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Molly, a mouse, and her friends come up with just the right gift for Turtle’s birthday: an illustrated book about the four seasons. Lightly lined illustrations complement this gentle story of friendship, seasons, and celebrations.

Ever-faithful Emma thinks her human is being kidnapped by Loretta and e-mails ‘Ask Queenie’ for advice — just as Loretta’s dog, Hank, does. Droll illustrations are presented in comic book style and are sure to delight readers, even if they haven’t read Letters from a Desperate Dog (opens in a new window).

This is the classic tale of four beleaguered animals—a donkey who can no longer work, a hound who can no longer hunt, a cat who’s too old to chase mice, and a rooster who’s scheduled to become dinner—who decide to run off to be musicians in the town of Bremen. But they get more than they bargained for when they stumble upon a frightful gang of robbers.

Mr. Putter’s neighbor, Mrs. Teaberry, decides that they should join a band, but finding the right one isn’t as easy as it sounds — for them or their pets. Mr. Putter’s everyday adventures continue In other books in the series such as Mr. Putter and Tabby Paints the Porch (opens in a new window); here the help Mr. Putter gets from his animal friends makes painting his front porch a challenge.

After her husband’s death, an old woman finds friendship when she rents an older cat via the Internet. A charming and quirky take on the sensitive subjects of bereavement and care of the elderly.

Verdi, a python, discovers that no matter how old or green he becomes, he is still his fun-loving self.

An old woman who has outlived all her friends is reluctant to become too attached to the stray dog that visits her each day…until one day he doesn’t appear

Simon the cat is so old that most of his parts have stopped working, but is re-energized when a new kitten arrives for him to raise.

Yoko disobeys her mother by taking her special Japanese doll to school and is heartsick when it is broken. Her mother reassures Yoko that she loves her in spite of her mistake and takes Miki to a doll hospital for repair. Textured, evocative illustrations effectively convey feelings and Yoko’s Japanese heritage.

Can a giraffe actually drive a bus? It’s possible in a book in which a group of noisy animals are on their way to go swimming. This colorful, lively spin on a familiar song is sure to delight the youngest — and perhaps start a conversation about who really drives a bus.

The rabbit family’s activity-filled day at the beach begins with packing the car and ends with the young bunnies holding on to the fun with a nighttime game of “Go Fish” while their parents sleep. Readers will recognize the goings-on in the gentle illustrations and rhyming text.

Richly colored, highly textured illustrations and evocative language follow an ochre sea star (aka starfish) as she lives and hunts for food in the Pacific Ocean. The sea star’s daily routine both informs and inspires. The book also includes references to learn more about these fascinating creatures.

Full-color illustrations and clear language present a range of fish in different ecosystems in and near the U.S., as well as the impact of people’s activities on the fish. Endpapers include maps where the fish you’ve met in the book can be found.

Author/illustrator and self-taught naturalist Jim Arnosky introduces mysteries that surround unknown animals: “cryptozoology.” Dramatic illustrations combine with an informative, engaging text to present a range of land and water creatures, starting with ocean giants, sharks, and squids.

When his parents trade Jonathan’s much-loved teddy bear for a toaster, he sets out on a Big Blue Boat to find Frederick the bear. Jonathan is joined by animals he befriends along the way and finally a little girl who holds a bear instead of a toaster. The imaginative, child-like, and handsomely illustrated tale comes full circle in a most satisfying way.

Unlikely friends, Cork (a short muskrat who enjoys the water) and Fuzz (a tall possum who doesn’t) find that practice can turn fear into an unexpected adventure. Expressive illustrations and understated humor present a memorable, exciting everyday escapade.

Dramatic photographs, attention-grabbing facts, and clear maps introduce a world of animals and their habitats. A glossary, where to go for more information, and an index make this an ideal book for both browsing and research.

Gentle rhymes and realistic watercolor illustrations invite readers to imagine what a range of animals are doing as readers go through their day. Naturally, activities wind down as animals “…who at this very moment/will fall asleep with you.”

Mercy, the delightful pig adopted by the Watson family, gets mixed up in all kinds of humorous adventures in this collection from Newbery winner Kate DiCamillo.

J.J. Tully, a retired search and rescue dog, takes on the task of finding two lost chicks that their mother fears were kidnapped. Not only does J.J. solve the mystery, he finds unexpected friends. There’s plenty of adult humor in J.J.’s narration, but lots of laughs for newly independent readers, too.

The mystery of why a Pacific seabird nests inland has only recently been solved. Lyrical language and evocative illustrations with additional information inset on each page brings the modern scientific thriller to light. Additional resources conclude this handsome volume.

Striking photographs combine with readable text to provide an introduction to polar bears. Text appears in two fonts, allowing readers access to more information and enhancing its use with different ages and interests. Additional material about the animals and further resources conclude the book.

Animal buddies at the boardinghouse for animals do their best to make the new guest comfortable while on a vacation. But what is this chicken up to? And can the other animals prevent an awful occurrence? Lively language and likeable critters create an engaging novel.

Zach has always wanted a dog but when his parents bring home Larry, a funny seriously mixed breed, he’s not so sure. But there’s something special about this mutt, making Zach decide that Larry has a magical tail. Zach’s narration rings true in this fetching early chapter book.