In honor of World Animal Day, celebrated annually on October 4, here are three picture books to stir up affection, appreciation, and empathy for our non-human friends. Find more related books and articles from Hbook.com here; or click the Animals and Pets subject tags in the Horn Book Guide/Reviews Database. Plus, keep an eye on the SCBWI’s Charlotte and Wilbur Award for Compassion for Animals, newly initiated in 2023, which will annually award one winning book and one honor book that promotes compassion and respect for animals. 

Gianferrari, Maria To Dogs, With Love: A Love Letter to the Dogs Who Help Us  

40 pp. | Roaring Brook | December, 2023 | Trade ISBN 978-1-250-24494-9 $18.99 

Illustrated by Ishaa Lobo. With a refrain of “thank you for,” this wholehearted shout-out to our canine companions (the narrator addresses them directly) enumerates their physical attributes to celebrate what makes them so simpatico with humans. Although some companion pooches (including one with a disability) are acknowledged in the warm-and-fuzzy digital illustrations, service dogs also receive literal and figurative pats on the back. A grief therapy dog, a courtroom support dog, and a future assistance dog are among the sung heroes featured in the artwork. Human characters are racially and ability diverse. The closing double-page spread offering an aerial view of a dog shelter’s fundraising event explicates the concept of gratitude in action. Back matter educates readers about therapy dogs.  

O'Watch, Heather Auntie’s Rez Surprise  

24 pp. | Second Story | September, 2023 | Trade ISBN 978-1-77260-344-6 $21.95 

Illustrated by Ellie Arscott. Cree, a young Nehiyaw girl, never fails to marvel at the neat stuff her vivacious aunt collects from garage sales. But this time, Auntie has brought a surprise from the reservation where she lives — a surprise that growls and sniffs. Unable to guess what it is, Cree is delighted when Auntie reveals a “rez puppy.” Nehiyaw people consider dogs their relatives, Auntie explains, and describes the integral role they have historically played in Nehiyaw communities — providing protection, furnishing warmth, and transporting goods. Cree learns the importance of caring for bowwows with heart and hands, then chooses a Nehiyaw name for the new family pet. Arscott’s sunny hand-drawn illustrations incorporate comic-book elements, such as speech bubbles and emanata. O’Watch’s conversational text includes Nehiyaw words with English translations alongside. 

Ruddock, Nicholas This Is a Tiny Fragile Snake 

40 pp. | Groundwood | February, 2024 | Trade ISBN 978-1-77306-784-1 $19.99 

Illustrated by Ashley Barron. A racoon is panic-stricken after taking a spill down a chimney. During a nighttime car ride, a family is startled when a moose sallies out onto the road. A chipmunk is brought to bay in a rainspout by its feline predator. In the fifteen short narrative poems in this picture book, racially diverse children and their caregivers unexpectedly come face to face with undomesticated critters, some imperiled, and choose to show them kindness and respect. A closing poem observes each animal’s whereabouts following their human encounters. Ruddock’s evocative rhyming verses and Barron’s textured cut-paper-collage illustrations convey both the vulnerability and power of wild creatures. Readers will warm to the wisdom of giving wildlife their space. An eloquent exemplum of animal ethics that avoids preachiness.