Animal Diaries

Filled with danger and adventure, this is the classic story of the love and loyalty shared by a boy and his dog.

Without doubt Lassie was the finest collie in all of Yorkshire.  For three years the Duke of Rudling tried without success to buy the dog from her owner, Sam Carraclough.  But hard times came and Sam was forces to sell her so that he could feed his family.  Sam's boy, Joe, was heart-broken, and Lassie longed for her young master.  Time and again she escaped and came home to Joe, only to be returned to the Duke by Sam.  The Lassie was taken to the Scottish Highlands.  But she was undaunted and set out on a 400-mile journey over unfamiliar country to return to her beloved Joe.  When the Duke finally realized that nothing could keep Lasssie and the boy apart, he solved the problem in a way that brought happiness to all concerned.

Fans of dog stories and the RMS Titanic, take note! This new entry in the Dog Diaries series--based on a true story--is narrated by a pampered Peke that survived the fateful voyage!

Sun Yat-Sen--aka Sunny--enjoys the finer things in life. Noble canine companion to globe-trotters Henry and Myra Harper, Sunny doesn't even like to walk, preferring instead to be carried! Sunny and the Harpers are traveling on the maiden voyage of the RMS Titanic--the biggest, finest ship in the world. So imagine Sunny's horror when he learns he must stay in the Titanic's kennel with eleven other dogs, not in the Harpers' luxurious stateroom! It's…unthinkable! But only four days into the voyage, Sunny learns the true meaning of tragedy when, hidden inside Myra's fur coat, he escapes the sinking ship in a lifeboat.

Based on a true story, with realistic black-and-white illustrations throughout and a fact-filled appendix that includes information about the RMS Titanic, Pekingese dogs, and more, this is historical fiction for middle graders who don't realize they like historical fiction!

About the Author

KATE KLIMO is the author of many books for young readers, including the Dragon Keepers series and all the books in the Dog Diaries series. She lives in New Paltz with her husband and two horses, Harry and Fancy. Over the years, she has served as companion to eight dogs: Pal, Beauregard, Fred, Kelly, Bear, Rascal, Dobey, and George W. Currently, she is searching for a furever friend that gets along well with horses. To learn more about her and her work, visit kateklimoauthor.com.

TIM JESSELL is an award-winning illustrator whose work has appeared in numerous children's books. He is the illustrator of all the books in the Dog Diaries series. Check out his work at timjessell.com.

Age Range: 7 - 10 years

Grade Level: 2 - 5

Lexile Measure: 0680

For anyone who has ever wanted a puppy, the DOG DIARIES series tells a dog's story in a new way--from a dog's point of view! Focusing on a different breed for each book, these stories are based on true dog stories or on true-to-life situations. With realistic black-and-white illustrations by renowned illustrator Tim Jessel and a factual appendix, dog-loving early chapter book readers will beg for more!

Born in a puppy mill, Ginger the golden retriever looks back on her life and the various people who have "owned" her. Abruptly separated from her mother, litter-mates, and the wire cage that was her whole world, Ginger is shuttled from one harrowing situation to another until she finally escapes, living as an outlaw with a pack of wild dogs. But freedom doesn't feel so good once she becomes hungry and cold and sick. Will Ginger ever find a furever family to call her own? 

Appendix features information about puppy mills, breed rescue groups, animal shelters, choosing a pet, and the history of golden retrievers.

From Booklist

Series are to middle-grade readers as bones are to dogs. That means that the portion of the chapter-book audience that is animal crazy will likely take to this first title in the new Dog Diaries series, which tells each story from a dog’s point of view. In her canine journal, Ginger tells her life story enthusiastically and guilelessly, as you might expect of a golden retriever. Puppy-mill born, she has a run of rotten luck with her owners and winds up a stray. Rescued by an animal-control officer and brought to a shelter, she eventually finds happiness with exactly the right boy, Corey. How do we know he’s right? Well, Ginger calls him by name when all the other people in her life are referred to by such names as Yummy Crumb Man, Skinny Man, and Bad Dog Walker. This gets a tad cutesy at times, but a more serious note in the end matter attempts to educate readers about puppy mills, rescue groups, and picking a dog for a pet. This will definitely fill a need at most libraries. Grades 2-5.—Karen Cruze

About the Author

KATE KLIMO is the author of many books for young readers, including The Dragon Keepers and all the books in the Dog Dairies series. She lives in New Paltz with her husband and two horses, Harry and Fancy. Over the years, she has served as companion to eight dogs: Pal, Beauregard, Fred, Kelly, Bear, Rascal, Dobey, and George W. Currently, she is searching for a furever friend who gets along well with horses. To learn more about her and her work, visit www.kateklimoauthor.com.

TIM JESSELL is an award-winning illustrator whose work has appeared in numerous children's books. He is the illustrator of all the books in the Dog Diaries series. Check out his work at timjessell.com.

Age Range: 7 - 10 years

Grade Level: 2 - 5

Lexile Measure: 620L

For anyone who has ever wanted a puppy, the DOG DIARIES series tells a dog's story in a new way--from a dog's point of view! Focusing on a different breed for each book, starting with a Golden Retriever and a German Shepherd, these stories are based on true dog stories or on true-to-life situations. With realistic black-and-white illustrations by renowned illustrator Tim Jessel and an factual appendix, dog-loving early chapter book readers will beg for more!

A German shepherd—the first dog trained at Dorothy Eustis's famous Seeing Eye guide-dog school for the blind—looks back at her life. Chosen for her intelligence, obedience, and willingness to learn, Kiss knows there is more to life than chasing balls and chewing bones. She is a Noble Creature and Great Things await her. But after spending months learing to take care of her beloved trainer Jack, why does he suddenly want her to take care of Morris—a strange, clumsy man who wants to wants to change her name to Buddy? Could it be that  Morris needs Kiss to take care of him even more than Jack did? 

Based on a true story, the appendix has facts about German shepherds, the history and training of guide dogs, hosting guide-dog puppies, and much more.

About the Author

KATE KLIMO is the author of many books for young readers, including The Dragon Keepers and all the books in the Dog Dairies series. She lives in New Paltz with her husband and two horses, Harry and Fancy. Over the years, she has served as companion to eight dogs: Pal, Beauregard, Fred, Kelly, Bear, Rascal, Dobey, and George W. Currently, she is searching for a furever friend who gets along well with horses. To learn more about her and her work, visit www.kateklimoauthor.com.

TIM JESSELL is an award-winning illustrator whose work has appeared in numerous children's books. He is the illustrator of all the books in the Dog Diaries series. Check out his work at timjessell.com..

Age Range: 7 - 10 years

Grade Level: 2 - 5

Lexile Measure: 670L

Barry der Menschenretter—a.k.a. Barry—the most famous St. Bernard dog in history, tells the story of his life for the first time. 

Eight-thousand feet above sea level, in the treacherous pass in the Alps between Italy and Switzerland, the monks of the hospice of St. Bernard have, since the 11th century, kept dogs to help them rescue travelers lost in the snow. In time, these dogs became a breed unto themselves, named for the hospice. They are responsible for helping over 2,000 travelers who might otherwise have frozen to death. With great modesty, Barry tells not just about his own heroic exploits (saving over 40 lives, including that of a 12-year-old boy frozen in a cave), but about his daily life in the hospice, his close relationship with the brothers who train him, and about the other hospice hounds with whom he teams up to guide lost travelers and save lives. With realistic black-and-white illustrations by Tim Jessell—plus an appendix with information about St. Bernards, the Great St. Bernard Hospice, and much, more—Barry's tale is perfect for dog-crazy middle-grade readers!

About the Author

KATE KLIMO is the author of many books for young readers, including The Dragon Keepers and all the books in the Dog Dairies series. She lives in New Paltz with her husband and two horses, Harry and Fancy. Over the years, she has served as companion to eight dogs: Pal, Beauregard, Fred, Kelly, Bear, Rascal, Dobey, and George W. Currently, she is searching for a furever friend who gets along well with horses. To learn more about her and her work, visit www.kateklimoauthor.com.

TIM JESSELL is an award-winning illustrator whose work has appeared in numerous children's books. He is the illustrator of all the books in the Dog Diaries series. Check out his work at timjessell.com.

Age Range: 7 - 10 years

Grade Level: 2 - 5

Lexile Measure: 670L

Kirkus Reviews, December 1, 2013:
"An informative historical narrative with heart."

Small, feisty Siberian husky Togo—the overlooked sled-dog hero of the 1925 serum run to Nome—sets the record straight in Dog Diaries #4! 

When a diptheria epidemic breaks out in isolated Nome, Alaska, in January 1925, the only way to get life-saving serum to the town is by using dog-sled relay teams. Twenty teams participate, and the dog who inevitably gets credit for saving the town is Balto, lead dog on the final team which delivered the serum. But few people have ever heard of 12-year-old Togo and his musher Leonard Seppala, who carried the serum for almost double the length of any other team, and twice violated warnings to avoid perilous Norton Sound and instead ran straight over the frozen ice! With realistic black-and-white illustrations by Tim Jessell—plus an appendix with information about Siberian huskies, sled dogs, mushers, and more—Togo's tale is perfect for middle-grade readers who love a spunky underdog!

About the Author

KATE KLIMO is the author of many books for young readers, including The Dragon Keepers and all the books in the Dog Dairies series. She lives in New Paltz with her husband and two horses, Harry and Fancy. Over the years, she has served as companion to eight dogs: Pal, Beauregard, Fred, Kelly, Bear, Rascal, Dobey, and George W. Currently, she is searching for a furever friend who gets along well with horses. To learn more about her and her work, visit www.kateklimoauthor.com.

TIM JESSELL is an award-winning illustrator whose work has appeared in numerous children's books. He is the illustrator of all the books in the Dog Diaries series. Check out his work at timjessell.com.

Age Range: 7 - 10 years

Grade Level: 2 - 5

Lexile Measure: 650L

A dog's-eye view of the Mayflower voyage and the first Thanksgiving at Plymouth Colony!

English springer spaniel Dash and his furry friend Mercy--a mastiff--travel with their master, John Goodman, in search of the New World. Taken from the pages of history, this Dog Diary follows the story of the colonists whom we now call Pilgrims, from their sixty-six-day voyage at sea to the celebration of their first harvest with the Wampanoag Indians who become their friends and advisors. With realistic black-and-white illustrations by Tim Jessell and an appendix including information about the Mayflower,Plymouth Colony, springer spaniels, and the primary sources on which the book is based, this is historical fiction that dog-loving middle graders--and educators--can be truly thankful for!

About the Author

KATE KLIMO is the author of many books for young readers, including The Dragon Keepers and all the books in the Dog Dairies series. She lives in New Paltz with her husband and two horses, Harry and Fancy. Over the years, she has served as companion to eight dogs: Pal, Beauregard, Fred, Kelly, Bear, Rascal, Dobey, and George W. Currently, she is searching for a furever friend who gets along well with horses. To learn more about her and her work, visit www.kateklimoauthor.com.

TIM JESSELL is an award-winning illustrator whose work has appeared in numerous children's books. He is the illustrator of all the books in the Dog Diaries series. Check out his work at timjessell.com.

Age Range: 7 - 10 years

Grade Level: 2 - 5

Lexile Measure: 630L

George Washington’s transformation from farmer to Father of Our Country—as told by his dog Sweetlips!

Sweetie was the finest foxhound in George Washington’s kennel. But Sweetie’s idyllic days at Mount Vernon were cut short when her master was chosen to represent Virginia at the first Continental Congress in Philadelphia—which he attended with Sweetlips by his side. Follow their journey from the hunt country of Virginia to the battlefields of the Revolutionary War in this meticulously researched, unique historical novel. With realistic black-and-white illustrations by Tim Jessell, an appendix including information about George Washington and the history and breeding of American foxhounds, plus links to the primary source material on which the book is based, this is the kind of historical fiction that dog-loving middle graders—and educators—sit up and beg for!

About the Author

KATE KLIMO is the author of many books for young readers, including The Dragon Keepers and all the books in the Dog Dairies series. She lives in New Paltz with her husband and two horses, Harry and Fancy. Over the years, she has served as companion to eight dogs: Pal, Beauregard, Fred, Kelly, Bear, Rascal, Dobey, and George W. Currently, she is searching for a furever friend who gets along well with horses. To learn more about her and her work, visit www.kateklimoauthor.com.

TIM JESSELL is an award-winning illustrator whose work has appeared in numerous children's books. He is the illustrator of all the books in the Dog Diaries series. Check out his work at timjessell.com.

Age Range: 7 - 10 years

Grade Level: 2 - 5

Lexile Measure: 720L

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Scottie dog Fala helps run a nation!

As President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s nearly constant companion, Fala the Scottish terrier was in the unique position to witness the workings of the U.S. presidency. And now for the first time, the sassy Scottie shares his story with readers—from his idyllic puppyhood spent chasing squirrels through his adulthood spent chasing dignitaries around the world with FDR! This entertaining tail (that is, tale) gives middle-graders a dog’s-eye view of the events leading up to the United States entering World War II, as well as a look at the private side of FDR’s life in a wheelchair.

Based on primary source material, with realistic black-and-white illustrations and an appendix including information about President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, World War II, Scottish terriers, and more, this is the kind of historical fiction that begs to be read by reluctant readers. It’s a perfect choice for supporting Common Core State Standards.

About the Author

KATE KLIMO is the author of many books for young readers, including The Dragon Keepers and all the books in the Dog Dairies series. She lives in New Paltz with her husband and two horses, Harry and Fancy. Over the years, she has served as companion to eight dogs: Pal, Beauregard, Fred, Kelly, Bear, Rascal, Dobey, and George W. Currently, she is searching for a furever friend who gets along well with horses. To learn more about her and her work, visit www.kateklimoauthor.com.

TIM JESSELL is an award-winning illustrator whose work has appeared in numerous children's books. He is the illustrator of all the books in the Dog Diaries series. Check out his work at timjessell.com.

Age Range: 7 - 10 years

Grade Level: 2 - 5

Lexile Measure: 760L

A scrappy stray becomes one of the greatest dogs in military history!

Stubby the war dog narrates the story of his life--from his days as a stray to his time on the battlefields of France! Adopted by Private John Robert Conroy in 1917 when the dog wandered into training camp, Stubby soon became the mascot for the 26th Yankee division--even learning how to salute! When the men were shipped out for France, Conroy smuggled Stubby on-board…and the rest is the kind of incredible true story that dog-crazy middle graders sit up and beg for! By the end of the war, Stubby had served in 17 battles, been injured by mustard gass and grenade; found and captured a German spy; shaken hands with Woodrow Willson; and become the first dog given rank in the United States Armed Forces!

About the Author

KATE KLIMO is the author of many books for young readers, including The Dragon Keepers and all the books in the Dog Dairies series. She lives in New Paltz with her husband and two horses, Harry and Fancy. Over the years, she has served as companion to eight dogs: Pal, Beauregard, Fred, Kelly, Bear, Rascal, Dobey, and George W. Currently, she is searching for a furever friend who gets along well with horses. To learn more about her and her work, visit www.kateklimoauthor.com.

TIM JESSELL is an award-winning illustrator whose work has appeared in numerous children's books. He is the illustrator of all the books in the Dog Diaries series. Check out his work at timjessell.com.

Age Range: 7 - 10 years

Grade Level: 2 - 5

Lexile Measure: 660L

In this Dog Diaries–meets–Horse Diaries Special Crossover Edition, a no-nonsense fire dog meets her match in the biggest, hottest flames Chicago has ever seen—and a rescue horse with an attitude!

In the 1800s, firefighters used horses to pull fire trucks. But horses spook easily and run away from fire—so they needed fire dogs. 

And there’s no better fire dog than Sparky. Sparky is so good at her job, she knows when the alarm is going to ring before it even rings! But today is no ordinary day. There’s no choice but to put Cinders—a rescue horse with an attitude—to work at her very first fire, one destined to become one of the greatest disasters of the nineteenth century! With realistic black-and-white illustrations and an appendix including information about dalmatians, the Great Chicago Fire, and more, this is historical fiction for kids who don’t like historical fiction, and a perfect choice for supporting Common Core State Standards.

Get the horse’s side of the story! Read Horse Diaries Special Edition: Cinders.

About the Author

KATE KLIMO is the author of many books for young readers, including The Dragon Keepers and all the books in the Dog Dairies series. She lives in New Paltz with her husband and two horses, Harry and Fancy. Over the years, she has served as companion to eight dogs: Pal, Beauregard, Fred, Kelly, Bear, Rascal, Dobey, and George W. Currently, she is searching for a furever friend who gets along well with horses. To learn more about her and her work, visit www.kateklimoauthor.com.

TIM JESSELL is an award-winning illustrator whose work has appeared in numerous children's books. He is the illustrator of all the books in the Dog Diaries series. Check out his work at timjessell.com.

Age Range: 7 - 10 years

Grade Level: 2 - 5

Lexile Measure: 660L

A dachshund loses a leg and finds his life's calling—as a therapy dog!

Scrappy dachshund Rolf von Noodle may be missing a hind leg, but he's got attitude and can-do spirit to spare! If anything, his tripod status gives him something special: real empathy for people overcoming physical challenges. And as his owner Mindy discovers, it makes him an ideal choice to become a therapy dog. With realistic black-and-white illustrations and an appendix that includes photographs and information about the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen program, therapy dog training, tripod dogs, and more, this is the kind of fact-based fiction reluctant middle grade readers sit up and beg for!

About the Author

KATE KLIMO is the author of many books for young readers, including The Dragon Keepers and all the books in the Dog Dairies series. She lives in New Paltz with her husband and two horses, Harry and Fancy. Over the years, she has served as companion to eight dogs: Pal, Beauregard, Fred, Kelly, Bear, Rascal, Dobey, and George W. Currently, she is searching for a furever friend who gets along well with horses. To learn more about her and her work, visit www.kateklimoauthor.com.

Age Range: 7 - 10 years

Grade Level: 2 - 5

Lexile Measure: 570L

Charles Dickens’s Havanese sheds light on the writing of A Christmas Carol in this Dog Diaries Special Edition!

Like the Spirit of Christmas Past, Timber—aka Tiny Tim—journeys from Victorian England to the present to reveal what life was like for the man who “invented” Christmas!

Given as a gift to Dickens during a book tour, small, shaggy, “ridiculous” Timber became the great writer’s constant companion. And whether sitting at Dickens’s feet while the author acted out his stories before writing them down, or entertaining Dickens’s vast litter of ten children before a blazing Yule log, Tiny Tim tells a tale as lively as a holiday jig!

Featuring an embossed cover with gold foil trim, plus sixteen pages of Dickens-inspired crafts and recipes, this Dog Diaries Special Edition makes the perfect Christmas gift or stocking stuffer. With realistic black-and-white illustrations throughout and a fact-filled appendix, this is the kind of historical fiction that reluctant middle-grade readers beg for!

About the Author

KATE KLIMO is the author of many books for young readers, including the Dragon Keepers series and all the books in the Dog Diaries series. She lives in New Paltz, New York, with her husband and two horses, Harry and Fancy. Over the years, she has served as companion to eight dogs: Pal, Beauregard, Fred, Kelly, Bear, Rascal, Dobey, and George W. Currently, she is searching for a furever friend who gets along well with horses.

Age Range: 7 - 10 years

Grade Level: 2 - 5

Lexile Measure: 760L

Queen Elizabeth II's corgi Susan spills secrets of life in the Royal Family!

Gifted to Princess Elizabeth on her 18th birthday, Susan was the cherished companion of the future monarch—even joining the princess on her honeymoon in 1947! Eight years later, she was in attendance when Elizabeth was crowned Queen. How does a Royal Corgi spend her days? What goes on in the Corgi Room in Buckingham Palace? Susan reveals all, along with details about Elizabeth's work as a lorry driver during World War II—where she learned to take apart an engine and put it back together! With realistic back and white illustrations throughout and a fact-filled appendix, this is the kind of historical fiction that reluctant middle-grade readers will bow down to with respect!

About the Author

KATE KLIMO is the author of many books for young readers, including The Dragon Keepers and all the books in the Dog Dairies series. She lives in New Paltz with her husband and two horses, Harry and Fancy. Over the years, she has served as companion to eight dogs: Pal, Beauregard, Fred, Kelly, Bear, Rascal, Dobey, and George W. Currently, she is searching for a furever friend who gets along well with horses. To learn more about her and her work, visit kateklimoauthor.com.

TIM JESSELL is an award-winning illustrator whose work has appeared in numerous children's books. He is the illustrator of all the books in the Dog Diaries series. Check out his work at www.timjessell.com.

Age Range: 7 - 10 years

Grade Level: 2 - 5

Lexile Measure: 770L

A stray dog's moving tale about life with Abraham Lincoln—our sixteenth American president and a true animal lover!

Meet Fido—a "yaller" mutt who was Abraham Lincoln's constant companion and pampered family pet at the time he was elected President. Smart, friendly, and frightened of loud noises, Fido was uniquely positioned to witness American history…when he wasn't trying to hide under a piece of furniture! Young readers will hear from Fido about Abraham Lincoln's love for all creatures (great and small), his unique methods of child-rearing, his most famous speeches—including the Emancipation Proclamation—and the tragedy that cut short his life.

With realistic black-and-white illustrations throughout and a fact-filled appendix including information about Abraham Lincoln the animal lover, animal cruelty laws, and more, this is historical fiction for middle graders who don't realize they like historical fiction!

Age Range: 7 - 10 years

Grade Level: 2 - 5

Lexile Measure: 620L

Iceland, circa AD 1000 Elska is a silver dapple Icelandic filly. She spends summers frisking about the countryside and winters in the farmyard, where the girl human Amma takes special care of her. But when a powerful neighbor notices Elska, her contented life suddenly changes. Here is Elska’s story…in her own words.

About the Author

Catherine Hapka has written more than 150 books for children and young adults—many about horses, including several in the Saddle Club and Pine Hollow series. A lifelong horse lover, she rides several times per week and appreciates horses of all breeds. She lives on a small farm in Chester County, Pennsylvania.

Ruth Sanderson has illustrated books for children of all ages, including Summer Pony and Winter Pony. She lives with her family in Ware, Massachusetts, and her favorite hobby is horseback riding.

Age Range: 8 - 12 years

Grade Level: 3 - 7

Lexile Measure: 660L

Vermont, 1850s

Bell’s Star is a brown Morgan colt with a white star and two white stockings. He was bred for hard work, yet he longs to run free with his human friend, Katie, on his back. But when Star helps rescue a runaway slave girl, his ideas about freedom may change forever. Here is Star’s story…in his own words. 

With exciting and knowledgeable text and lovely black-and-white art throughout—both by real horse owners—Horse Diaries are the perfect fit for all lovers of horses and history!

About the Author

Alison Hart has been horse crazy ever since she can remember. A teacher and author, she has written over 20 books for children, most of them about horses. Her novel Shadow Horse was nominated for an Edgar Award. Today, Alison still rides because—you guessed it—she’s still horse crazy! She lives in Mt. Sidney, Virginia.

Ruth Sanderson has illustrated books for children of all ages, including Summer Pony and Winter Pony. She lives with her family in Ware, Massachusetts, and her favorite hobby is horseback riding.

Age Range: 8 - 12 years

Grade Level: 3 - 7

Lexile Measure: 530L

Koda is a bay quarter horse with a white blaze. He loves to explore the countryside and run free with his human friend Jasmine nearby. But after Koda sets out with Jasmine’s family on a long and dusty wagon train journey on the Oregon Trail, he finds out what is truly important to him. Here is Koda’s story…in his own words.

With moving and knowledgeable text and lovely black-and-white art throughout—both by real horse people—this is the perfect fit for all lovers of horses and history!

About the Author

Patricia Hermes is the author of more than 40 novels for children and young adults, and two nonfiction books for adults. She is a lifelong lover of horses and enjoys taking riding lessons. Although she has never owned her own horse, many horses have owned her heart. She lives in Fairfield, Connecticut.

Ruth Sanderson has illustrated books for children of all ages, including Summer Pony and Winter Pony. She lives with her family in Ware, Massachusetts, and her favorite hobby is horseback riding.

Age Range: 8 - 12 years

Grade Level: 3 - 7

Lexile Measure: 730L

Vienna, Austria, 1938

Maestoso Petra is a world-famous Lipizzaner stallion. He has spent years in the Spanish Riding School, training to perform the complex airs above the ground that only Lipizzaner can accomplish. But when World War II breaks out in Europe, he learns to think less about performing and more about survival. Here is Maestoso Petra’s story…in his own words.

About the Author

Jane Kendall is the author of the critically acclaimed young adult historical novels Miranda and the Movies and Miranda Goes to Hollywood. She was an enthusiastic rider growing up, and on one memorable occasion went Christmas caroling on horseback. She lives in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Ruth Sanderson has illustrated books for children of all ages, including Summer Pony and Winter Pony. She lives with her family in Ware, Massachusetts, and her favorite hobby is horseback riding.

Age Range: 8 - 12 years

Grade Level: 3 - 7

Lexile Measure: 980L

For anyone who has ever dreamed of hearing a horse’s story…

Oregon, 1790

Golden Sun is a chestnut snowflake Appaloosa. In summer, he treks through the mountains with his rider, a Nez Perce boy named Little Turtle, as he gathers healing plants. But when Little Turtle’s best friend falls ill, Golden Sun discovers his true calling. Here is Golden Sun’s story…in his own words.

With moving and knowledgeable text and lovely black and white art throughout—by a mother-daughter team of horse experts—this is the perfect fit for all lovers of horses and history!

About the Author

Whitney Sanderson is the daughter of Horse Diaries illustrator Ruth Sanderson. Her family has owned horses since she was a child, and her bookshelves were always filled with horse stories. When she isn’t writing, she volunteers at a horse rescue and therapeutic riding center. She has an Appaloosa named Thor, who posed as the model for Golden Sun.

Ruth Sanderson grew up with a love for horses. She drew them constantly, and her first oil painting, at age fourteen, was a horse portrait.

Ruth has illustrated and retold many fairy tales and likes to feature horses in them whenever possible. Her book about a magical horse, The Golden Mare, the Firebird, and the Magic Ring, won the Texas Bluebonnet Award in 2003. She illustrated the first Black Stallion paperback covers and a number of chapter books about horses, most recently Summer Pony and Winter Pony by Jean Slaughter Doty.

To find out more about her adventures with horses and the research she did to create the illustrations in this book, visit her Web site, www.ruthsanderson.com.

Age Range: 8 - 12 years

Grade Level: 3 - 7

Lexile Measure: 930L

For all lovers of horses and history, it's the next book in the popular Horse Diaries series. Born in the Arabian Desert in the ninth century, Yatimah is a black Arabian filly whose name means "orphan." She enjoys her life at the oasis, with sheep to tease, other foals to race, and the daughter of her Bedouin owner to take care of her. But when the colt who is her foster brother is stolen in a raid, Yatimah realizes her true birthright. Like Black Beauty, this moving novel is told in first person from the horse's own point of view and includes an appendix full of photos and facts about Arabian horses and Bedouin culture.

About the Author

CATHERINE HAPKA has written more than 150 books for children and young adults—many about horses, including Elska, the first book in the Horse Diaries series. A lifelong horse lover, she rides several times per week and appreciates horses of all breeds. She lives on a small farm in Chester County, Pennsylvania, which she shares with a horse, three goats, a small flock of chickens, and too many cats.

RUTH SANDERSON has illustrated books for children of all ages, including Summer Pony, Winter Pony, and Hush, Little Horsie. Her favorite hobby is horseback riding. You can find out more at RuthSanderson.com.

Age Range: 8 - 12 years

Grade Level: 3 - 7

Lexile Measure: 840L

For all lovers of horses and history, it's the next book in the popular Horse Diaries series. Born in California at the start of the Great Depression, Risky Chance is a gray thoroughbred who was born to race. Life at the track and being spoiled by his jockey's young daughter, Marie, is all Chance could ask for. He loves nothing more than running fast and winning. But after an accident, Chance discovers a side of horse racing that has little to do with glory.

Like Black Beauty, this moving novel is told in first person from the horse's own point of view and includes an appendix full of photos and facts about thoroughbreds, horse racing, and the Great Depression.

About the Author

ALISON HART has been horse-crazy ever since she can remember. A teacher and author, she's written over 20 books for children, most of them about horses. Her novel Shadow Horse, another Random House title, was nominated for an Edgar Award. Today Ms. Hart still rides because—you guessed it—she's still horse-crazy!

RUTH SANDERSON has illustrated books for children of all ages, including Summer Pony; Winter Pony; Hush, Little Horsie, and the entire Horse Diaries series. She lives with her family in Ware, Massachusetts, and her favorite hobby is horseback riding.

Age Range: 8 - 12 years

Grade Level: 3 - 7

Lexile Measure: 630L

Born in Northern Nevada in 1950, Black Cloud is a black-and-white mustang colt. He loves roaming free with the rest of his herd, playing with the other foals, and learning the ways of wild horses. But when humans intrude on this wandering life, Black Cloud's world is changed forever. Like Black Beauty, this moving novel is told in first person from the horse's own point of view and includes an appendix full of photos and facts about mustangs and the history of the laws protecting them.

About the Author

PATRICIA HERMES is the author of over 40 novels for children and young adults, and two nonfiction books for adults. She is a lifelong lover of horses and enjoys taking riding lessons. Although she has never owned her own horse, many horses have owned her heart.

Age Range: 8 - 12 years

Grade Level: 3 - 7

Lexile Measure: 600L

Alabama, 1856. Tennessee Rose is a dark bay Tennessee Walking Horse with a rose-shaped marking on her forehead. She loves dashing around the plantation in the running walk that her breed is famous for, then coming back to her comfortable stall and her friend Levi, the slave boy who is her groom. But as the Civil War approaches, Rosie begins to question plantation life. Is slavery fair? Could Levi be free? Like Black Beauty, this moving novel is told in first person from the horse's point of view and includes an appendix full of photos and facts about Tennessee Walking Horses and the Civil War.

About the Author

JANE KENDALL is the author of Horse Diaries #4: Maestoso Petra, as well as many other titles. She has also illustrated more than two dozen children's books. Jane has been a senior writer for Greenwich Magazine since 1992. She has written for The New York Times on film history and teaches a college-level writing course for the Institute of Children's Literature. She was an enthusiastic rider growing up, and on one memorable occasion went Christmas caroling on horseback.

Age Range: 8 - 12 years

Grade Level: 3 - 7

Lexile Measure: 890L

Ireland, 1917. Darcy is a light gray Connemara pony with silver dapples. She's fast and tough, whether she's pulling a load of peat from the bog or riding around the rugged countryside with Shannon McKenna, her human family's eldest daughter. But when Mrs. McKenna needs a doctor, Darcy discovers a skill that will change her and her family's life forever. Like Black Beauty, this moving novel is told in first person from the horse's point of view and includes an appendix full of photos and facts about Connemara ponies and Irish history.

About the Author

WHITNEY SANDERSON is the daughter of Horse Diaries illustrator Ruth Sanderson. Her family has owned horses since she was a child, and her bookshelves were always filled with horse stories. When she isn't writing, she volunteers at a horse rescue and therapeutic riding center. She has an Appaloosa named Thor, who loves to go for trail rides in the New England woods.

RUTH SANDERSON has illustrated books for children of all ages, includingSummer Pony, Winter Pony, and Hush, Little Horsie. She lives with her family in Ware, Massachusetts, and her favorite hobby is horseback riding.

Age Range: 8 - 12 years

Grade Level: 3 - 7

Lexile Measure: 960L

A heartwarming Clydesdale chapter book for the holiday season! For all lovers of horses, history, and the holidays, here’s a very special Horse Diaries book. 

Wisconsin, 1915. Jingle Bells is a strong Clydesdale gelding. He enjoys his work on the farm, pulling the hay wagon in the summer and a sleigh in the winter, and he loves his human friend, Kari. But when Kari’s older brother comes home for Christmas with a new Model T Ford, will the family still need Jingle Bells?

About the Author

CATHERINE HAPKA has written more than 150 books for children and young adults--many about horses, including several in the Saddle Club and Pine Hollow series. A lifelong horse lover, she rides several times per week and appreciates horses of all breeds. She lives on a small farm in Chester County, Pennsylvania.

Age Range: 8 - 12 years

Grade Level: 3 - 7

Lexile Measure: 770L

For all lovers of horses and history, the beloved Horse Diaries series is heading to the circus! 

A beautiful Friesian horse and the younger sister of a circus star develop a heartwarming friendship in this sweet and lively story told straight from the horse’s mouth. 

The Netherlands, 1855

Luna is a black Friesian mare with one small white crescent- moon marking on her forehead. She lives a quiet life on a farm…until the circus comes to town! Luna bonds with a girl named May, who dreams of starring in the show, just like her older sister. And together, Luna and May just might be able to shine. Here is Luna’s story…in her own words.

About the Author

Catherine Hapka has written more than 150 books for children and young adults—--many about horses, including several in the Saddle Club and Pine Hollow series. A lifelong horse lover, she rides several times aper week and appreciates horses of all breeds. She lives on a small farm in Chester County, Pennsylvania.

Age Range: 8 - 12 years

Grade Level: 3 - 7

Lexile Measure: 730L

In this Horse Diaries–meets–Dog Diaries Special Crossover Edition, a horse with a bad reputation meets his match in a no-nonsense fire dog and the biggest, hottest flames Chicago has ever seen!

In the 1800s, firefighters needed horses to pull the fire trucks. But horses spook easily and run away from fire—so they needed fire dogs.

Cinders is a dappled gray horse with a bad reputation. When he first arrives at the firehouse, he refuses to even enter his stall. But a kind man, his daughter, and a smart dalmatian named Sparky convince him he’s made to be a firehouse horse. Will he learn to brave the flames in time to stand up to the biggest, fiercest, most frightening fire the city has ever faced?

Get the dog’s side of the story! Read Dog Diaries Special Edition: Sparky.

About the Author

KATE KLIMO is the author of many books for young readers, including The Dragon Keepers and all the books in the Dog Dairies series. She lives in New Paltz with her husband and two horses, Harry and Fancy. Over the years, she has served as companion to eight dogs: Pal, Beauregard, Fred, Kelly, Bear, Rascal, Dobey, and George W. Currently, she is searching for a furever friend who gets along well with horses. To learn more about her and her work, visit www.kateklimo.com.

RUTH SANDERSON has illustrated books for children of all ages, including Summer Pony, Winter Pony, and Hush, Little Horsie. She lives with her family in Ware, Massachusetts, and her favorite hobby is horseback riding.

Age Range: 8 - 12 years

Grade Level: 3 - 7

Lexile Measure: 650L

For all lovers of horses and history! This latest book in the Horse Diaries series features an Andalusian horse in romantic sixteenth-century Spain.

“A must for horse lovers, the cozy and exciting adventure will draw a wide audience.” —Booklist

Southern Spain, 1570s

Calvino is a dapple-gray Andalusian stallion. He grew up driving cattle in the mountains, but soon he catches the eye of King Philip II’s horse master. Now Calvino and his young rider, Rico, must learn the complicated moves of doma clásica riding. Calvino doesn’t understand the use of this prancing—until he and Rico are chosen to represent the king in a deadly bullfight that will put all his skills to the test. Here is Calvino’s story . . . in his own words.

About the Author

WHITNEY SANDERSON has loved horses since she was a child, riding in a 4-H club and reading series like The Saddle Club and The Black Stallion. In addition to always having a horse or two in the backyard, she grew up surrounded by beautiful equine artwork created by her mother, Horse Diaries illustrator Ruth Sanderson. Whitney is the author of Horse Diaries #5: Golden Sun and Horse Diaries #10: Darcy, as well as another chapter book called Horse Rescue: Treasure. Her website is whitneysanderson.com.
 
RUTH SANDERSON has illustrated books for children of all ages, including Summer Pony, Winter Pony, and Hush, Little Horsie. She lives with her family in Ware, Massachusetts, and her favorite hobby is horseback riding.

Age Range: 8 - 12 years

Grade Level: 3 - 7

Lexile Measure: 960L

For all lovers of horses and history! In the latest book in the Horse Diaries series, meet Lily, a strawberry roan Welsh pony with a competitive heart!

SOUTH WALES, 1939: Lily, a strawberry roan Welsh pony, loves Pony Club! She and her rider, Gwen, compete in and win lots of events, including Lily's favorite--jumping! Then Bridget joins the Pony Club. The English girl was sent from London to escape the bombings brought on by war. Gwen tries to be friends, but Bridget is sour and mean. Even worse, Bridget and her horse, Bron, make the perfect jump look easy. Now Gwen and Lily have some real competition…

About the Author

WHITNEY SANDERSON has loved horses since she was a child, riding in a 4-H club and reading series like The Saddle Club and The Black Stallion. In addition to always having a horse or two in the backyard, she grew up surrounded by beautiful equine artwork created by her mother, Horse Diaries illustrator Ruth Sanderson. Visit whitneysanderson.com to find out more.

RUTH SANDERSON has illustrated books for children of all ages, including Summer Pony, Winter Pony, and Hush, Little Horsie. She lives with her family in Ware, Massachusetts, and her favorite hobby is horseback riding.

Age Range: 8 - 12 years

Grade Level: 3 - 7

Lexile Measure: 900L

For all lovers of horses and history! In the latest book in the Horse Diaries series, meet Penny, a blue-eyed palomino paint mare who grows up in the Wild West of California during the Gold Rush!

CALIFORNIA, 1850. Penny is a blue-eyed palomino paint mare with a taste for adventure! She and a boy named Jesse search for gold in the hills of Northern California. After striking it rich and then losing everything, Jesse and Penny join the Pony Express. The job is a tough one, but Penny loves a challenge! Here is Penny's story…in her own words.

Love horses and history? Don't miss the stories of Elska, Bell's Star, Calvino, Lily, and more in the Horse Diaries series!

About the Author

WHITNEY SANDERSON has loved horses since she was a child, riding in a 4-H club and reading series like The Saddle Club and The Black Stallion. In addition to always having a horse or two in the backyard, she grew up surrounded by beautiful equine artwork created by her mother, Horse Diaries illustrator Ruth Sanderson. Visit whitneysanderson.com to find out more.

RUTH SANDERSON has illustrated books for children of all ages, including Summer Pony, Winter Pony, and Hush, Little Horsie. She lives with her family in Ware, Massachusetts, and her favorite hobby is horseback riding.

Age Range: 8 - 12 years

Grade Level: 3 - 7

Lexile Measure: 860L

An irresistible collection of short stories for cat lovers.

At the annual gathering of the MEOW society, cats of all kinds convene to share their stories and those of their ancestors. Chico, the smallest cat in the world, recounts stopping a crime. The Pirate Cat tells of the fateful day when he discovered a treasure while hunting for mice. And Georgio shares his delectable―and sometimes surprising―recipes.

Cat Diaries is a winning companion to Dog Diaries, also by Betsy Byars and her daughters Betsy Duffy and Laurie Myers. With gorgeous black-and-white illustrations by Erik Brooks, animal lovers and reluctant readers will be wooed by the charm, strength, and wit of these feline friends.

About the Author

Betsy Byars, a Newbery Medal winner, and her two daughters, Betsy Duffey and Laurie Myers―both well-known authors of books for young readers―have together written several popular story collections. Betsy Byars lives in South Carolina, and her daughters live in Georgia.
Erik Brooks has illustrated Boo's Dinosaur by Betsy Byars and Monkey Business by Shirley Climo, in addition to the first Secret Writings book, Dog Diaries. He lives in the Methow Valley in north central Washington.