Awesome Animals: Dogs - Fun Facts and Amazing Stories

Awesome Animals: Dogs - Fun Facts and Amazing Stories by Dianne Bates, illustrated by Sophie Scahill (Big Sky Publishing)

PB RRP $14.99

ISBN 9781925275384

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Although aimed at the 8-12 year age groups, this delightful, well-researched book on dogs throughout history will entertain, inform and amaze adult readers, pet lovers, and trivia buffs as well with its astonishing and unusual stories and facts.

Under the 20 chapter headings, gems of tales emerge about moving and impressive feats of courage, loyalty, love and miraculous acts from dogs of all kinds and with varying needs. Stories recorded are of famous dogs such as Laika, Greyfriar’s Bobby, Old Shep, Lassie, Rin Tin Tin, and Old Yeller. Other stories about heroic dogs of war will impress, as will those on dedicated working dogs. And the list goes on.

There are dog jokes, and doggy verse; amazing but true stories and facts about dogs. I found this excellent compilation educational and highly entertaining. It produced many laughs and readers will be eager to share it with others.

The outstanding photographs featured throughout the book are of the dogs from the Best Friends Rescue in Brisbane on the Gold Coast and surrounding areas of Queensland. It sent me straight to the site to learn more about these animals that are looking for a ‘forever’ home and love. The book draws attention to all the knowledge that is essential when choosing a dog for a pet, for owning any pet is a lifelong commitment and must be seen absolutely as that. It also brings to light the amount of dogs sadly put to sleep each year.

Awesome Animals: Dogs, is one of three books under the Awesome Animals banner. There are Cats and Horses also. Look out for them for these books are truly worthwhile. They come Highly Recommended.