Genre study

[grover]

So for my grad class project, I need to research the "Animal" genre. I don't really consider this a genre per se, and I don't generally read these, especially since becoming a dog owner.  So hit me with your favorites and least favorites- elementary, middle or high school levels. I generally don't read these types of stories, so I need some ideas for some to read for my project/book talks.  Or if you have any titles that you think are poor examples, that would help too.  Thanks!

[travella]

Marley and Me by John Grogan -- one of my favorites
My kids love the Charlie picture books by Ree Drummond -- Charlie the Ranch Dog, etc.
Animal Farm
Where the Red Fern Grows
Charlotte's Web

[ufcasey]

The art of racing in the rain

[luckystar2]

A dog's purpose
One of my favorites although it makes me sob!

There's a sequel too A dog's journey (although I like the first one a lot more)

[sonrisa]

stuart little

[revjen]

The Trumpet of the Swan
The Cricket in Times Square
The Fur Person
Dewey the Cat

[suzannesugarbaker]

Amazing Gracie
Charlotte's Web
Marley and Me
A Friend Like Henry
Dogs Never Lie About Love

[snshne322]

Jun 13, 2016 7:35:11 GMT -5 revjen said:

The Trumpet of the Swan
The Cricket in Times Square
The Fur Person
Dewey the Cat

I was reading this to Wes not too long ago and the change in what is considered politically correct since it's publication was mind blowing!

[susiebw]

The Mouse and the Motorcycle

DH is reading it to DD right now.

[ThirdandLong]

Dogs...
Stone Fox (super sad)
The Call of the Wild
Old Yeller
Hairy McClary of Donaldson's Dairy (and tons of sequels)

Horses...
The Scorpio Races by Maggie Steifvater (kind of?)
Secretariat
Black Beauty (and tons of sequels)

Various...
The Jungle Book
Peter Rabbit
Frog and Toad
Fantastic Mr. Fox
The Little Red Hen

There must be hundreds of children's books with 'animal' main characters. I could list more for you, if you wish.

Um... in Seraphina, dragons take human form and still others remain dragons.

[Deleted]

I don't know if you are looking at fairy tales, but you have a ton of options there. The Frog Prince, The Swan Princes (2 versions), Puss in Boots. Aesop's fables are almost all animals.

[revjen]

Watership Down

[GilliC]

Besides a few that have already been mentioned, the ones I remember most from when I was a kid:

The Call of the Wild
The Incredible Journey
The Wind in the Willows
Bunnicula

I can't name any least favorites, because I didn't dislike any enough to still remember them.

[dorothyinAus]

I definitely agree with Bunnicula, it's fantastic.

For older high schoolers/adults, I'd recommend Waiting for Gertrude which is an interesting story using the cats in the Pere-Lachaise Cemetery.

For younger children, any of the Beatrix Potter tales might fit the genre.

Others that might fit:
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH
Star in the Storm
The Good Dog

[revjen]

Does the Velveteen Rabbit count?

[grover]

Thanks all! Like I stated in the OP, I usually don't read these types of books. However, a few of the ones listed are ones that I definitely read years ago. The others I now have on my summer reading list. Thanks!