May 20, 2024 in Library News

May is National Pet Month and Schaumburg Library staff have put together their book and movie picks to celebrate our furry friends.

West with Giraffes (2021)

by Lynda Rutledge

A grand adventure with two Giraffes being caught in a hurricane and all the dangerous and fun times they had getting home to their new zoo home.
- Cheryl, Circulation

Ratatouille (2007)

by Walt Disney Pictures

A peculiar (but very talented cook) pet rat helps his incompetent human friend rise to chef stardom. Winner of the Academy Awards Best Animated Feature Film of 2008.
- Carol, AV

The Black Stallion (2015)

by Zoetrope Studios

Beautifully filmed and gorgeous scenery. After being shipwrecked with a magnificent horse off the coast of Africa in the 1940s, a boy bonds with the stallion, and trains him to race after their rescue.
- Carol, AV

Best in Show (2001)

by Castle Rock Entertainment

Hilarious mockumentary about the world of dog shows through the eyes of a group of ruthless dog owners. Directed by and starring Christopher Guest. Also starring Fred Willard, Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara.
- Carol, AV

Isle of Dogs (2018)

by Inc Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

This stop motion film tells the story of a dystopian world where all dogs that were previously pets are sent to Trash Island by the government due to a canine influenza pandemic. 12-year-old Atari heads off on a mission alone to Trash Island to retrieve his old dog Spots and along the way meets other dogs who have been banished to the island. This film was made by Wes Anderson who is the same creator of Fantastic Mr. Fox which is one of my favorite films because of the style and the story, so if you are a fan of that movie then there is a high likelihood that you will love Isle of Dogs.
- Vana, AV

Fetch : How a Bad Dog Brought Me Home : a Graphic Memoir (2017)

by Nicole J Georges

Part grief memoir, part coming-of-age story, part feminist manifesto, this is the story of Nicole and the dog she adopted when she was sixteen, Beja. This is more than just a tribute to her canine best friend, though, it is also the story of Nicole's journey from teen to adulthood through the Portland punk and LGBTQ scenes told and illustrated with humor, vulnerability, and staggering talent.
- Emily, Fiction

The Friend (2018)

by Sigrid Nunez

When her lifelong friend and mentor dies, the unnamed narrator of this book inherits his Great Dane. What follows is a philosophical journey examining life, loss, writing, relationships, and meaning. With beautiful, insightful writing, it's easy to see why this was a National Book Award winner.
- Emily, Fiction

The Adventures of Tintin (2012)

by Paramount Home Entertainment

This movie dedicates some spotlight to Snowy, Tintin’s dog and faithful companion. Both brave and clever, Snowy determinedly strives to stay at Tintin’s side through whatever trouble they come across throughout their adventures.
- Jenalyn, Fiction

Lady and the Tramp (2006)

by Walt Disney Home Entertainment

Enjoy this fabulous Disney animated classic film about Lady, a cute, pampered cocker spaniel, and Tramp, a freedom loving mutt as they travel on a romantic adventure together. I enjoy the fact that Lady learns to explore life beyond her regular sphere while traveling with Tramp, who introduces her to new things in life. A fun, family movie, with both touching and dramatic moments!
- Janet, AV

Happy Holidays, Garfield (2017)

by PBS Distribution

If I am looking for a cat film, I love the animated holiday Garfield films: "Garfield's Thanksgiving", 1989, & "A Garfield Christmas Special" from 1987. We own both in a 2 pack DVD! In Garfield's Thanksgiving, Jon Arbuckle invites veterinarian Liz to celebrate Thanksgiving with him, Garfield, and Odie, but has no clue how to prepare a Thanksgiving meal. In the "Garfield's Christmas Special", Garfield, Jon, and Odie go to Jon's grandmother's house for Christmas, where Garfield finds a present for Grandma. I love the animation, sassiness and antics of Garfield, and one of the songs in Garfield's Christmas. I usually watch it every year and my children watched it when they were little!
- Janet, AV

Lessons from Lucy : the Simple Joys of an Old, Happy Dog (2018)

by Dave Barry

The lessons are drawn from Dave's routine humiliations and stream-of-consciousness accounts of the absurdities of daily life, which will leave you heaving with laughter and recognition.
- Cheryl, Circulation

The Penguin Lessons : What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird (2015)

by Tom Michell

The lessons are drawn from Dave's routine humiliations and stream-of-consciousness accounts of the absurdities of daily life, which will leave you heaving with laughter and recognition.
- Cheryl, Circulation

Winterdance : the Fine Madness of Running the Iditarod (1994)

by Gary Paulsen

True story about what it takes to complete the Iditarod while keeping your dogs healthy, rested and fed. The race is based on teamwork. The lead dog sets the pace. Well written.
- Cheryl, Circulation

A Dog's Purpose (2016)

by W. Bruce Cameron

his is the remarkable story of one endearing dog's search for his purpose over the course of several lives. More than just another charming dog story, A Dog's Purpose touches on the universal quest for an answer to life's most basic question: Why are we here? If you have/had a pet that made your life more meaningful and fulfilling, this book/movie is for you.
- Jennifer, Fiction

Lessons in Chemistry (2022)

by Bonnie Garmus

This is a great book of a woman defying the odds as a female scientist in the 1960s, and her dog Six-Thirty is no exception. Six-Thirty defies the odds in terms of his ability to understand more than 1,000 human English words, to sniff out bombs and firearms, and to help this outstanding heroine care for her little girl.
- Jennifer, Fiction

Marley and Me : Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog (2005)

by John Grogan

The heartwarming and unforgettable story of a family and the wondrously neurotic dog who taught them what really matters in life. For anyone with a highly spirited pet, this book (and the wonderful movie adaptation) is hilarious!
- Jennifer, Fiction

The Secret Life of Pets (2017)

by Universal Studios Home Entertainment

This hilarious movie explores what pets actually do when their owners are gone for the day at work.
- Jennifer, Fiction

The Art of Racing in the Rain (2009)

by Garth Stein

The Art of Racing in the Rain is narrated from the perspective of the protagonist's dog Enzo. The novel explores philosophy and the human condition through the narrative device of car racing. The novel was a New York Times bestseller for 156 weeks.
- Jennifer, Fiction

Bolt (2009)

by Walt Disney Animation Studios

Bolt is a sweet movie about a dog that has been raised to believe he has superpowers as part of the tv show he unwittingly stars in along with his ‘owner’ Penny. Bolt finds himself mistakenly shipped across the country where he meets new companions as he makes his way back to Penny. I love the self-discovery both Penny and Bolt experience as they find what is most important to them and what they want their lives to be defined by.
- Sara, AV

Lily and the Octopus (2016)

by Steven Rowley

This heartfelt book is a love letter to anyone who has loved - and lost - a beloved pet.
- Jessica, Fiction

Old Yeller (2002)

by Disney ; distributed by Buena Vista Home Entertainment

It's a story about a boy and his dog. I won't spoil it, but the ending is, uh, memorable.
- Beth, Access Services

The Dog Knight (2023)

by Jeremy Whitley

A council of dog superheroes? What more could you ask for! This is such a wholesome graphic novel that weaves together important messages of self-discovery and exploring friendship. I would definitely recommend this to readers who enjoy queer stories, dogs, and a touch of magical fantasy.
- Abbey, Teen

Ex-yakuza & Stray Kitten, 1 (2022)

by Riddle Kamimura

A cute story about a stray kitten taken in by an ex-gangster. This story is funny and quick-paced as readers get perspectives from both the human and animal characters. A fun slice-of-life manga!
- Abbey, Teen

Penguin & House, Vol. 1 (2022)

by Akiho Ieda

Follow Pen the Penguin as he cares for his Hayakawa the Human in this slice-of-life manga. Pen is always ready to tackle the day; cook, clean, and bring his favorite human lunch! If only Hayakawa would notice...
- Abbey, Teen

Danger and Other Unknown Risks (2023)

by Ryan North

This fun action-packed graphic novel follows Marguerite de Pruitt and her fluffy canine pal as they work together to save the world from spiraling into deadly chaos.
- Allison R, Teen

Something Like Home (2023)

by Andrea Beatriz Arango

From the author of Iveliz Explains it All comes an emotion-filled novel in verse about a lonely young girl and a lost dog who join together to find their ways home. A story of heartache, hope, and finding family, Andrea Beatriz Arango pulls readers into an authentic portrayal of foster care experience and discovering the importance of family.
- Abbey, Teen

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