Animal Stars by Robin Ganzert, Ph. D. and Allen & Laura Anderson

Animal Stars
Behind the Scenes with Your Favorite Animal Actors

by Robin Ganzert, Ph. D. and Allen & Laura Anderson

When cameras roll and directors call, “Action,” some of the most dependable, funniest, and most enthusiastic actors stand poised on four legs, with ears alert. From Joey in War Horse to the wolves in Game of Thrones, what we see on screen is the result of meticulous preparation and professional teamwork. These eye-popping, heartwarming stories reveal the trainers, actors, directors, and animals in behind-the-scenes glory. You’ll discover that some animal actors have diva tendencies and others have rags-to-riches backstories. American Humane Association certified animal safety representatives work carefully to ensure that no animals are harmed, as they have been doing for decades.

Animal stars have done it all — convinced us to eat more tacos, broken our hearts in war dramas, inspired us with enduring love and loyalty, mirrored human antics to make us roar with laughter, and stolen the show on the red carpet. And animal stars will work for food, including only KFC original recipe for Casey the bear — no other fried chicken will do!

Training tips from the pros and recollections from Julia Roberts, Hailee Steinfeld, and Steven Spielberg make this insider’s look at the work of these incomparable stars as irresistible as the animals themselves.

BIOGRAPHY

Allen Anderson, New York Times bestselling author of A Dog Named Leaf with his wife Linda are coauthors of a series of popular books, published in multiple languages, about the benefits of human-animal companionship. In 1996 they cofounded the Angel Animals Network to honor and expand upon their lifelong love of animals. Angel Animals uses the power of inspirational stories to increase love and respect for all life.

The Andersons' books have won recognition from the American Society of Journalists & Authors's Outstanding Book Award program. Allen and Linda were named Partners and Friends of the American Humane Association in recognition that their mission and efforts are in alignment with the organization's work.

The Andersons raised two children along with pets as family members. They currently share their home in Minneapolis with pets whose relationships- would make great film plots -- a dog named Leaf, Cuddles the cat, and Sunshine, a cockatiel who says, "I love you, sweet baby."

Robin Ganzert, PhD, is president and CEO of American Humane Association, the first national humane organization, founded in 1877. Robin is a passionate advocate for the power of the child-animal bond. The mother of three children, she lives with her family, including three dogs and two cats, in North Carolina.

FIND OUT MORE
Book site: Animal Stars Book
Publisher: New World Library

PURCHASE
Amazon and Barnes & Noble

A Dog Named Leaf by Allen & Laura Anderson

A Dog Named Leaf
The Hero from Heaven Who Saved My Life

by Allen Anderson with Laura Anderson

Allen and Linda Anderson adopted a traumatized one-year-old cocker spaniel who had been abandoned. Soon, the troubled dog they named “Leaf” turned their home into a war zone. Although Leaf and Allen were forging a friendship with visits to dog parks and bonding time, Leaf’s emotional issues overwhelmed the couple. Shortly after Leaf’s arrival, Allen, who had spent eight years as a big city police officer and survived so many close calls that Linda called him “Miracle Man,” received a diagnosis from his doctor that made him think his luck had finally run out. Allen had an unruptured brain aneurysm that could be fatal, and the surgery to repair it might leave him debilitated. Having seen his father live for years with the effects of a massive stroke, he dreaded that the worst fate might not be death. What Allen didn’t know is that he and Leaf, like comrades facing the ultimate battle, would be there for each other with the miracle of this man and this dog coming together at exactly the right time.

BIOGRAPHY

Allen Anderson, New York Times bestselling author of A Dog Named Leaf with his wife Linda are coauthors of a series of popular books, published in multiple languages, about the benefits of human-animal companionship. In 1996 they cofounded the Angel Animals Network to honor and expand upon their lifelong love of animals. Angel Animals uses the power of inspirational stories to increase love and respect for all life.

The Andersons' books have won recognition from the American Society of Journalists & Authors's Outstanding Book Award program. Allen and Linda were named Partners and Friends of the American Humane Association in recognition that their mission and efforts are in alignment with the organization's work.

The Andersons raised two children along with pets as family members. They currently share their home in Minneapolis with pets whose relationships- would make great film plots -- a dog named Leaf, Cuddles the cat, and Sunshine, a cockatiel who says, "I love you, sweet baby."

AWARDS 

New York Times Bestseller
2012 Outstanding Book Award from the American Association of Journalists and Authors (ASJA)

FIND OUT MORE
Book site: A Dog Named Leaf
Publisher: Lyons Press

PURCHASE
Amazon and Barnes & Noble