Favorite? didn't Herriot like the stories in his earlier James Herriot's Dog Stories (1986)? Regardless, the 400,000-copy first printing is something to bark about. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Readers and viewers of the series All Creatures Great and Small will find old friends in this captivating collection of nine reprinted canine stories. Tricki Woo, the pampered Pekinese, appears in three of them with his mistress, Mrs. Pumphrey. "Rags to Riches" features an amateur vet who nurses a starving, abused dog back to health. We meet Brandy, who noses in trash cans; a sheepdog, Jock, who races Herriot's car on the road; Jake, Gyp, Herman‘all these dogs provide material for lively, heartwarming stories. And Holmes's illustrations are endearing. 850,000 first printing; Literary Guild, Doubleday Book Club and Crossings Book Club alternates. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

In this sequel to his 1994 Favorite Cat Stories, the estwhile veterinarian spins more loving yarns of the animal world; this time, though, the heartwarming tales are about dogs, and dog lovers will certainly be satisfied. The nine stories that make up this slim volume range from moving and poignant (old dogs, dying dogs, dying dog owners) to clever and silly (fat, spoiled, pompous little dogs, absurdly doting owners) to fond reminiscences of Herriot's own pets. Herriot, who died in 1995, was the author of several books both for adults and for children and is popular for the love, warmth, and humor expressed in his work and the keen insights inherent in his writing, derived from years of veterinary work. This posthumous piece is no exception; fans of Herriot's previous works and animal lovers everywhere will enjoy this collection. --Kathleen Hughes

Gr 9 Up‘James Herriot's Favorite Dog Stories is read very convincingly by Christopher Timothy, who starred as James Herriot is the BBC television series, All Creatures Great and Small. His British accent is precise and easy to understand. The stories are delightful and often reveal much more about the dog's owner than the dog itself. Since these short stories are presented in unabridged form, they lend themselves to use by reluctant readers as an interesting enticement into the literary world. There are many natural breaks. Those who enjoy Herriot's animal tales will enjoy this tape immensely.‘Pat Griffith, Schlow Library, State College, PA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.