny Swift, automobile racing driver.
Annotation:An unusual mystery series featuring Reverend Francis Oughterard who is the murderer rather than a sleuth. He seems to be surrounded by danger, but luckily for him his dog Bouncer and cynical cat Maurice are a resourceful pair. Told through the voices of all three characters, it has been praised for its simple and beautiful writing.
Annotation:A whimsical and darkly hilarious story about the creation of an eccentric zoo at the Tower of London.
Annotation:A fable-like tale told by the Portuguese winner of the 1998 Nobel Prize for Literature. Given as a present from from the King of Portugal to the Archduke of Austria, a wise and heroic elephant and his attendant retinue trek across Europe in 1551.
Annotation:This cottage tales mystery series features Beatrix Potter as sleuth, along with a band of animals who can talk to each other. The tales are set in the Lake District in the neighbourhood of the farm that Beatrix purchased there. Skillfully written.
Annotation:The story of Rae, owner of an enlightened and loving wolfhound named Dante. It is told in first person by both the people and the animals in her life. Beautifully written, very touching and witty.
Annotation:A flock of sheep in an Irish village launch their own investigation when their shepherd is killed. Humorous, clever and original.
Annotation:A heartwarming autobiographical story made famous by the film of the same name. An incorrigible, unruly and joyful labrador, and his deep impact on the family who own him.
Annotation:Reissue of a 1957 book by American poet and novelist May Sarton. A whimsical biography of a cat whose contact with humans eventually turns him into a fur person .
Annotation:A collection of offbeat and sometimes creepy stories about animals.
Annotation:Part of a series of gentle mysteries featuring human and non-human characters, the non-human characters being wiser than the humans.
Annotation:A bestseller book and film, this dark tale (with a happy ending) is set in the wild and violent world of a travelling circus in 1930s America. Veterinary-trained Jacob joins the circus to look after the often mistreated animals and falls in love with the wife of another man. Human-animal stories also feature in Gruen's other books.
Annotation:A cosy mystery series in which American mother Melanie Travers, who shows poodles, gets involved in investigations in the world of dog showing.
Annotation:The latest in a series of mystery novels set in the far north of the USA. The local millionaire, writer and owner of the small town newspaper has two siamese cats which inspire his investigations.
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Recent books featuring animals. A Christchurch City Libraries list.
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