Shelter Dogs in a Photo Booth

Title: Shelter Dogs in a Photo Booth

Author: Guinnevere Shuster [Facebook]

Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing

ISBN: 9781449477844

Obtained: Free from NetGalley

Why this book?:

Look at the cover! How could I pass it up?

Comments: 

Like many animal lovers I'm drawn to photograph books of our furry friends.  I'm also continuously on the lookout for heartwarming or inspiring dog books for my grandmother to read/peruse.  So I was quick to request this title.

The descriptions are mostly just like what you'd find on an online adoption site, but with the addition of a (generally) happy ending.  I'll be honest and admit I started skimming over those.

But the pictures are great.  Four shots of each dog, showing shelter dogs of several breeds and mixes in their most charming, fun, and entertaining poses.  Each featured dog has the opportunity to express their personalities up close in a way most could not.  Guinnevere managed to capture some of the looks I've seen but would never be able to catch on camera myself, as well as some completely new-to-me but still adorable dog expressions.

I enjoyed the book, I expect my grandmother will too (when the library gets it), and I hope the best for the shelter (The Humane Society of Utah) all these dogs came from at some point in their journey.

Shake

Title: Shake

Author: Carli Davidson [Website][Facebook][Twitter]

Publisher: Harper Design

ISBN: 9780062242648

Length: 142 + "A Note on Animal Adoption"

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

C'mon.  Look at the cover.  Adorable. (I saw it on Wowbrary.)

Comments:

This is adorable, and amusing, and fascinating all at once.  The distortions that take place (between the extra skin, ears, and bulging eyes) in these dogs when they shake is absolutely incredible.  And the detail.  Wow.  When you look at the pictures closely you can see individuals hairs, drool, etc. surrounding the dogs as they shake.  Each dog gets a two page spread.  But this video below will give you an idea of what to expect...

Trailer:

Beautiful Lego

Title: Beautiful Lego

Author: Mike Doyle [Blog]

Publisher: No Starch Press

ISBN: 9781593275082

Length: 263 pages

Why this book?:

I saw it on Wowbrary and thought my nephew would get a kick out of it.

Comments:

This is a photograph book of various Lego creations. Some are simply breathtaking in their details. Others are more simple. Some are amusing. Others inspire more serious emotions. Some are familiar scenes or characters, etc. Others are not.

Some pages I found especially appealing. For instance, there is a series done only in black and white or crumbling houses that really struck me. Another, called "Grandpa! You better not be using my loofah again!" Had me grinning in amusement. (My nephew pointed that one out, giggling, because he's naked and you see his butt).

Some Lego creations have close-up pictures along with the regular photographs to allow a better view of the details.

Both of my nephews enjoyed the book, as did I.  Overall, I am very glad I checked this out and took the time to look at it.

Audio Interview with Beyond the Brick:

Underwater Dogs

Title: Underwater Dogs

Author (Photographer): Seth Casteel

Publisher: Little, Brown, and Company

ISBN: 9780316227704

Pages: 130

Obtained: Library copy

This is a lovely photography book that offers a glimpse at dogs from a new angle. Dogs are shown from underwater, some with mouths wide open, some closed. Most with bulging eyes. Overall, the pictures are breathtaking. It was adorable and a book I wanted to share with others. And while all the dogs featured were great, I especially loved the OIde English Bulldogges and English Bulldogs.

You can find a video about Seth Casteel's underwater dogs photography here.  I haven't actually heard this video because the computer I'm currently on doesn't have working volume, but it looks interesting.

Read in 2012.