Do you have a grandchild or young niece or nephew who loves animals and reading? Then we think you’ll want to pick up one (or more) of these animal-friendly reads for little ones that have recently come across our desks:

Hobbes Goes Home by Tami Crupi-Zeman and Bruce Zeman Jr.

Richly illustrated by Shaunna Peterson, this inspiring book is based on the true story of Hobbes, a tiny dachshund who was the victim of domestic violence, and Bruce, the kind man who adopts him. As kids follow Hobbes on his journey from surviving abuse and being scared and confused when he’s dropped off at an animal shelter to becoming a treasured family member, they’ll come to understand the lasting pain of bullying, the importance of compassion, and the power of love to heal a broken heart.

Clover’s Great Escape by Sarah Creighton

Clover’s Great Escape is based on not just one true story but several. Clover is a cow on a dairy farm. She and hundreds of other cows live in cramped, filthy conditions and can only dream of nuzzling their beloved calves in lush green pastures. On the day that Clover finds herself being herded onto a transport truck, the metal doors slamming shut behind her, and taken to a slaughterhouse, she makes a decision that will change her life. Spoiler alert: Clover’s brave bid for freedom pays off and provides gentle food for thought about what—or rather who—is on our plates.

Orca’s Tale by Samantha B. Dupré

Following the release of Blackfish, attendance at SeaWorld has rightly tanked. The beautifully illustrated Orca’s Tale will give kids new insights into the plight of orcas who are stolen from their families, forced to live in tiny pools instead of the vast oceans where they belong, and made to perform tricks for a reward of dead fish in marine-mammal abusement parks. Although this book does not have a happy ending, it empowers children to help change the fate of orcas by helping them understand why they should stay away from SeaWorld and similar facilities.

An Elephant Called Butterfly by Marian Hailey-Moss and Lois Meredith / An Elephant Called Mira by Marian Hailey-Moss

Butterfly the elephant wants nothing more than a safe place to grow up. When she’s just 3 months old, her mother is killed by African ivory poachers, and she is rescued by a sanctuary that plans to raise her until she’s old enough to be released. But will Butterfly be able to escape her mother’s fate? This book for children ages 8 to 12 is told through the voices of Butterfly; Thabo, a young boy and an orphan himself who lives at the sanctuary; and Emma, an inquisitive girl in the Big Apple who develops a passion for pachyderms. Children will learn about the many ways that elephants are exploited in our modern world—from circuses and zoos to the illicit ivory trade—and be inspired, like Emma, to protect them. In An Elephant Called Mira, the second book in the series, Emma meets Butterfly’s mother. How? You’ll have to read the book to find out!

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Do you and your grandchildren have a favorite book about our animal neighbors? Share your recommendations in the comments.