Nonfiction Animal Stories

Nubs, an Iraqi dog of war, never had a home or a person of his own. He was the leader of a pack of wild dogs living off the land and barely surviving. But Nubs's life changed when he met Marine Major Brian Dennis. The two formed a fast friendship, made stronger by Dennis's willingness to share his meals, offer a warm place to sleep, and give Nubs the kind of care and attention he had never received before.

Blue Crab searches for a place to molt safely, then makes her way to the salty waters at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. Reviewed by the Smithsonian Institution for accuracy, Dancing on the Sand is a fun and informative story. Appropriate for ages: 3-9.

An icy wind blows over the waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence as a tiny harp seal pup is born. When her mother swims away to join the adult seal herd, Seal Pup must quickly learn to care for herself in the harsh, wintry landscape. Appropriate for ages: 3-9.

The world beneath the waves can be dangerous and it is important for the pod to stick together. When a fierce killer whale threatens Mother Whale's calf, can the pod defend him? Appropriate for ages: 3-9.

After Bailey’s mommy and daddy meet a surfing dog in Costa Rica, they get a good idea: Why not try to teach Bailey how to surf too? Back home in Canada, Mommy organizes a visit to a friend who lives by a wavy lake, and Daddy plans out how he is going to teach Bailey how to surf. Starting by sniffing Daddy’s surfboard, to eating treats off of it, Bailey eventually learns how to balance on the surfboard in the water. When Bailey gets nervous about the moving water and big waves, Daddy and Mommy fear Bailey might not enjoy surfing.

This heartwarming audio journal describes a critically ill sea turtle as she is nursed back to health at a sea turtle hospital. Listeners will empathize with Carolina as she undergoes many of the same medical treatments sick or injured children face and then celebrate the happy day when she returns to her home in the sea. The "For Creative Minds" section includes fun facts and information on conservation issues.