As it happens, two national observances take place every February 20th: National Student Volunteer Day, which encourages young people to volunteer their time to community services, and National Love Your Pet Day, which celebrates the extra-special bond that people have with domestic animals. To recognize both, we’ve combined the spirit of both days and gathered this list of seven children’s books that encourage youngsters to help out at their local animal shelter.
Madeline Finn and the Shelter Dog by Lisa Papp
Also published as Madeline Finn and the Rescue Dog in some markets, this charming follow-up to Papp’s heartwarming Madeline Finn and the Library Dog reunites young Madeline and her pal Bonnie, the large fluffy pup who helped her gain the courage to read in the previous title. After adopting a new puppy, Madeline learns about animal shelters and is left with questions: does anybody play with the shelter dogs, or read to them? Inspired to help the shelter dogs, Bonnie organizes a program for kids to come in and read to them (itself a concept inspired by similar real-life programs). This gentle tale makes for a great way to introduce kids to the mission of animal shelters and how they can get involved to help rescue animals.
Animal Rescue Friends by Meika Hashimoto and Gina Loveless, Illustrated by Genevieve Kote
First, in a series by a collection of comic book authors and illustrators, this wonderful middle-grade graphic novel interweaves five stories of animal rescue and adoptions for its young characters, from ultra-organized Bell learning to deal with a family of feisty ferrets to the anxious Mikey finding a fearless bunny who helps him feel brave. The narratives not only focus on the gang’s care in helping the shelter pets but also on the joy and comfort that rescue animals can bring to our lives, even through simply volunteering with them.
Brave Like That by Lindsey Stoddard
Sixth-grader Cyrus is the son of the town hero: a former football star who has now become a respected firefighter. Naturally, it’s assumed that Cyrus will follow in his father’s distinguished footsteps … except, he doesn’t. He hates playing football, much preferring to volunteer at the local animal shelter or spend time with the stray dog he’s befriended. Nervous to disappoint his father’s expectations, Cyrus begins lying about his whereabouts while also concealing his reading problems and his football friends’ bullying of another student. Can Cyrus find the courage to be himself and reach out for help? A touching tale of being true to oneself, readers will be left with the understanding that kindness — especially to vulnerable animals — is often an act of bravery in and of itself.
Shelter Pet Squad: Jelly Bean by Cynthia Lord, Illustrated by Erin McGuire
Suzannah loves pets and has always wanted one of her own, but her apartment building doesn’t allow them. Instead, she and her friends have organized a club called the Shelter Pet Squad, where they volunteer at their local animal shelter by making treats and toys, playing with puppies, and feeding the cats. When a surrendered guinea pig named Jelly Bean arrives, Suzannah makes it her mission to find the critter a perfect home, resulting in some clever outside-the-box thinking. Lord and McGuire paint child volunteer work in a very realistic way, making this a particularly great book for aspiring animal volunteers.
Alyssa Milano’s Hope: Project Animal Rescue by Alyssa Milano with Debbie Rigaud, Illustrated by Eric S. Keyes
The second book of the Hope series by actor and activist Milano, this title reintroduces the clever and enthusiastic Hope, an aspiring astrophysicist with a soft spot for an underdog. When Hope learns that her town’s animal shelter is on the brink of closing down, she springs into action; after all, that’s where she adopted her own two rescue dogs! Knowing that the shelter closing puts other animals at risk of never finding their forever homes, Hope must work against a ticking clock to rally the community and keep the doors open. This warm and encouraging tale is unique in that it delves into what keeps shelters running — communities — and why supporting them is so critical to animal welfare.
The Critter Club: Amy and the Missing Puppy by Callie Barkley, Illustrated by Marsha Riti
The kick-off book to the popular Critter Club series, this chapter book introduces the reader to Amy, who is feeling a little lonely — and bored — as all of her friends are spending Spring Break on adventures while she’s helping out at her mom’s vet clinic. Yet when a puppy patient goes missing, the mystery-loving Amy is on the case, following the clues to deduce where the mischievous mutt could have gotten off to. Intended for intermediate elementary-aged readers, this appealing series start also impresses the importance of community (and financial) support for shelters while entertaining and engaging young readers.
April & Mae and the Animal Shelter by Megan Dowd Lambert, Illustrated by Briana Dengoue
Part of a clever series concept that follows two best friends through a week spent together, April and Mae are back and spending their Thursday volunteering at the animal shelter. The two friends are different in many ways: for instance, Mae is great at helping with her hands, while April is a little better with her words. None of that matters though — the girls are the best of pals and always ready to lend a helping hand. Mae mixes up special lemonade to sell for donation money, while April writes a letter to the paper encouraging folks to adopt. A sweet and affirming read for early elementary readers who embrace differences, this adventure will inspire kids to think of their own unique ways to contribute to animal causes.
We hope that you and your young readers enjoy these books and that they inspire you to donate your time, money, or even old towels to an animal shelter in need. Happy reading!
For more of our favorite reads for young animal enthusiasts, check out these Picture Books That Will Delight Little Cat Lovers.
To see all of our recommendations for young bookworms, check out our Bookshop bookshelf.
