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Thanking the Monkey Author: Karen Dawn Publisher: Harper Collins Buy the book here.

"Vegetarianism was a source of Gandhi's successful non-violence, and
cruelty to animals is a predictor of everything from domestic violence
to serial killing. With wisdom and insight, Karen Dawn introduces
readers to the fact that animal rights are an organic part of social
justice movements everywhere. Her book is a bridge between worlds for
both the committed and the curious."
- Gloria Steinem

"Of all the books that make the case for treating animals better,
Thanking the Monkey is the most fun to read. Yet it does not flinch on
the serious issues. It does a great job of getting a lot of
information out in an entertaining way."
- Professor Peter Singer, author of Animal Liberation

"Karen Dawn's new book is a graceful invitation to open your heart to
animals. With reasoned arguments and her usual witty and engaging
prose, Dawn goes beyond the common categories of liberal and
conservative with a message of compassion that speaks to everyone. The
book is a fast read that can change your life forever."
- Matthew Scully, former senior speechwriter for President George W.
Bush and author of Dominion

A Rare Breed of Love Author: Jana Kohl, Psy.D Publisher: Fireside, Simon and Schuster Buy the book here.

It's hard to think of anything cuter than a pet store puppy or
anything more horrifying than the places from which most originate.
Thanks to Kohl and her rescued poodle, Baby, the movement to eradicate
puppy mills now has a face plus three legs and a wagging tail. Kohl
exposes [the ] industry [and includes] original essays from
contributors such as Gloria Steinem and Alice Walker and advice on how
ordinary citizens can help by boycotting pet stores and Internet
suppliers in favor of adopting animals from shelters and reputable
breeders. Pictures of Baby with her famous fans and advocates Barack
Obama, Steven Tyler, Bill Maher, the New York Mets provide the book
with lighter moments. Kohl's accounts will doubtlessly rally new
crusaders to this cause.

"A Rare Breed of Love" is coffee table type book - short
stories/chapters, glossy pages, lots of wonderful photos. You can read
it from beginning to end or skip to certain parts. The book centers
around a three legged dog who came from a puppy mill and, with her
owner, has gone on to become spokespeople (or "spokesdog") to fight
puppy mills and why we should care about the treatment of animals.
I enjoyed both reading all the stories as well as looking at all the
pictures of Baby with celebrities. The book starts with the story of
Baby, her adoption story, an overview of puppy mills, and how Baby
accidentally became a celebrity "spokesdog" against this horrible
practice. The book continues with pictures of Baby and various
politicians, celebrities, animal activists, etc. Along with the
photos, most of the celebrities also tell a short story of their love
of animals, why we should care about how we treat animals, etc. I have
found myself drawn to this book and continuing picking it up every day
since I purchased it last week. I plan to buy copies for other animal
lovers in my life. It's a beautiful book that will surely touch your
heart."
- Stacy (CT, USA)

"What a wonderful book and story. The pictures are fabulous. Everyone
should read this. More books such as this should be published and
read. Thank you for this wonderful story. I highly recommend this
book."
- Victoria (CA, USA)

"Jana Kohl is a hero and is such an inspiration. I would never go into
another pet store after reading her book. Everybody should read this
book; besides being educational it is extremely well-written. I think
if enough people are enlightened by her book, it can really make a
difference in the lives of so many dogs and cats, and other animals as
well. I'm buying this book for all of the animal lovers I know!"
- Amy (CA, USA)

"One of the best stories I have read in a long time, I highly recommend it."
- Vonne (CA, USA)