“A Literary Collection About Our Animals”
Disclosure: Wag ‘n Woof Pets received a complimentary copy of this book but received no other compensation for sharing about it. Links to the book are, however, affiliate, and we may receive a small commission if you order through those links. It is my intention to also match and donate those proceeds to an animal charity as well.
“Love can be and sure enough is moving in all things, in all places, in all forms of life at the same snap of your finger.” – Woody Guthrie
The above quote is the inspiration for the title of this book, a collection of prose and short stories by 30 different authors, some well known and amongst my favorites such as Dean Koontz and S. E. Hinton. Woody Guthrie was an Oklahoma native, and the book was conceived as a philanthropic effort by Oklahoma based Kirkpatrick Foundation, which is committed to improving the lives and welfare of animals all across the country. All proceeds (less bookseller and distribution fees) from the book will benefit animal charities.
While many stories in this book are about dogs, there are also many about cats, horses, and wildlife as well. One of my favorites “A Migrant’s Story” by Reyna Grande, is about butterflies! Some stories are touching, some are heartbreaking, and many are inspirational. I have not read the whole book yet, but another of my favorites was by P.C. Cast, “My Warrior”, about her trained protection dog, Badger.
The book begins with a simple poem “The Cat” by Ursula K. Le Guin. Honestly, I’m not a big fan of poetry, but I loved it! I’m not going to share it here, since I want you to buy the book. 😊
There is something here for every animal lover. This is a book I like to pick up when I sit on the couch with Luke for a few minutes. I enjoyed the simple illustrations of animals throughout, and the fact that each story or poem is prefaced by a photo of the author with some of the special animals in their lives.
The Kirkpatrick Foundation aids many important causes, including education, animal well-being, environmental conservation, and historic preservation. They conceived and created this book, incurring all of the creative and printing costs. The book is intended as a limited edition. Last year alone, they gave grants to over 40 animal welfare organizations, half of which are national or worldwide, the majority of which receive no government or state assistance and rely solely on individual donations and volunteers.
The proceeds from this book go specifically to 6 Oklahoma based charities, listed at the end of the book, two of which are wildlife charities, the rest animal welfare. In addition, the authors who contributed donated their honoraria to non-profit animal charities of their choice, or made private gifts.
The Kirkpatrick Foundation’s goals with this book are not only to directly benefit these charities. They hope to educate and inspire the public to value animal well-being in their own lives and communities. They set a goal in 2012 to make Oklahoma the safest and most humane place to be an animal by 2032. My hope is that this book will also inspire other foundations and communities to do the same, while at the same time inspiring each reader to do a little more as well.
You can find “Love Can Be” on amazon by clicking here*.
Looks like a really nice book.
It’s a very nice collaboration for good causes.
Love the intention of this book. It seems in this day and age, there can never be too many stories about animals or stories that benefit animals. Well done.
I agree! Every little thing that is done to help is so important.
I love how they are working towards making the world a better place for animals!
Thanks for sharing.
As a rule, I don’t care for writing book reviews, and rarely do anymore. But this one seemed like a good one to share.
Sounds like an interesting book for a great cause.
It really is!
This sounds like a great book! I need to make more reading time.
Me too! That’s what I like about this, I can just pick it up and read something short – I don’t have to dedicate a whole lot of time to it.
I am going to add that to my Goodreads list right now Great review.
I’m so glad! Thank you, Ellen!! xxoo
Sounds like a good read. And the proceeds going to help animals is a plus!
Reading enjoyment with a great bonus! 🙂
I reviewed it too a month or so ago (on Dakota’s blog) and enjoyed the book, great review!
I can’t remember if I read your review or not! It all runs together after a while, right? I will go back and take a look.
That sounds very cool and quite pleasant too. Have a fun weekend everyone!
Definitely!!
I love Dean Koontz too. His Odd Thomas was a favorite of mine.
Have a woof woof day, Luke. My best to your mom. ♥
“Fear Nothing” and it’s sequel (“Seize the Night”, I think?) were my favorites.
that sounds super good and maybe that is the book we can read all together ;O) thanks !!!
Hope you do!! ♥
This looks like a great book and we will be checking it out. Thank you!
I hope you get a chance to enjoy it!
I’m going to have to check this out! Thanks!
I’m sure you will love it; especially where it starts out with that cute little cat poem. 🙂