Adopting Pets: How to Choose Your New Best Friend. Written by Bill Gutman. Illustrated by Anne Canevari Green. Millbrook Press, 2001. 64 pages. This title offers youth comprehensive information about the dog and cat overpopulation problem, rescue organizations and the importance of matching pets to people. Although out of print, this informative book may be found in many public libraries. Nonfiction picture book. Interest level: Gr. 3-6.

Curious George and the Puppies. Based on the original character by Margret & H. A. Rey. Illustrated in the style of H. A. Rey by Vipah Interactive. Houghton Mifflin Co., 1998. 24 pages. Curious George and the man with the yellow hat find a tiny kitten in the park and take her to the animal shelter where she will be taken care of. While there, George falls in love with one of the many puppies for adoption. Curious George at his best. Fiction picture book. Interest level: Gr. pre S-1.

Hey Bossie, You're a Spokescow! Written by Mickey de Rham. Illustrated by Leigh Gusterson. Plaidswede Publishing, 2005. The story of a real cow who helps the White Mountain Animal League educate humans about the need to sterilize their companion animals so there won't be anymore homeless animals. Bossie also advocates adoption. Fiction picture book. Interest level: Gr. PreS-3.

A Home for Nathan. Written by Claudio M. Roll. Illustrated by Finn Rizer. The William Snyder Foundation for Animals, 1999. Compassion and responsible companion animal care are emphasized in this true story about an unwanted cat who is adopted from a shelter. Fiction picture book. Interest level: Gr. 1-4.

The Hound from the Pound. Written by Jessica Swaim. Illustrated by Jill McElmurry. Candlewick Press, 2007. 28 pages. A lonely woman adopts a lovable but untrained Basset Hound named Blue. Blue's friends from the pound follow his AH-ROOoooooos to his new home and move in too! The lively text and illustrations capture the unique personality of each breed of dog. Children will delight in the humor, rhyming text and happy ending. Fiction picture book. Interest level: Grades PreS-3.

Let's Get A Pup! Said Kate. Written and illustrated by Bob Graham. Candlewick Press 2001. 32 pages. Kate and her parents fall in love with a cute little puppy at the animal rescue center. Once home with their new pup, the family cannot stop thinking about the old gray dog that they did not adopt. Boston Globe Horn Book Award Winner. KIND Children's Book Award. Fiction picture book. Interest level: Grades K-3.

Lucky. Written and illustrated by Gus Clarke. Kane Miller Book Publishers, 2005. 32 pages. Lucky, a shelter dog, and his friends help an older dog who wants a forever home, get chosen. The story advocates adopting. Proceeds from book sales help FOCAS, a group that helps animals in the San Diego municipal shelters. ASPCA Henry Bergh Children's Book Award Finalist and a KIND Children's Honor Book. Fiction picture book. Interest level: Grades PreS-2.

One Day at Wood Green Animal Shelter. Written and illustrated by Patricia Casey. Candlewick Press, 2001. Unpaged. Publisher's summary: It is a very busy day at Wood Green Animal Shelter and veterinary clinic, where the workers take care of a variety of domestic and wild animals that need their help. Although out of print, this title may be found in many libraries. Recommended by Humane Society Youth. Fiction picture book. Interest level: Gr. K-3.

The Shelter Dog. Written and illustrated by Christine Davis. Lighthearted Press, 2008. 32 pages. Hero, an angel dog wants to go to earth to experience the joy of adoption. And so he is sent to a shelter where he waits to be adopted, but nobody wants him. Hero's heart is nearly broken and his time is up. But just in the nick of time, a special woman takes him home. A heartfelt story that will help many loving animals waiting in animal shelters find their forever homes. Fiction picture book. Interest level: Gr. K-adult.

Two Bobbies: A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship, and Survival. Written by Kirby Larson and Mary Nethery. Illustrated by Jean Cassels. Walker and Co., 2008. unpaged. Bobbi and Bob Cat, abandoned during the New Orleans hurricane evacuations, wandered the streets in search of food together, surviving against all odds. And after four long months on their own, the heroic young dog and blind cat, were rescued by Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and placed together in a forever home. The realistic illustrations capture the post hurricane difficulties that so many surviving animals faced without being overly harsh. An afterword provides a photo of the real-life Bobbi and Bob Cat. This important book pays tribute to the many animals who were left behind and to every animal rescue person who helped them. A well told story with a happy ending. Nonfiction picture book. Interest level: Gr. 1-3.

Read HSUS's "What to Consider Before Adopting a Pet." and view IDA's Adopt and Save a Life. And visit petfinder.com to see the many animals waiting for a home.

Lessons about Animal Shelters and Adoption:

Grades 3-8: ASPCA's Senior Pets in Need of Homes creative writing activity.

Fifth and sixth grade: Humane Society Youth Pets are For Life.

Fifth and sixth grade: Humane Society Youth Good Answers for Pet Problems.

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