Books like 'The Return'
Readers who enjoyed The Return by Dayna Lorentz also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary action / adventure animals dogs anthropomorphism xenofiction
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Fire and Ice by Erin Hunter
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 49 ratingsFireheart could hear a roaring around him, like wind in tall trees. The acrid stench of the Thunderpath stung his nostrils, together with a new smell, sharper and more terrifying. Fire! Book Two of WARRIORS continues Fireheart's quest to be a true warrior, when he finds new danger lurking in the woods as the chill of winter sets in... -
Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsAn affectionate storybook tribute to that truly wonderful place: the library.Miss Merriweather, the head librarian, is very particular about rules in the library. No running allowed. And you must be quiet. But when a lion comes to the library one day, no one is sure what to do. There aren't any rules about lions in the library...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism xenofiction 21st-century action-adventure book cats children -
Pegasus and the Origins of Olympus by Kate O'Hearn
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsA deadly plague is causing the Olympians to fade one by one.As Emily watches Pegasus slip away she is determined to save him and embarks on a quest that takes her back in time to the deadly war between the Olympians and the Titans.In the race to save Pegasus, will Olympus find its true Hero? it's time for the original battle to be fought once again..Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism xenofiction action-adventure book children children-books contemporary -
Stella by McCall Hoyle
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsSTELLA has been nominated for 14 state awards in FL, ME, NE, NM, OK, PA, KY, KS, LA, AL, MA, SC & TX!"This empathetic read is also full of important themes and lessons for young readers bravery, how to overcome fears, and that mistakes don't have to define us...Categorized as:
animals dogs anthropomorphism xenofiction middle-grade fiction realistic children-books -
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Harley by Dale Mayer
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsReturning to the town he was raised in was hard, except that Harley can once more see the only golden light of those days. He’d walked away from her because she’d been too young, and he would never be good enough. Harley was back to check on the War Dog Bowser, but Harley can’t help but feel like he never really left... -
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 45 ratingsA hungry little mouse appears on the doorstep. What can you do but give him a cookie? But then he will ask for a glass of milk, and when he’s finished it he’ll have to look in a mirror to make sure he doesn’t have a milky face. Of course, he’ll then want a pair of scissors to trim his hair...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism xenofiction 20th-century action-adventure book children children-books -
Corduroy by Don Freeman
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 45 ratingsHave you ever dreamed of being locked in a department store at night? The endearing story of Corduroy paints a picture of the adventures that might unfold (for a teddy bear at least) in such a situation. When all the shoppers have gone home for the night, Corduroy climbs down from the shelf to look for his missing button...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism xenofiction 20th-century action-adventure audiobook book children -
Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 61 ratingsFarmer Brown has a problem.His cows like to type.All day long he hearsClick, clack, MOO.Click, clack, MOO.Clickety, clack, MOO.But Farmer Brown's problems REALLY begin when his cows start leaving him notes....Doreen Cronin's understated text and Betsy Lewin's expressive illustrations make the most of this hilarious situation...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism xenofiction action-adventure audiobook book children children-books -
Frog and Toad Together by Arnold Lobel
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsFrog and Toad are best friends—they do everything together. When Toad admires the flowers in Frog's garden, Frog gives him seeds to grow a garden of his own. When Toad bakes cookies, Frog helps him eat them. And when both Frog and Toad are scared, they are brave together...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism xenofiction action-adventure audiobook book children children-books -
Frog and Toad Are Friends/Book and Toys by Arnold Lobel
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 65 ratingsOne summer day Toad was un- happy. He had lost the white, four- holed, big, round, thick button from his jacket. Who helped him look for it? His best friend, Frog. Another day, Frog was unhappy. He was sick in bed and looking green. Who gave him some tea and told him a story? His best friend, Toad...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism xenofiction action-adventure audiobook book children children-books -
The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear by Audrey Wood, Don Wood
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 41 ratingsLittle Mouse worries that the big hungry bear will take his freshly picked, ripe, red strawberry for himself and finds a very good way to keep it safe...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism xenofiction action-adventure book children children-books classics -
Thea Stilton and the Legend of the Fire Flowers by Thea Stilton
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsJoin Thea Stilton and the Thea Sisters in this adventure packed with mystery and friendship!The Thea Sisters are in Hawaii to compete in an international hula festival. The mouselets are having a great time -- until they learn that the festival is located on the side of a volcano that is about to erupt! No one else seems know about the danger...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism action-adventure book children children-books contemporary fiction -
Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 42 ratingsARE YOU MY MOTHER? tells a very simple story for children who have just started to read. their younger brothers or sisters will also want to follow the baby bird's quest as he asks everyone and everything he meets, "Are You My Mother?".Back in 1957, Theodor Geisel responded to an article in Life magazine that lamented the use of boring reading primers in schools. Using the pseudonym of "Dr...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism dogs xenofiction 20th-century action-adventure book children -
Scaredy Squirrel by Mélanie Watt
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsScaredy Squirrel never leaves his nut tree. It's way too dangerous out there. He could encounter tarantulas, green Martians or killer bees. But in his tree, every day is the same and if danger comes along, he's well-prepared. Scaredy Squirrel's emergency kit includes antibacterial soap, Band-Aids and a parachute.Day after day he watches and waits, and waits and watches, until one day ..Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism xenofiction action-adventure audiobook book children children-books -
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Stellaluna by Janell Cannon
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 42 ratingsStellaluna is the tender story of a lost young bat who finally finds her way safely home to her mother and friends. This award-winning book by Janell Cannon has sold over 500,000 copies and was on the bestseller list for more than two years...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism xenofiction action-adventure audiobook book children children-books -
The Eyes and the Impossible: by Dave Eggers
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThe illustrated story of a dog who unwittingly becomes a hero to a park full of animals.Johannes, a free dog, lives in an urban park by the sea. His job is to be the Eyes—to see everything that happens within the park and report back to the park’s elders, three ancient Bison...Categorized as:
animals dogs anthropomorphism xenofiction middle-grade fiction fantasy action-adventure -
Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathmann
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsOfficer Buckle knows more about safety than anyone else in Napville, but his dull presentations put his audiences to sleep. Enter Gloria, Napville's new police dog. Gloria knows just how to liven up the safety speeches--as long as Officer Buckle's back is turned! Full color...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism dogs xenofiction action-adventure book children children-books -
Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsHere is the book that launched a thousand chimichangoes - the first in the best-selling series about the rambunctious Skippyjon Jones, the Siamese kitty boy with the overactive imagination. He would rather be El Skippito, the great sword fighter, who can do anything. Like saving a roving band of Mexican Chihuahuas from a humongous bumblebeeto that is tormenting them... -
Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsOne by one, a whole host of different animals and birds find their way out of the cold and into Bear's cave to warm up...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism xenofiction action-adventure book children children-books classics -
Honor 'N' Duty by Tee O'Fallon
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsTwo years after his brother’s murder in jail, Department of Homeland Security K-9 Officer Kade Sampson is still haunted by guilt. No man should ever have to arrest his own brother, even if he is laundering money for a drug cartel. Fortunately, Laia Velez—his brother’s gorgeous widow—never learned the truth about Kade’s involvement... -
Yukon Justice by Dana Mentink
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSabotage on a family ranch…this K-9’s on the case.When her estranged uncle attempts to sabotage her family’s reindeer ranch, K-9 team assistant Katie Kapowski heads home to help save it—and becomes his target. With their rocky past, Alaska State Trooper Brayden Ford and his furry partner are the last team Katie wants assigned to protect her... -
Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 38 ratingsGerald the giraffe longs to dance, but his legs are too skinny and his neck is too long. At the Jungle Dance, the warthogs waltz, the chimps cha-cha, and the lions tango. "Giraffes can't dance," they all jeer when it's Gerald's turn to prance. But with some sound advice from a wise cricket, Gerald starts swaying to his own sweet tune...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism xenofiction action-adventure audiobook book bullying children -
If You Give a Moose a Muffin by Laura Joffe Numeroff, Felicia Bond
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 34 ratingsMoose makes his debut in this picture book in the beloved #1 New York Times bestselling If You Give... series! This oversize (15- x 17-inch) big book edition is the perfect size for sharing in a classroom.If a big hungry moose comes to visit, you might give him a muffin to make him feel at home. If you give him a muffin, he'll want some jam to go with it...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism xenofiction action-adventure book children children-books classics -
Diary of a Spider by Doreen Cronin, Harry Bliss
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsThis is the diary... of a spider. But don't be worried – he's more scared of you and your gigantic shoe! Actually, he's a lot like you. He goes to gym class and has Grandparents' Day at school. But he also spins sticky webs, scales walls, and takes wind–catching lessons...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism xenofiction action-adventure book children children-books contemporary -
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Voss by Jessica Gadziala
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsGuilt was a foreign emotion to Voss.Until the night his gut told him he needed to help a woman walking alone at night, but he didn’t.Only to come back and find that the worst had come to pass.Determined to make it up to her, he takes her in, helps her heal, protects her, and vows to make it right.He never expected to start to have feelings for her... -
Magnus by Dale Mayer
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsDeep in the permafrost of the Arctic, a joint task force, comprised of over one dozen countries, comes together to level up their winter skills. A mix of personalities, nationalities, and egos bring out the best—and the worst—as these globally elite men and women work and play together... -
Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee by Chris Van Dusen
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWith enough lunch for three, Mr. Magee and his dog Dee head out to the sea. But what begins as a fun day in the sun turns a bit bumpy when onel playful whale decides to say hello. Soon the crew that once was floating finds themselves flying! How will they get down? Who will come to their rescue? And when will they ever get to eat lunch? Down to the Sea with Mr... -
A Dog’s Life by Ann M. Martin
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsMy name is Squirrel. I was born in a wheelbarrow.There were five of us puppies in the beginning, but only my brother and I survived. So we set off on our own to see the world.Life as a stray has been hard - but filled with adventure!I've been adopted and I've been abandoned. I lost my brother, but found new friends. I've been in scrapes, but I always survived.This is the story of my life...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism dogs action-adventure audiobook book children children-books -
Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? by Bill Martin Jr., Eric Carle
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 33 ratingsKorean edition of a delightful picture book POLAR BEAR, POLAR BEAR, WHAT DO YOU HEAR? (Brown Bear and Friends) by Bill Martin Jr. and illustrated by award-winning author/illustrator Eric Carle, translated by Lee Hi Jae...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism xenofiction action-adventure book children children-books classics -
The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegate
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsBob sets out on a dangerous journey in search of his long-lost sister with the help of his two best friends, Ivan and Ruby. As a hurricane approaches and time is running out, Bob finds courage he never knew he had and learns the true meaning of friendship and family...Categorized as:
animals dogs anthropomorphism xenofiction middle-grade fiction fantasy children-books -
Jennie by Paul Gallico
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThis is the story of a young boy called Peter, who is knocked down by a car. To his considerable astonishment, when he recovers, he is not a young boy, but a cat! Fortunately, he meets Jennie, a cat who had been abandoned by her family when they moved away, who educates him in the wiles of the feline world...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism xenofiction action-adventure book cats children children-books -
A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee: by Chris Van Dusen
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsMr. Magee and his trusty dog, Dee, are enjoying a peaceful camping trip when all of a sudden they find themselves plunging down a mountain and teetering on the edge of a huge waterfall! How will they find their way out of this slippery situation? Chris Van Dusen, the creator of Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee, has filled this new adventure with charming illustrations and a playful, rhyming text... -
SEAL's Christmas Dream by J.M. Madden
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsPreviously published in the Dog Tags for Christmas anthology. Be sure to read to the end for a Max and Lacey short story!!! Love is never easy, but nothing worth fighting for ever is… Former Navy SEAL K9 handler Joe Flynn is finally getting a grip on the PTSD flashbacks of his lost Military War Dog. The new dog that has adopted him, Maya, is filling that aching hole in his heart nicely... -
The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford, Carl Burger
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsInstinct told them that the way home lay to the west. And so the doughty young Labrador retriever, the roguish bull terrier and the indomitable Siamese set out through the Canadian wilderness. Separately, they would soon have died. But, together, the three house pets faced starvation, exposure, and wild forest animals to make their way home to the family they love...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism dogs xenofiction 20th-century action-adventure audiobook book -
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Olivia by Ian Falconer
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsOlivia is a gorgeous little pig who likes to dress up, sing songs, dance, think, snooze and is even quite good at building sandcastles. At the end of the day, when she snuggles up in bed and her mother reads her a story (or three), Olivia feels very full of love. Ages 3+...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism xenofiction action-adventure audiobook book children children-books -
The Beagle and the Hare by Kevin Moccia
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSullivan County has a beyond thriving rabbit population. The Hobbs family farm, White House purveyor since 1897, is patrolled by fifteen and seven eights inch beagle, the seventh generation of its line... -
Tracking Justice by Shirlee McCoy
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIn the night, a young boy goes missing from his bedroom. Police detective Austin Black assures desperate single mother Eva Billows that he'll find her son. He has to, so he can put to rest his own harrowing memories. With his search-and-rescue bloodhound, Justice, Austin searches every inch of Sagebrush, Texas. And when Eva insists on helping, Austin can't turn her away... -
Run Away Home by Terri Farley
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSamantha can't wait for the holiday break from school. But there's no time to Brynna's baby is due any day; the local authorities are gathering more mustangs from the range; and her best friend Jen's ranch is in upheaval–its owner, Linc Slocum, has just been arrested, and no one is sure what will happen to Jen and her family...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism horses young-adult children-books middle-grade realistic contemporary -
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsSTORIES TO GO!Sylvester the donkey finds a magic pebble and unthinkingly wishes himself turned into a rock when he's frightened by a lion. How Sylvester is eventually reunited with his loving parents is a tender, magical tale of the transforming power of love. This Caldecott Medal-winning book is a modern classic beloved by children everywhere...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism xenofiction action-adventure book children children-books classics -
A Dog's Way Home by Bobbie Pyron
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsDaddy says, "Most folks got a north star in their life—something that gives their life extra meaning. Mine is music."Without even thinking, I say, "Mine is Tam."Abby knows that Tam, her Shetland sheepdog, is her north star, and she's pretty certain she's his, too...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism dogs action-adventure audiobook book children children-books -
Dear Mrs. LaRue: Letters from Obedience School by Mark Teague
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsA dog laments his fate at obedience school through a series of hilarious letters home.When Ike LaRue is "imprisoned" at the Igor Brotweiler Canine Academy, he tries everything to get sent home -- from weepy letters to his owner to illness. In reality, Brotweiler is more like camp than prison, but still, Ike's not cut out for life without Mrs. LaRue...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism dogs xenofiction action-adventure book children children-books -
Library Mouse by Daniel Kirk
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsA shy mouse who lives in the library decides to write and illustrate his own tales. When he's done, he put his books on the shelves. But when the children read the stories, they all wanted to meet the author..Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism xenofiction action-adventure audiobook book children children-books -
A Wolf Called Wander by Rosanne Parry
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsSwift, a young wolf cub, lives with his pack in the mountains learning to hunt, competing with his brothers and sisters for hierarchy, and watching over a new litter of cubs. Then a rival pack attacks, and Swift and his family scatter.Alone and scared, Swift must flee and find a new home. His journey takes him a remarkable one thousand miles across the Pacific Northwest...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism dogs action-adventure audiobook book children children-books -
City Dog, Country Frog by Mo Willems
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsIn spring, when City Dog runs free in the country for the first time, he spots Country Frog sitting on a rock, waiting for a friend. “You’ll do,” Frog says, and together they play Country Frog games. In summer, they meet again and play City Dog games. Through the seasons, whenever City Dog visits the country he runs straight for Country Frog’s rock...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism dogs xenofiction action-adventure book children children-books -
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Born to Run by Michael Morpurgo
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsThe bag wasn't just drifting gently along, it was turning of it's own accord. There was something inside it, squeaking and squealing in terror. Patrick didn't think about it. He shrugged off his school bag and leaped into the canal.For Best Mate, being rescued from drowning as a young puppy is only the start of his adventures...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism dogs action-adventure audiobook book children children-books -
A Dog's Way Home by W. Bruce Cameron
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsFrom W. Bruce Cameron, the author of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling novel A Dog's Purpose, which is now a major motion picture!Lucas Ray is shocked when an adorable puppy jumps out of an abandoned building and into his arms. Though the apartment he shares with his mother, a disabled veteran, doesn't allow dogs, Lucas can't resist taking Bella home...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism dogs action-adventure audiobook book children-books contemporary -
Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 41 ratingsThe irrepressible mouse heroine of Chester's Way and Julius, the Baby of the World returns for another true-to-life and very funny episode. Lilly loves everything about school, especially her teacher, Mr. Slinger--until he takes away her musical purse because she can't stop playing with it in class. Lilly decides to get revenge with a nasty drawing of "Big Fat Mean Mr...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism xenofiction action-adventure audiobook book children children-books -
Chester's Way by Kevin Henkes
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 30 ratings“I like croquet and peanut butter and making my bed.”There is only one way for Chester to do things—his own way. “You definitely have a mind of your own,” said Chester’s mother. “That’s one way to put it,” said Chester’s father.Luckily Chester’s best friend, Wilson, likes doing things just the same way as Chester. When they cut their sandwiches, it's always diagonally...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism xenofiction action-adventure audiobook book bullying children -
Wolf: The Journey Home by Asta Bowen
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIn this fictionalized account of real events, a female wolf named Marta, along with her young family, sets out on an epic journey to return to their home hunting grounds in Montana after they are mistakenly relocated by a group of naturalists...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism dogs xenofiction action-adventure book children-books contemporary -
The Pack by Dayna Lorentz
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsShep the German shepherd doesn't know why his family has left him alone, nor does he understand the terrible, shrieking storm that has torn apart his city. He just knows that the new dogs he's met are his best chance at survival -- especially now that they've made enemies of the wild dogs in the city...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism dogs xenofiction action-adventure book children children-books
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