Books for Pet Lovers: End-of-Summer Reads
Looking for your next great read? Whether you're a devoted dog person, a lifelong cat lover, or simply can't resist a good animal story, we've rounded up five books worth adding to your end-of-summer reading list. From heartfelt memoirs to funny, thoughtful stories, these picks celebrate the special—and sometimes surprising—ways animals become part of our lives.
Ulysses S. Cat and Other Animals I Have Known
By Scott Simon
NPR's Scott Simon looks back on a lifetime spent in the company of animals in this warm and often funny collection of stories and reflections. From cats and dogs to fish, a hamster, and even animals encountered during his travels, Simon explores the ways our animal companions become part of our families and shape how we see the world. Illustrated by New Yorker cartoonist Liana Finck, it's a thoughtful pick for anyone who has ever considered a pet much more than just a pet.
King the Wonder Dog and Other Stories
By Eleanor Lerman
This collection of short stories explores the unexpected ways animals can bring comfort and connection to people experiencing loneliness, loss, and life's challenges. Set in contemporary New York, the stories feature dogs and cats who become companions, confidants, and sometimes unlikely catalysts for change. Tender and reflective, King the Wonder Dog is a particularly good choice for readers who believe that sometimes we're not just rescuing our pets, but they're rescuing us, too.
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Because of a Dog: How an Enchanted Italian Village Mended a Broken Heart
By Matthew Sigman
After losing his beloved dog Augie and watching his life unravel, Matthew Sigman impulsively leaves New York and winds up in the remote Italian mountain village of Quarna. What begins as an escape becomes an unexpected journey of friendship, community, adventure, and healing. For pet lovers, this memoir offers a beautiful reminder of how profoundly losing an animal can affect us and how the love they leave behind can sometimes lead us somewhere entirely unexpected.
The Goodbye Cat
By Hiro Arikawa
If you're a cat person, keep some tissues nearby. This collection of seven interconnected stories follows cats and the people whose lives they touch, from a rescued kitten helping a new father adjust to parenthood to an elderly cat contemplating how to remain connected with his beloved human. Set against the changing seasons of Japan, The Goodbye Cat is funny, tender, and bittersweet, exploring love, loss, and the remarkable bonds we share with our cats.
And here is one for young pet lovers!
For young readers ages 7–11
Eggs and Woof: Adopt a Pet
By Ari Roth
What happens when two friends decide it's time to adopt a pet? Eggs and Woof spend the day meeting all kinds of animals, learning about what each one needs, and weighing their options before bringing home a new friend. With cartoon-style illustrations, humor, and a gentle message about responsible pet ownership, this is a fun choice for young animal lovers.
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