From Our Bookshelf

Let Us Help You Find Great Books!

Sign up for From Our Bookshelf’s newsletter where we talk all things books.
Book Reviews | Book Recommendations for all ages | Book Lists | Favorite Books | Book Deals | and More!!

Animal Stories

All Creatures Great and Small ( Backlist Book Picks )

by 2 Comments

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

All Creatures Big and Small

This week’s backlist book pick is the book All Creatures Great and Small. It is a book all about animals. It is also the first book in a series, so if you love the first book there are more to enjoy. 

James Herriot’s book All Creatures Great and Small was first published almost fifty years ago. Herriot’s tale, which he weaves in All Creatures Great and Small, has entertained readers for years.

James Herriot was a veterinarian in Yorkshire, England for over half a century. All Creatures Great and Small is the first book in a series of memoirs that he wrote about his life as a vet. 

He takes you on his adventures through the countryside of England treating all kinds of animals. He shares stories about the animals, both big and small, and the people that own them. 

All Creatures Big and Small Book

In All Creatures Great and Small the author is just starting his life as a veterinarian and he quickly realizes that real life is very different from veterinarian school. 

The author shares his story in an entertaining and funny way. There were several points in the book that I couldn’t stop laughing. Animals have a mind of their own and you never know what will happen when you deal with them.

James Herriot makes you feel like you are right there treating the pig, cow, or dog right along with him. 

James Herriot Books

You will fall in love with the animals and their owners as James Herriot travels the countryside treating the animals under his care. 

Herriot’s books are great for teens and adults. They are for animal lovers, for anyone that loves a good memoir, or anyone who loves a book that makes you laugh.

James Herriot Books in Order

All Creatures Great and Small – Book 1

All Things Bright and Beautiful – Book 2

All Things Wise and Wonderful – Book 3

The Lord God Made Them All – Book 4

Every Living Thing – Book 5

Have you read any of James Herriot’s books? 

Seven Nonfiction Books About Animals

by Leave a Comment

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Animal Books

Animals have played a huge part in history. They often do amazing things and help in ways that can change people’s lives. Since we love nonfiction books and we love animals, we thought we would share a few of our favorite nonfiction books all about animals.

The Zookeepers Wife

I love World War II stories and animal stories, so this was a definite read for me. This is a true story with amazing people in it. This story connected with Irene’s Children which I also really enjoyed. There were many interacting events that were described in both stories which give you a good view of what it would have been like in Poland during the German occupation. If you enjoy WWII stories and animal stories like I do this is a must read!

Elephant Company

Elephant Company was one of my favorite books of 2015. It is half war book and half animal book. This is a look at a part of the world during WWII that very few people know about. We read a lot about Europe, Japan, and the Nazis, but this book takes us into the lives of those living in Burma during WWII. I had trouble putting this book down once I started reading it. It is an amazing story of animals and what they can do. If you love WWII books this is a must read! This books is graphic in a few parts so I would say it is for older teens and adults.

Rin Tin Tin

This book is a great way to learn a lot about the history of not only this dog, but other movie dogs like Lassie. It talks not only about the movie and TV show business, but about silent pictures and animals importance in them. This is a great read for animal lovers and those who enjoy learning about different parts of history and film.

All Creatures Great and Small 

Herriot’s tale, which he weaves in All Creatures Great and Small, is very entertaining. He shows that being a vet, especially in the 1930s, is not for everyone. He discusses his entrance into being a real vet and his interesting mentor. I love the stories that Herriot writes about.

Flash: The Homeless Donkey

This is such an adorable book. Flash, the odd donkey, creates a lot of laughs and frowns. He is quiet the character and helps the main character realize many things throughout the book.

The Eighty Dollar Champion

Snowman’s story allows a reader to understand more about show jumping in the 50s and 60s. This book is good because it is about a poorer immigrant who was able to purchase a cheap horse that eventually became a champion jumper. This story not only encourages people to strive for more, but it also shows how this horse changed horse jumping.

Thunder Dog

A True Story of a blind man and his guide dog. This book creates a good perspective on what people were experiencing on 9/11 and how it is to be blind and use a guide dog. This is a good book for teens and adults.

Do you have a favorite animal story? Leave a comment letting us know what books about animals you would recommend.