Fans pick 100 books like Our Animal Neighbors

By Matthieu Ricard, Jason Gruhl, Becca Hall (illustrator)

Here are 100 books that Our Animal Neighbors fans have personally recommended if you like Our Animal Neighbors. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Book cover of A Wild Child's Guide to Endangered Animals

Michael Buckley Author Of The Snow Leopard's New Friend

From my list on explain rare & endangered species to kids.

Why am I passionate about this?

My passion for hunting Tibetan wildlife (with a camera) started with tracking the near-mythical Takin in Bhutan for BBC Wildlife Magazine. The Takin is a beast about the size of a moose and surprisingly agile on steep mountain slopes. Where wild animals live, there is always lots of beautiful wild scenery! But Wilderness is in very short supply on the planet these days. So, my passion branched into speaking up for these wild animals and for preserving their precious habitats. In various books, such as my guidebook to Tibet (Bradt Travel Guides), I profile the incredible animals of Tibet. But the biggest inspiration is the readers themselves. 

Michael's book list on explain rare & endangered species to kids

Michael Buckley Why did Michael love this book?

Author/illustrator Millie Marrota presents a veritable Noah’s Ark of 43 endangered species from around the globe—taking a trip through freshwaters, oceans, forests, mountains, tundras, deserts, grasslands and wetlands. Complete with a map detailing where each species can still be found, why they are endangered, and what to do about it.

Vivid illustrations of caribous, axolotls, agami herons, and many more—all brought to life by Millie, who works from her studio by the sea in a little corner of West Wales, UK. Millie's intention is simply to create beautiful artwork that captivates, charms, and inspires curiosity in others for the natural world.

By Millie Marotta,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked A Wild Child's Guide to Endangered Animals as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

What do the ingenious sea otter, the incredible shrinking reindeer, the tree-dwelling baby dragon or the Dodo's long-lost cousin have in common?

They are all at risk of disappearing from our world forever. This book is all about the amazing creatures that are now endangered around the globe, from oceans and forests to mountains and snow. Filled with beautiful beasts, glorious illustrations, facts and tales, it will make you fall in love with the animal kingdom - and maybe even try to save it.


Book cover of Green Humour for a Greying Planet

Michael Buckley Author Of The Snow Leopard's New Friend

From my list on explain rare & endangered species to kids.

Why am I passionate about this?

My passion for hunting Tibetan wildlife (with a camera) started with tracking the near-mythical Takin in Bhutan for BBC Wildlife Magazine. The Takin is a beast about the size of a moose and surprisingly agile on steep mountain slopes. Where wild animals live, there is always lots of beautiful wild scenery! But Wilderness is in very short supply on the planet these days. So, my passion branched into speaking up for these wild animals and for preserving their precious habitats. In various books, such as my guidebook to Tibet (Bradt Travel Guides), I profile the incredible animals of Tibet. But the biggest inspiration is the readers themselves. 

Michael's book list on explain rare & endangered species to kids

Michael Buckley Why did Michael love this book?

This hugely ambitious book by Indian cartoonist Rohan Chakravarty takes on the whole world, targeting audiences of all ages, from 8 to 88. It is composed of gag cartoons and comic strips based exclusively on wildlife and nature. A staunch advocate for Mother Earth, Rohan goes for the jugular on environmental injustice—on land, in the air, under the sea.

His witty caricatures target serious issues like climate chaos and the man-animal war zone. Rohan creates both concept and illustration, delving into the many reasons why the planet is in deep trouble. Human-caused trouble. This book is one-of-a-kind, meaning there is no other book to compare it to. Superlative!

By Rohan Chakravarty,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Green Humour for a Greying Planet as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

ohan ... isgifted with the ability to convey hard truths about science and people with a skill that is rare and unique. [Thisbook is] a must read. -Dia Mirza, Actor and Producer, United NationsSDGS Advocate, Wildlife Trust of India Ambassador Rohan findsways to portray the most stark environmental injustices ... I am yet to come across a more talented and effective advocate for Mother Earth and her voiceless children. -Faye D'Souza, Journalist and Entrepreneur Green Humour For A Greying Planet is a curation of gag cartoons and comic strips based exclusively on wildlife and nature, perhaps the first of its…


Book cover of Don't Let Them Disappear: 12 Endangered Species Across the Globe

Michael Buckley Author Of The Snow Leopard's New Friend

From my list on explain rare & endangered species to kids.

Why am I passionate about this?

My passion for hunting Tibetan wildlife (with a camera) started with tracking the near-mythical Takin in Bhutan for BBC Wildlife Magazine. The Takin is a beast about the size of a moose and surprisingly agile on steep mountain slopes. Where wild animals live, there is always lots of beautiful wild scenery! But Wilderness is in very short supply on the planet these days. So, my passion branched into speaking up for these wild animals and for preserving their precious habitats. In various books, such as my guidebook to Tibet (Bradt Travel Guides), I profile the incredible animals of Tibet. But the biggest inspiration is the readers themselves. 

Michael's book list on explain rare & endangered species to kids

Michael Buckley Why did Michael love this book?

Might as well start them young: this work by Chelsea Clinton cites reading ages of 4 to 8 years old. Chelsea Clinton? Rings a few bells? Yes, she is the only daughter of former President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary. Targeting such a young reading age, the book relies heavily on superb illustration by Gianna Marino, who brings a dozen animals to life with engaging artwork. Extinction means gone forever. Can you imagine a world without tigers or rhinos?

Humankind is driving these two species to the brink of extinction. In the book, the reasons for this are covered by the phrase: ‘poaching and habitat loss’—without going into detail that ‘poaching’ mainly means hawking tiger-bone and rhino-horn concoctions as bogus cures in Traditional Chinese Medicine. But there is only so much bad news that a five-year-old can take.

By Chelsea Clinton, Gianna Marino (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Don't Let Them Disappear as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Did you know that blue whales are the largest animals in the world? Or that sea otters wash their paws after every meal? The world is filled with millions of animal species, and all of them are unique and special. Many are on the path to extinction.

In this book, Chelsea Clinton introduces young readers to a selection of endangered animals, sharing what makes them special, and also what threatens them. Taking readers through the course of a day, Don't Let Them Disappear talks about rhinos, tigers, whales, pandas and more, and provides helpful tips on what we all can…


Book cover of The Empathy Effect: Seven Neuroscience-Based Keys for Transforming the Way We Live, Love, Work, and Connect Across Differences

Richard E. Boyatzis Author Of Helping People Change: Coaching with Compassion for Lifelong Learning and Growth

From my list on building leadership skills through models.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a professor and scientist, using my Intentional Change Theory (ICT), I have studied sustained desired change of individuals, teams, organizations, communities, and countries since 1967. I have authored more than 200 articles and 9 books on leadership, competencies, emotional intelligence, competency development, coaching, neuroscience, and management education (including the international best-seller, Primal Leadership with Daniel Goleman and Annie McKee and the recent Helping People Change with Melvin Smith and Ellen Van Oosten). I run several Coursera MOOCs, including Inspiring Leadership Through Emotional Intelligence which has over a million enrolled from 215 countries.

Richard's book list on building leadership skills through models

Richard E. Boyatzis Why did Richard love this book?

Of all of the competencies that repeatedly predict effective leadership and creating and maintaining of key relationships, is empathy. At the heart of any relationship and perhaps the only antidote to rampant narcissism in our society is empathy. As a prominent psychiatrist and scholar, Helen chronicles decades of research and explains the neural mechanisms that enable us to relate to others, build better relationships ad even inspire others. Her personal stories and those of patients and colleagues make the research come alive with compassion and meaning.

By Liz Neporent, Helen Riess,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Empathy Effect as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"We are all connected on a neurobiological level far more than we have previously realized. Consciously or not, we are in constant, natural resonance with one another's feelings. When we are engaged in shared mind awareness, the possibilities for mutual aid and collaborative problem solving abound."
-Helen Riess, MD

A Revolutionary Guide for Understanding and Changing the Way We Connect

Empathy is undergoing a new evolution. In a global and interconnected culture, we can no longer afford to identify only with people who seem to be a part of our "tribe." As Dr. Helen Riess has learned, our capacity for…


Book cover of Chinese Sympathies: Media, Missionaries, and World Literature from Marco Polo to Goethe

Peter Uwe Hohendahl Author Of Perilous Futures: On Carl Schmitt's Late Writings

From my list on German thought.

Why am I passionate about this?

Spending my childhood in Nazi Germany, the nature and the horrific consequences of Nazi ideology have occupied me as a student of German history and later as a teacher of intellectual and literary history. In 1933 Car Schmitt opted to support the Nazis. While he was banned from the public sohere in post-war Germany, his ideas remained influential on the far right and the far left, fortunately without significantly impacting the democratic reconstruction of West Germany. It was the growing international visibility of Schmitt’s writings that became my personal concern after 2000. In particular, Schmitt’s increasing influence in the United States energized me to reread and respond to his writings.

Peter's book list on German thought

Peter Uwe Hohendahl Why did Peter love this book?

Lately, the news about China and the West has been discouraging. The media focus on the dangers of authoritarianism. But was this always the case? This book tells the fascinating story of the unexpected and multifaceted influence of classical Chinese culture on early modern Europe (1600-1800) and in particular Germany. German thinkers and writers felt that they could learn from China. The study was an eye-opener for me that changed my understanding of the intellectual formation of modern Europe and especially modern Germany. It is a crucial narrative that contrasts with the well-known narrative of European expansion and domination.

By Daniel Leonhard Purdy,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Chinese Sympathies as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Chinese Sympathies examines how Europeans-German-speaking writers and thinkers in particular-identified with Chinese intellectual and literary traditions following the circulation of Marco Polo's Travels. This sense of affinity expanded and deepened, Daniel Leonhard Purdy shows, as generations of Jesuit missionaries, baroque encyclopedists, Enlightenment moralists, and translators established intellectual regimes that framed China as being fundamentally similar to Europe.

Analyzing key German literary texts-theological treatises, imperial histories, tragic dramas, moral philosophies, literary translations, and poetic cycles-Chinese Sympathies traces the paths from baroque-era missionary reports that accommodated Christianity with Confucianism to Goethe's concept of world literature, bridged by Enlightenment debates over cosmopolitanism and…


Book cover of Against Empathy: The Case for Rational Compassion

Vangelis Chiotis Author Of The Morality of Economic Behaviour: Economics as Ethics

From my list on economic morality.

Why am I passionate about this?

Two self-interested people will try to outperform each other. One will win, the other will lose. If they instead cooperate, both will win a bit, and lose a bit. Is this preferable? I say yes, because in the long term, winning a bit many times, is better than winning a lot, once. Choosing short-term gain at the expense of long-term benefit is a waste of potential for societies and individuals. Traditional morality works, sometimes, in some cases. Rational morality can fill the gaps, and expand the circle of morality so that when higher ideals fail or become too difficult to follow, rationality can be about more than just short-term self-interest.

Vangelis' book list on economic morality

Vangelis Chiotis Why did Vangelis love this book?

Paul Bloom wants to persuade the reader to be against empathy, as he is, because morally we’re better off without empathy.

He is right, and I see his argument as similar to the argument made by Sugden, although its structure is very different. Bloome, rightly, says that we cannot rely on empathy to be moral – we need something more and something more tangible.

That something might be rationality, although Bloome himself prefers to speak of reason. Moral theories have for too long relied on unstable ground: empathy and moral character.

If we care about morality, we must ground it on more solid ground.

By Paul Bloom,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Against Empathy as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In a divided world, empathy is not the solution, it is the problem; a source of prejudice, not kindness.

We think of empathy - the ability to feel the suffering of others for ourselves - as the ultimate source of all good behaviour. But while it inspires care and protection in personal relationships, it has the opposite effect in the wider world. As the latest research in psychology and neuroscience shows, we feel empathy most for those we find attractive and who seem similar to us and not at all for those who are different, distant or anonymous. Empathy therefore…


Book cover of The Human Moment: The Positive Power of Compassion in the Workplace

Bruno R. Cignacco Author Of The Art of Compassionate Business: Main Principles for the Human-Oriented Enterprise

From my list on conscious business.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a consultant, author, and researcher, for several years I have been very passionate about the study of companies that are very successful in the marketplace, but that are also human-oriented. In other words, I am very interested in companies that are profitable, but at the same time, are kind, compassionate, and caring with their main stakeholders. I like that these companies continually aim to foster robust long-term relationships with these stakeholders, and look for win-win agreements with them. What I love about these companies is that they focus on the quantitative aspects of business (e.g., profitability, growth, etc.) but also in its qualitative aspects (empathy, support, gratitude, generosity, etc.).

Bruno's book list on conscious business

Bruno R. Cignacco Why did Bruno love this book?

I like that this book pinpoints the importance of compassion for the workplace in a very well-justified manner. I really love that not only does this book explain the main traits of compassion, but it also pinpoints the reasons why compassion is missing in many workplaces, for example, communication breakdown, lack of empathy, etc. I find it very insightful that this book provides the reader with easy-to-apply strategies to develop more compassion in the work environment. This book also provides some specific cases of real organisations which have developed compassionate workplaces.   

By Amy Bradley,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Human Moment as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

We live in a world in crisis. Societies are becoming fractured, opinions polarized and people are increasingly isolated. In an attempt to seek out human connection, many people spend more time at work than they do with family members, yet few of us have someone at work who we trust enough to share our vulnerabilities. To be human is to suffer, yet our struggles can remain hidden from work.

This book argues that compassion is a core human value, which is too often overlooked in business. In these challenging and unprecedented times, workplaces have a crucial role to play in…


Book cover of Loving-Kindness in Plain English: The Practice of Metta

Bodhipaksa Author Of This Difficult Thing of Being Human: The Art of Self-Compassion

From my list on finding and building compassion.

Why am I passionate about this?

I went through a particularly hard time several years ago and to get through it I was forced to dig deep into what I’d learned about compassion and self-compassion over three decades of meditating. Because I’m a meditation teacher, I wanted to share with my students everything I learned about being kind and supportive toward myself as I went through the toughest challenges I’d ever faced so that they could benefit as well. That’s why I wrote This Difficult Thing of Being Human. Self-compassion has become the core of everything I’ve taught since then, and one of the wonderful things about it is that once you’ve shown yourself compassion, you automatically find yourself treating others with compassion too.

Bodhipaksa's book list on finding and building compassion

Bodhipaksa Why did Bodhipaksa love this book?

Our final book offers more of an “old school” guide to developing kindness and compassion. By “old school” I mean that that the writings of Gunaratana, who is affectionately known by his fans as “Bhante G.” is firmly rooted in classic teachings from the Buddhist tradition. But he goes beyond that, drawing on his personal experience, quoting modern meditation teachers, and sharing the results of scientific studies of lovingkindness and compassion. And he does all this in a warm and kind way that makes reading this illuminating and practical book a true pleasure.

By Bhante Henepola Gunaratana,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Loving-Kindness in Plain English as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The bestselling author of Mindfulness in Plain English invites us to explore the joyful benefits of living with loving-kindness.

With his signature clarity and warmth, Bhante Gunaratana shares with us how we can cultivate loving-kindness to live a life of joyful harmony with others. Through personal anecdotes, step-by-step meditations, conversational renderings of the Buddha’s words in the suttas, and transformative insights into how we live in and relate to the world, we learn that peace here and now is possible—within ourselves and in all our relationships. Bhante G speaks directly to how we can cultivate loving-kindness to find emotional clarity,…


Book cover of Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life with the Heart of a Buddha

Dave Hersh Author Of Reignition: Transforming Stuck Startups Into Breakout Winners

From my list on leaders feeling lonely at the top.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have been a founder, CEO, venture capitalist, buyout specialist, Chairman, author, consultant, and coach. I’ve seen the startup world from every angle and also seen how destructive it can be if we don’t take care of our inner lives. My work now is to help people understand how we can transform ourselves to transform our businesses. These books were helpful to me when I needed them most and shaped not only my leadership approach but also my life. 

Dave's book list on leaders feeling lonely at the top

Dave Hersh Why did Dave love this book?

If there’s one thing I needed more of as a founder CEO (and didn’t know I needed), it was self-compassion. Tara’s amazing book is a calming, kind, and loving “friend” of a book that helps you connect with what matters and how our minds can get in our way.

To get in the best “athletic shape” as a leader, we need self-compassion lest we burn ourselves and our teams out and kill our companies in the process. This book was better than any medication I could have taken to calm my nervous system and make me a better leader. 

By Tara Brach,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Radical Acceptance as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

For many of us, feelings of deficiency are right around the corner. It doesn’t take much--just hearing of someone else’s accomplishments, being criticized, getting into an argument, making a mistake at work--to make us feel that we are not okay. Beginning to understand how our lives have become ensnared in this trance of unworthiness is our first step toward reconnecting with who we really are and what it means to live fully.
—from Radical Acceptance

“Believing that something is wrong with us is a deep and tenacious suffering,” says Tara Brach at the start of this illuminating book. This suffering…


Book cover of The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook: A Proven Way to Accept Yourself, Build Inner Strength, and Thrive

Kate Truitt Author Of Healing In Your Hands: Self-Havening Practices to Harness Neuroplasticity, Heal Traumatic Stress, and Build Resilience

From my list on healing trauma and building resilience.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a clinical psychologist and neuroscientist, I have dedicated my life to understanding and healing the wounds of trauma and stress. My passion comes from witnessing the power of blending neuroscience with therapy in my personal and professional life. The resilience and healing I see daily inspire me. My work empowers individuals to reclaim their mental health and build resilient minds. This curated book list reflects my commitment to accessible, actionable tools for self-healing and growth. I believe mental health is a human right, though access to therapy is a privilege. These authors offer empowering, insightful works to put healing into everyone’s hands.

Kate's book list on healing trauma and building resilience

Kate Truitt Why did Kate love this book?

My last pick is a transformative resource for developing self-kindness and emotional resilience. I love this workbook because it has practical exercises and guided practices that foster self-compassion. Neff and Germer’s approach, which combines mindfulness with self-compassion, offers a powerful framework for personal growth.

Their warm and empathetic writing makes the journey towards self-compassion manageable and rewarding. This workbook has been a treasure trove of tools for building inner strength and finding peace within. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to cultivate a more compassionate relationship with themselves.

By Kristin Neff, Christopher Germer,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Are you kinder to others than you are to yourself? More than a thousand research studies show the benefits of being a supportive friend to yourself, especially in times of need. This science-based workbook offers a step-by-step approach to breaking free of harsh self-judgments and impossible standards in order to cultivate emotional well-being. In a convenient large-size format, the book is based on the authors' groundbreaking eight-week Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) program, which has helped tens of thousands of people worldwide. It is packed with guided meditations (with audio downloads); informal practices to do anytime, anywhere; exercises; and vivid stories of…


Book cover of A Wild Child's Guide to Endangered Animals
Book cover of Green Humour for a Greying Planet
Book cover of Don't Let Them Disappear: 12 Endangered Species Across the Globe

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,606

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in compassion, human animal relationships, and philosophy?

Compassion 34 books
Philosophy 1,795 books