This book list is dedicated to our hard working, adorable and friendly Inky of insideadog.com.au. He’s not just a 9 to 5 dog, he’s on the book hunt all day every day.
So here’s to Inky, the best friend a book lover can have.
The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness.
Possibly the most vocal in our best animal companions, Manchee is ever adventurous and always excitable dog companion to Todd Hewitt (our protagonist). For those of who haven’t yet gotten around to the KoNLG, be warned: Manchee induced tears are probable. He’s such a joyous character you will instantly fall in love with him.
Broken hearted and lonely after her father’s death Plain Kate agrees to give up her shadow to have her deepest wish realised. Her heart’s wish is to make the loneliness go away, so she is gifted with being able to understand her cat, Taggle. Taggle, in his own cat-like way, loves Plain Kate and knows that she’s in deep danger. He is the means by which she navigates as she journeys into the unknown.
Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier.
Rather an unusual journey companion is Gogu, a telepathic frog, to our protagonist Jena. Wildwood dancing is the retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses and The Frog Princess (with a little vampirism thrown in for fun!). As with anything Marillier touches it is steeped in history, lore and beautiful writing.
Eragon by Christopher Paolini.
It doesn’t get any better than a pet dragon. There’s the flying and the fire breathing, and the emotional connection between Eragon and Saphira, as you journey in this fantasy world of Dragon Riders.
Wolf Brother by Michelle Paver.
Is the story of a young boy named Torak who is forced to battle the evil that caused his father’s death. He soon stumbles upon an orphaned wolf cub, who becomes his solace, companion and guide as he journeys to the World Spirit to destroy the spirit responsible for his father’s death. Paver takes a highly spiritual approach to good and evil, and the connection between man and animal.
More:
Dragon Keeper Trilogy by Carole Wilkinson
The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling
Love it!
One of my favourite animal companion books is White Fang by Jack London.
Also, not *quite* animals, but the animal-esque daemons in Philip Pullman’s Dark Materials trilogy are amazing.
Dark Materials Trilogy!! I knew there was an important one I forgot.
Haven’t read White Fang. It is, however, now on my list!