The author of the adult best-sellers When Elephants Weep and Dogs Never Lie About Love has reached into his treasure trove of stories about the emotional lives of animals to tell fifteen fascinating stories to young readers. Jeffrey Masson's graceful, accessible prose illuminates the capacity of both wild and domestic animals to live by their emotions--to love, share joy, feel sorrow or loneliness, and show compassion.Young people have little difficulty recognizing or believing that animals have feelings. They will respond to these real-life tales about a mother cat who saves her kittens from a fire; a parrot who says "I'm sorry"; the special friendship between a dog and a lion; and many others. The stories can be read aloud to younger children or enjoyed by independent readers. Beautifully illustrated with lush watercolor paintings, this book makes the perfect gift and is ideally suited to the animal lover in every child.