Author: Simon R. Saunders

1Beautiful Joe

By Marshall Saunders

Beautiful Joe is a real dog, and "Beautiful Joe" is his real name. He belonged during the first part of his life to a cruel master, who mutilated him in the manner described in the story. He was rescued from him, and is now living in a happy home with pleasant surroundings, and enjoys a wide local celebrity.<br></br>The character of Laura is drawn from life, and to the smallest detail is truthfully depicted. The Morris family has its counterparts in real life, and nearly all of the incidents of the story are founded on fact. (Summary by Marshall Saunders)

2"Boy" The Wandering Dog

By Marshall Saunders

Another 'dog's-eye view' book for children by this early activist for the American Humane Society. In this tale, we follow the travels and adventures of Boy, a loveable and loyal wire-haired fox-terrier in city and country. - Summary by Lynne Thompson

This is a 1913 travelogue by a then-well-known botanist who wrote many books about the American Southwest and California in particular. This popular book went into three printings. “…the main concern of the author has been to draw attention to an immensity of almost unexplored mountain, desert, canon and flowery plain,… This is the real California…. Like all genuine things, it has the compelling charm of the primitive and to the lover of the unartificial it appeals with freshness and power.” ( Author's Preface and david wales)

4Wild Bees, Wasps and Ants and Other Stinging Insects

By Edward Saunders

An overview of bees and stinging insects - Summary by Larry Wilson

5'Tilda Jane

By Marshall Saunders

When spunky 'Tilda Jane isn't allowed to keep her beloved dog with her at the orphanage, she decides to set out on her own in search of a home where the inseparable pair will be accepted. Throughout her weary travels she encounters many people, both rich and poor, kind and cantankerous -- but will she ever find family? Set in the Canadian wilderness and coast of Maine, <i>'Tilda Jane</i> is a story of true grit, forgiveness, and unlikely friendship. (Summary by Twinkle)

When the story of <i>'Tilda Jane</i> appeared serially in <i>The Youth's Companion</i> in 1901, the original manuscript was very much condensed. When the time for book publication arrived nearly all the omitted matter was restored. However, some incidents were still left out, and they have formed the beginning of a new story written to please the many boys and girls who have expressed a wish to know something more of the fortunes of the orphan and her dogs.<br><br>That the orphan's old friends will follow with interest, her often groping and stumbling, yet never-wearying steps along the path of uplift for human beings and dumb creatures, is the earnest hope of the author. (Marshall Saunders - from the Prefatory Note)

7Pussy Black-Face: The Story of a Kitten and Her Friends

By Marshall Saunders

"My name is Pussy Black-Face, and I am a naughty young kitten. I wish I were good like my mother. She is the best cat that I ever saw. I try to be like her, and sometimes I succeed, but most times I don't." From the start of this darling book about a kitten and her mis-adventures in the house and the more dangerous place outside. Follow her as she learns (mostly the hard way) about people, children, dogs and other cats. - Summary by phil chenevert

8Bonnie Prince Fetlar: The Story of a Pony and His Friends

By Marshall Saunders

Soon after his arrival to the lovely, cool summer escape of Devering Farm, Bonnie Prince Fetlar knows his new home will be a good one. Set in the mountainous Canadian countryside, the farm is a nurturing home for children and a safe-haven for animals both domestic and wild. But Prince Fetlar is a wise Shetland pony, and senses that the place is not without mysterious secrets. From saving the life of the beautiful "White Phantom" to solving the mystery regarding his boy owner's lost mother, there is never a dull moment for the small horse with a big heart. (Summary by book coordinator)<br><br>Additional proof-listening by <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/15713">Jessie Wang</a>

Dear little Princess Sukey sitting by the fire—pretty little pigeon—of what is she thinking as she dreamily eyes the blazing wood? If a pigeon could review its past life, what she has of bird mind would be running back over the series of adventures that she had ere she established herself in this well ordered household.<br> Has she any mentality of her own, or are all pigeons stupid as has been said? Listen to her story, and judge for yourself. (Excerpt from Chapter I)<br><br> Additional proof-listening by <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8677">KHand</a> and <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/16407">Oreki</a>.<br>

Aimed at "those who judge of a Science by its practical utility and think that one minute spent in applying it to the benefit of mankind is better employed than years of profitless speculation regarding its secret nature", this book gives Mesmeric cures for everything from bruises and fatigue to paralysis and cancer. - Summary by Jordan

11Beautiful Joe

By Marshall Saunders

In Margaret Marshall Saunders’s classic children’s novel, Beautiful Joe tells his story of abuse, neglect and of the eventual rescue of a mutilated mongrel dog. "While it was not the first book to tell a story from an animal's viewpoint – Black Beauty by Anna Sewell was already on its way to becoming classic literature by then – it was still an uncommon narrative device…[that] allowed the reader into Beautiful Joe's mind, and inarguably led the reader to feel more sympathy toward the narrator…” (Wikipaedia.com) This compelling children’s novel based on a true story propelled animal right into the spotlight for the first time—a legacy our pets of today enjoy! - Summary by valroth