A trainer shares true stories of famous lion, orangutan, and other animal actors that "will hold readers enthralled" ( School Library Journal).They are major stars who do not speak a word onscreen, yet are world famous for their compelling performances. Who are they? The animal stars of the big screen, of course! In The Beauty of the Beasts, Ralph Helfer shares with the reader his love of animals and his work with some of Hollywood's biggest stars:...

By the author of Modoc: A famed trainer's "wonderful" memoir of his bond with a lion—and his quest to change how animals were treated in Hollywood ( People).When Ralph Helfer, author of Modoc and one of Hollywood's top animal behaviorists, first began working, he was shocked by the cruelty that was accepted practice in the field. He firmly believed in "affection training"—that love, not fear, should be the basis of any ani...

"Once I started this incomparable story, I couldn't put it down, and I cannot get it out of my mind—nor will I ever. The message of what can be accomplished by training through affection and joy will thrill all animal lovers." —Betty WhiteA captivating true story of loyalty, friendship, and high adventure that spans several decades and three continents, Modoc is an unforgettable piece of historical narrative and one of the most remarkable true stor...

From the creators of The World's Greatest Elephant comes the real-life story of the MGM Studios Lion.Perhaps the most recognizable Hollywood animal--outside of Lassie--is "Leo the Lion," MGM Studios' famous mascot. For decades his image introduced hundreds of motion pictures, and Zamba the lion acted in dozens more. But he wasn't always a Hollywood star, and he certainly proved to be much more.This real-life story of Zamba, told by world-renowned animal behaviorist...

""Once I started this incomparable story, I couldn't put it down, and I cannot get it out of my mind—nor will I ever. The message of what can be accomplished by training through affection and joy will thrill all animal lovers."" —Betty WhiteA captivating true story of loyalty, friendship, and high adventure that spans several decades and three continents, Modoc is one of the most remarkable true stories ever told, perfect for fans of The Zookee...

It’s unbelievable but true! Born on the same day in the same small, German circus town, young Bram and his elephant, Modoc, had a lifelong friendship that spanned over eight decades. But it was never easy. From the breakup of the circus to the shipwreck in the Indian Ocean that nearly cost them their lives, the bond between the boy and the elephant survived the most unimaginable trials. This true story of their adventures together, and eventual rise to circus stardom in the Ringling Brothe...

Once in nine lives, something extraordinary happens.The last thing Gwen Cooper wanted was another cat. She already had two, not to mention a phenomenally underpaying job and a recently broken heart. Then Gwen’s veterinarian called with a story about a three-week-old eyeless kitten who’d been abandoned. It was love at first sight.Everyone warned that Homer would always be an “underachiever.” But the kitten nobody believed in quickly grew into a thre...

The moving story of the author's adopted Rottweiler mix, Lou, a free-thinking heroic dog who changed his life forever."Lou's story is an emotional and deeply delt tribute to the powerful bond between dogs and humans. Last Dog on the Hill will make you long for that one special superdog that can truly change your life. We should all be so lucky to have a dog like Lou in our world." —Garth Stein, author of...

Gordon Thorburn has worked as a copywriter, journalist, scriptwriter, editor and author. Books include Bombers, First and Last, Animal Spy, and the bestselling Men and Sheds. He lives in Norfolk.

In the bestselling tradition of Rescuing Sprite comes the story of a puppy brought back from the brink of death, and the family he adopted.In 2002, Larry Levin and his twin sons, Dan and Noah, took their terminally ill cat to the Ardmore Animal Hospital outside Philadelphia to have the beloved pet put to sleep. What would begin as a terrible day suddenly got brighter as the ugliest dog they had ever seen--one who was missing an ear and had half his face co...

A heartwarming dog story like no other: Tuesday, a lovable golden retriever, changes a former soldier’s life forever.A highly decorated captain in the U.S. Army, Luis Montalván never backed down from a challenge during his two tours of duty in Iraq. After returning home from combat, however, his physical wounds and crippling post-traumatic stress disorder began to take their toll. He wondered if he would ever recover.Then Luis met Tuesday, a sensitive golde...

Sunday Times bestselling author and foster carer Casey Watson’s first heartbreaking memoir.Justin was five years old; his brothers two and three. Their mother, a heroin addict, had left them alone again. Later that day, after trying to burn down the family home, Justin was taken into care.Justin was taken into care at the age of five after deliberately burning down his family home. Six years on, after 20 failed placements, Justin arrives at Casey’s home. Casey and her husba...