Find time to relax from all the hustle and bustle of the holidays with our "Most Wanted Winter Reading List” as seen in Paw Prints Magazine holiday edition "Top Reads" column. Warm up those chilly days and nights with these eight amazing books that are bound to please.
The Dog's Table: 120+ Easy Real-Food Recipes for Happier, Healthier Pups―from Eggs Benedog to Seafood Pawella by Joelle Jay and R.A. Young, the pup parents to Cedric and Edith and the humans behind the popular dog foodie account, @thecedlife (1M followers). The Dog’s Table was developed from a combination of deep research into canine nutrition, a commitment to whole foods, and a love for home cooking. Joelle and R.A. consulted thousands of research papers and leading researchers in human and dog longevity to develop over 120 recipes, ranging from simple one-pot meals to elaborate holiday treats. BenBella Books, Inc., (distributed by Simon & Schuster) December 2025.
In his debut book, Sitting with Dogs: Stories of Rescue Dogs Going from Lost to Loved, Emmy-nominated TV host, entrepreneur, and animal advocate Rocky Kanaka shares the deeply moving stories of nine rescue dogs and their journeys from broken to beloved. The book starts with Rocky’s best friend Flip, whose unconditional love helped save Rocky’s life when he was having a stroke. It continues with other stories of resilience, healing and hope, each rooted in Rocky’s signature compassion. A champion storyteller and dog rescuer, Rocky has captured the hearts of millions of followers and celebrity supporters by spotlighting shelter dogs who have been abandoned, forgotten or abused, and helping them rehabilitate to find forever homes. DK Publishing; October 2025.
Get ready to paws and reflect on the timeless glamour of our four-legged friends in Vintage Tails! This award winning 78-page black and white coffee table book invites dog lovers and fashion enthusiasts alike to embark on a delightful journey where canines display style, grace, and a sprinkle of nostalgia. Each page is a tail-wagging tribute to the elegance and sophistication of yesteryears, showcasing America’s Top Dog Models as they flaunt their fabulous retro looks. With a wag of their tails, these glamorous pooches bring to life three captivating categories: Fashion, where they don the latest canine couture; Entertainment, where their playful antics steal the show; and Travel, where they explore the world with a flair that would make even the most seasoned globetrotter sit up and take notice. By Jo Jo Harder; TriMark Press, April 2025.
You know that moment when someone meets your rescue pup and immediately asks, “what kind of dog is that? Internationally recognized animal photographer Grace Chon has heard that question countless times—and now, she’s turned it into her latest heartwarming book What Kind of Dog Is That? Celebrating the delightful mystery of mixed-breed dogs with nearly 60 portraits— each image is paired with the pup’s real DNA breakdown. It’s a joyful and insightful look at the unique combinations that make our mutts so lovable. Grace's pet portraits have been featured by Good Morning America, The Today Show, and The New York Times. She brings a blend of warmth and visual storytelling to this new release perfect for dog lovers and rescue advocates alike. Countryman Press; September 2025.
A moving memoir of grief, healing, and the unbreakable bond between man and dog, set against the lush backdrop of rural Ireland. After the sudden loss of his father, film scholar and father of two boys, Dara Waldron finds unexpected solace in Ireland’s East Clare region. There, on an abandoned farm, he encounters a lone, enigmatic border collie—Oscar. What begins as an animal rescue gradually evolves into a profound companionship that helps Waldron navigate his grief. Oscar is no ordinary dog. A working sheepdog by nature, his instincts pull him to charge ahead—yet always return. As Waldron embarks on daily walks through misty woodlands and along rugged hillsides, their bond deepens. Each step through the Irish countryside becomes part of a ritual of recovery, trust, and understanding. A Sheepdog Named Oscar is more than a story of a man and his dog—it’s a meditation on place, memory, the call of the wild, and the quiet strength found in nature and companionship. By Dara Waldro; DoppelHouse Press; August 2025.
Meet Andy—the smallest pup in his litter—who captured hearts around the world in the original short, produced by Jean Schulz, president of Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates and a longtime Canine Companions board member. Now, thanks to a collaboration between The Collective Book Studio, Canine Companions, and the award-winning animation team, Andy’s story leaps off the screen and onto the page in a new format families can enjoy. Andy: A Dog’s Tale retells Andy’s story in a moving picture book that celebrates the spirit of service animals and the people they support. Andy’s journey reminds readers that even the smallest among us can become heroes—with enough heart. As Canine Companions celebrate their 50th anniversary this year, the release of Andy: A Dog’s Tale offers a powerful way to introduce families to the organization’s mission. Profits from the book will help fund the training and placement of service dogs that are provided free to children, adults, and veterans with disabilities. October 2025. Watch the original short film here.
A fascinating memoir about one woman, three dogs, and how twenty thousand years of evolution guaranteed we’d be best friends—a captivating story that celebrates how dogs and people are connected by so much more than just a leash. For the Love of Dog celebrates the epic love story between humans and dogs, through the lens of one human and her three dogs. A story that unfolds over tens of thousands of years as wild strands of wolf DNA—unravel, rearrange, and wind into new shapes: from mighty hunters with long, sharp faces and keen instincts to pudgy couch-surfers with rubber doggy booties to keep their paws dry in the rain. Heartwarming and hilarious stories about the author Maggie Marton's dogs—Emmett, Lucas, and Cooper—bring this coevolutionary relationship to life. Regalo Press, September 2025.
Twas the Night Before Cruisemas... Katie, an empty nester, is embracing her new life in a charming riverfront town, including a second chance at love with a swoon-worthy scientist and a new business venture as a ferry boat owner. As captain of the Christmas boat parade, she's looking forward to delivering Santa to the dock on her new boat. But when Santa takes an unexpected dip, she and her sea sisters must navigate the stormy seas of midlife in the best way they know how—with their favorite foods, a cocktail or two, and a dash of holiday magic. Brimming with laughter, the natural beauty of the Potomac Shores, and yummy holiday recipes, Santa Overboard is a quick read that delivers a second chance at a forever love. By Carolyn McBride. Make Waves Press.
Let this list help you curate your own literary season. Best wishes for a wonderful winter filled with beautiful words, memorable characters, and the quiet joy of losing yourself in a good book.