**“Perfect for animal lovers . . . filled with raw emotion and love for a diverse collection of animals who unconditionally love us back.” — Booklist

“Sure to warm the cockles of any pet owner’s heart.” — Kirkus Reviews**

A celebration of creatures—and one of the last books edited by beloved children’s poet Lee Bennett Hopkins.

In this adorable, often amusing collection, Rebecca Kai Dotlich, Lois Lowry, and twelve other poets give thanks for those who bark, purr, chitter, and slither. The poems feature fourteen different animal companions, including a cat snoozing in her bed, a goldfish dancing in her bowl, and a gerbil nestling in an overall pocket. Illustrated in warm, tender detail by Lita Judge, Bless Our Pets captures the charms—and antics—of pets and the people who love them.

From puppies to mice to turtles to ponies, this endearing anthology expresses children’s gratitude for creatures big and small. Bless Our Pets is the perfect tribute to the friends who bring so much joy into our everyday lives.

Poems by…

• Ann Whitford Paul

• Rebecca Kai Dotlich

• Linda Trott Dickman

• Eric Ode

• Ralph Fletcher

• Sarah Grace Tuttle

• Kristine O’Connell George

• Darren Sardelli

• B.J. Lee

• Charles Ghigna

• Lois Lowry

• Prince Redcloud

• Joan Bransfield Graham

• Lee Bennett Hopkins