Charge up your Kindle or Kobo, log into your Libby, or schedule time to visit your local bookstore! It’s summer reading season! I’ve had the pleasure of reading through a dozen or so new releases kindly provided to me by their publishers. These are the 7 best animal books: Summer 2026 edition.
A disclaimer: Not all books are for all readers. I selected a wide array so that you can hopefully find one that sounds good to you. I also included two links to find these titles online, but I always suggest visiting your local bookstore first, especially for the books that are pre-orders! Shop local where possible!
Let’s get started, shall we?
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Ulysses S. Cat and Other Animals I Have Known by Scott Simon
Yep, that Scott Simon, and if you’re an NPR listener, I promise you will find yourself reading this book with his voice in your head.
This narrative is a memoir of sorts. We learn about Scott, his family, and his work through the animals who have entered and exited his life. It’s told in short bursts. Most of the chapters are micro-essays, running only a few pages and sometimes only a paragraph. This makes it easy to dip in and out, but it doesn’t lessen the emotional resonance or the connection you’ll feel to someone who loves animals as much as he clearly does. Even though on the surface the stories are centered around the animals, it’s also an examination of Scott’s family life and his professional life. The Sarajevo essays are particularly poignant.
Who is this for? Heartfelt, sometimes joyful and sometimes sad, these essays are a must-read for anyone who loves their animals with a side of whimsy. Parents, especially adoptive parents like me: Come to this book with a few tissues tucked in your pocket.
Available on Bookshop.org and Amazon.
Poking the Squid by Perrin Roosevelt Ireland
This book. Where do I begin? As you likely know by now, I am a HUGE animal behavior nerd. This is my favorite book in the bunch.
Graphic nonfiction is such an underappreciated genre, in my opinion. This one, in particular, shines. It’s filled with an incredible depth of information about the biodiversity of how animals form relationships, mate, and more. I never knew how interested I would become in albatross or prairie voles, among many others. Poking the Squid delivers a delightful, quirky, and illuminating look at animal diversity through vivid comics and deeply-researched details. (I reviewed the ARC, which is in black and white, but I believe the final hard copy will be in full color, which is very exciting!)
Who is this for? I’d LOVE to say everyone, but I think this book is for anyone who is fascinated by the natural world and who wants to learn about the latest discoveries in this newer scientific field.
Available on Bookshop.org and Amazon.
10 Spiritual Lessons You Can Learn from Your Dog and 10 Spiritual Lessons You Can Learn from Your Cat by Joanna Sandsmark
Two different but similar books round out these recommendations. Both of these pretty, small hardcovers deliver life advice from the dog’s and cat’s perspective. Rather than a religious spirituality, these delightfully-illustrated books weave together quotes and lessons designed to help the reader feel more dog- or cat-like. They’re easy to flip through and glean some insight or idea unique to our beloved pets.
Who are these for? If you’re looking for a perfect gift for the dog or cat lover in your life, look no further. (hint, hint for any Father’s Day gifts for pet-loving dads) Or, if you’d like something small you can tuck into a bag or to accompany your journaling, these are it.
Dog book available on Amazon and Bookshop.org.
Cat book available on Amazon and Bookshop.org.
The Dogwalkers’ Detective Agency by Michael Hogan
Surprisingly, the only new novel on this list!
When a dog walker’s canine charges discover a dead body, the police are called in, but something’s not adding up. So, a motley mix of dog walkers put their heads together to solve the crime as more mysteries mount. This is the type of summer novel that you can toss into a beach bag for a day at the pool or on the sand; it’s long enough to keep you occupied, but light enough that you can dip in and out.
Who is this for? Fans of funny thrillers, cozy mysteries with an edge of darkness, and–of course–canine shenanigans. Must love puns and word play.
Available on Amazon and Bookshop.org.
Unleashed: How to Bring Out the Best in Your Dog by Jaime Goodrich
Summer is the perfect season to squeeze in extra dog training time. If you’re hoping to dig into some training this summer with your pup, pick this one up.
Unleashed establishes a beginner-friendly foundation for dog training rooted in best practice. It covers everything from polite walking and house training to separation anxiety and aggressive behavior. Little sketches throughout illustrate the concepts, and worksheets in the back of the book help you apply the learning immediately.
Who is this for? First-time dog owners would benefit tremendously from this. Also, anyone who loves to read more dog training perspectives and tips to round out existing knowledge, this one’s for you. An excellent, accessible reference to have on hand.
Available on Amazon and Bookshop.org.
King the Wonder Dog and Other Stories by Eleanor Lerman
Short stories are the perfect thing for summer: You can dip in and out while pushing a swing or supervising the pool. When you have pockets of time, you can read a short story and experience the entire arc of the narrative–even if you’re sitting in your car in the summer camp pickup line.
These stories feature older protagonists and their relationships with dogs. Most center around themes of healing, being seen and understood, and the restorative power of the human-dog bond. You’ll likely need a few tissues on hand for several of the stories.
Who is this for? Set in contemporary New York and featuring older adults, this collection is perfect for literary readers who appreciate reflective stories about people and their dogs. Highly recommend!
Available on Amazon and Bookshop.org.
The 7 best animal books of summer 2026…
At least, for now! I didn’t get any YA or picture books this time around, which is a big gap. I’m on the hunt for what’s coming next for younger readers, so stay tuned here or on Instagram for what I find.
In the meantime, I’d love to know: What’s on your TBR for this summer? Please share in the comments along with which of these seven you’d like to read!
I’d be remiss in a book post not to include a little call-out for my own book. 🙂
If you’re looking to deepen your bond with your dog, my book For the Love of Dog explores the science and heart behind how we connect with our best friends with stories about me and my dogs Emmett, Lucas, and Cooper.
Click here to grab your copy on Amazon or here for Bookshop.org.
It’s also available on audio if you prefer to read with your ears!