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Unlikely Heroes: 37 Inspiring Stories of Courage and Heart from the Animal Kingdom
In her heartwarming New York Times bestsellers Unlikely Friendships and last year’s Unlikely Loves , Jennifer Holland revealed the surprising emotional bonds that exist between animals of different species. Her books spent dozens of weeks on bestseller lists and caught the attention of major media from CBS This Morning to USA Today . Why? Because she opened our eyes to the rich inner lives of animals, showing us that the power of love and friendship is not for humans only.
In Unlikely Heroes , Ms. Holland uncovers and celebrates yet another side of animals that we often think belongs primarily to people―heroism, that indefinable quality of going above and beyond, often for altruistic reasons, often at great personal risk. These 37 inspiring true tales show animals whose quick acts have saved lives, like the pod of dolphins who protected swimmers in New Zealand from a great white shark by forming a screen around them. There are stories of animals who simply and unselfishly give, like Rojo the llama, who shines his very special light of lovingkindness on the elderly patients in an Oregon rehab center.
And there are compelling stories of heroic like Naki’o, the abandoned puppy who lost all four paws to frostbite but found the grit not only to overcome that terrible hardship but to reclaim the joy of life―that’s him, smiling on the cover of the book.
In Unlikely Heroes , Ms. Holland uncovers and celebrates yet another side of animals that we often think belongs primarily to people―heroism, that indefinable quality of going above and beyond, often for altruistic reasons, often at great personal risk. These 37 inspiring true tales show animals whose quick acts have saved lives, like the pod of dolphins who protected swimmers in New Zealand from a great white shark by forming a screen around them. There are stories of animals who simply and unselfishly give, like Rojo the llama, who shines his very special light of lovingkindness on the elderly patients in an Oregon rehab center.
And there are compelling stories of heroic like Naki’o, the abandoned puppy who lost all four paws to frostbite but found the grit not only to overcome that terrible hardship but to reclaim the joy of life―that’s him, smiling on the cover of the book.
- GenresAnimalsNonfictionDogs
256 pages, Paperback
First published October 7, 2014
47 people are currently reading
736 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
July 22, 2020
5 stars
-For animal lovers and even ones who are not. It shows the power of love and comfort that animals brings. It also show the intelligences of animals and so much more.
-For animal lovers and even ones who are not. It shows the power of love and comfort that animals brings. It also show the intelligences of animals and so much more.
May 27, 2015
Short quick stories of animal behaviors that have saved lives, brought happiness and amazed all. Some of the stories brought tears to my eyes, some goosebumps, these animals all species are so much more than we understand. I have always loved animals, looked at them as intelligent individuals but this book showed me to slow down and look a little deeper when interacting with them. Animals are truly amazing and we know so little. Pick this book up for a quick pick me up, or connection with a living being.
May 8, 2015
I enjoyed reading this sweet heartwarming book. I am a big animal lover. This book contains 37 stories of how different animals have rescued or made a difference in a person or other animals life. the dog on the cover was found as a newborn puppy in the dead of winter and had lost all four of his paws. he learned to walk on "bionic" additions to his stubs. Look what a happy guy he is. All kinds of species are in this wonderful book. Seals, dolphins, lots of dog stories. it is amazing and touching what animals of all kinds have done in times of stress, dangerous situations where they have come to the aid of others. just loved reading these stories. this book is also filled with lots of beautiful pictures.If you love to read about all kinds of animals, may love reading this as well.
March 6, 2017
Out of the whole series of the books that I have read so far I would have to say that this one is probably the best out of the series. For although I do find it interesting to get to know the animal characters within her other books where she uses scientific facts it somewhat takes away from the story by making it a profile-type read in a sense.
In this particular book the scientific facts have been removed from the stories and instead the reader will either find boxes that give more information about the animal as well as the rewards that it may have received for its heroic efforts or it goes into giving more information about the program that is being mentioned, scientific studies or findings both past and present or even information about a particular species. This just goes to help boost the story that is being told while giving the reader a chance to learn more information pertaining to the actual story.
Like the other books by the same author each story has its own chapter heading giving an idea of what will be found within the following pages, the location and timeframe for the telling and also a silhouette site of the animals that are included. The reader is then led through the telling as well as how they animal can be viewed as a hero whether it was done with thought, without thought, etc.
Meanwhile each story is backed-up with actual color illustrations that help the reader to meet the heroic animal(s) instead of leaving the mind to form its own thoughts and also in some rare cases t see the animals in action.
And although most of these stories have been told or maybe heard by the reader it is also a heartwarming and beautiful thing to be able to read them again while being reminded that it isn't just humans who can show the talent to be heroes but also those we least expect. All in all a great collection and one to share with those who enjoy animal stories and/or are animal-lovers.
In this particular book the scientific facts have been removed from the stories and instead the reader will either find boxes that give more information about the animal as well as the rewards that it may have received for its heroic efforts or it goes into giving more information about the program that is being mentioned, scientific studies or findings both past and present or even information about a particular species. This just goes to help boost the story that is being told while giving the reader a chance to learn more information pertaining to the actual story.
Like the other books by the same author each story has its own chapter heading giving an idea of what will be found within the following pages, the location and timeframe for the telling and also a silhouette site of the animals that are included. The reader is then led through the telling as well as how they animal can be viewed as a hero whether it was done with thought, without thought, etc.
Meanwhile each story is backed-up with actual color illustrations that help the reader to meet the heroic animal(s) instead of leaving the mind to form its own thoughts and also in some rare cases t see the animals in action.
And although most of these stories have been told or maybe heard by the reader it is also a heartwarming and beautiful thing to be able to read them again while being reminded that it isn't just humans who can show the talent to be heroes but also those we least expect. All in all a great collection and one to share with those who enjoy animal stories and/or are animal-lovers.
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August 9, 2019Sweet stories about various hero animals. Didn't realize how much fun it is to just read little short stories like these, with lots of pictures.
April 3, 2022
This was an easy read, and an enjoyable book, with lots of photos, too! :) Heartwarming stories of animals helping people and/or other animals. I think my grandkids would enjoy hearing many of these stories read to them; a few have content that I think is above them, but most are very family friendly.
January 30, 2017
5/5 Stars
I received a copy of this book through Goodreads Giveaways.
In this collection of stories, Holland writes about animals of all walks of life. This is no exaggeration. You will find everything from mice sniffing out landmines to wild elephants ceasing aggressive behavior around a child, as well as no lack of everyone’s favorite domestic pets and farm animals. There is truly a story for everyone is this quaint book. Family friendly and truly wonderful for all ages. There is inspiration and hope in here from young to old, from healthy to sick, girl to boy, and from fully functioning bodies to those that are disabled. No matter who you are, you are sure to find an animal you can love and a story you relate to.
This exceptionally aesthetically-pleasing book was filled with stories that are just as beautiful. I have not read the first two books in this series, Unlikely Friendships and Unlikely Loves , but, if the chance so arises, I would not hesitate to jump on that opportunity. This is a must read for any animal lover, especially those of you that believe animals can be heroes, which, in my opinion, they sure can be!
The writing is very simple, but in a way that works. I in no way mean by stating the writing is basic that Holland comes across as unintelligent in any part of this book. Her stories are superbly researched and she provides sources in the back of this book for all of them as well as for each photo. By easy read I purely mean that any member of the family can read and enjoy this engaging novel.
Holland is able to fully draw the reader into each story and will have you flipping page after page to read heartwarming tale after heartwarming tale.
Another thing that makes this such an easy, gratifying read is the layout. The pages are colorful, but the print is medium sized and still stands out against the colors. The colors make for a pleasant background that is pleasing to the eyes and creates more of that heartening feel. The layout also includes a beautiful photo for each story. The way they are incorporated is not messy and each appears to be well thought out and contains a description underneath the picture. The pictures are positively gorgeous – absolute high quality. They help increase the emotion you feel with each animal you read about, completely bringing the story to life.
I am in awe of how stunning this book is laid out, which, in all honestly, made it a four-star rating for me after my first flip through.
But, it is indeed the stories that pushed this book to that five-star rating. These animals are nothing short of inspiring. Open these pages and find yourself taking many different journeys. I am going to warn you though, this brief book is nothing short of a feels fest and will have your empathy levels running high but in all the best ways.
This is undeniably a great read, and I recommend it to animal lovers or anyone who needs a pick-me-up. So curl up with a blanket and enjoy some daring and a few truly fearless animals. Restore some of your hope in the world and give your stomach that warm fuzzy feeling only a truly great book can provide.
Review originally published on my Wordpress blog Dreaming Through Literature.
I received a copy of this book through Goodreads Giveaways.
In this collection of stories, Holland writes about animals of all walks of life. This is no exaggeration. You will find everything from mice sniffing out landmines to wild elephants ceasing aggressive behavior around a child, as well as no lack of everyone’s favorite domestic pets and farm animals. There is truly a story for everyone is this quaint book. Family friendly and truly wonderful for all ages. There is inspiration and hope in here from young to old, from healthy to sick, girl to boy, and from fully functioning bodies to those that are disabled. No matter who you are, you are sure to find an animal you can love and a story you relate to.
This exceptionally aesthetically-pleasing book was filled with stories that are just as beautiful. I have not read the first two books in this series, Unlikely Friendships and Unlikely Loves , but, if the chance so arises, I would not hesitate to jump on that opportunity. This is a must read for any animal lover, especially those of you that believe animals can be heroes, which, in my opinion, they sure can be!
The writing is very simple, but in a way that works. I in no way mean by stating the writing is basic that Holland comes across as unintelligent in any part of this book. Her stories are superbly researched and she provides sources in the back of this book for all of them as well as for each photo. By easy read I purely mean that any member of the family can read and enjoy this engaging novel.
Holland is able to fully draw the reader into each story and will have you flipping page after page to read heartwarming tale after heartwarming tale.
Another thing that makes this such an easy, gratifying read is the layout. The pages are colorful, but the print is medium sized and still stands out against the colors. The colors make for a pleasant background that is pleasing to the eyes and creates more of that heartening feel. The layout also includes a beautiful photo for each story. The way they are incorporated is not messy and each appears to be well thought out and contains a description underneath the picture. The pictures are positively gorgeous – absolute high quality. They help increase the emotion you feel with each animal you read about, completely bringing the story to life.
I am in awe of how stunning this book is laid out, which, in all honestly, made it a four-star rating for me after my first flip through.
But, it is indeed the stories that pushed this book to that five-star rating. These animals are nothing short of inspiring. Open these pages and find yourself taking many different journeys. I am going to warn you though, this brief book is nothing short of a feels fest and will have your empathy levels running high but in all the best ways.
This is undeniably a great read, and I recommend it to animal lovers or anyone who needs a pick-me-up. So curl up with a blanket and enjoy some daring and a few truly fearless animals. Restore some of your hope in the world and give your stomach that warm fuzzy feeling only a truly great book can provide.
Review originally published on my Wordpress blog Dreaming Through Literature.
December 13, 2014
This book, in one word, is simply “wonderful!” It’s full of positive, encouraging, even unbelievable stories about animals and people rescuing each other. For animal lovers of all ages, the wide assortment of stories and four-color photographs will appeal to a wide range of children and adults. Some of the stories seem unbelievable, so against instinctive, animal actions, that one witness in one story declared, “If I hadn’t seen what happened for myself, I might not have believed it.”
I recently finished The Honest Truth, by Dan Gemeinhart, (shameless marketer), in which there is a dog who rescues his owner (the main character) in a truly spectacular way! I rooted for the characters, and I loved that dog, but I had a hard time reconciling to myself what the dog does! But after reading Unlikely Heroes, I am reminded once again about the wonders of our animal kingdom, about loyalty and learning to trust, and about all those out there who need rescuing—whether feathered, footed, or pawed.
Unlikely Heroes is an uplifting and fun book I highly recommend. Being the wife of a veterinarian and mom of four, we’ve had our fair share of animals in the house, so I can completely relate to author Jennifer S. Holland, who specializes in science and natural history, and has dozens of animals, including geckos—which my 11-year-old daughter wants so desperately! (See post of power-point presented to me on why she should have a crested ghecko! http://kimchildressink.wordpress.com/...)
I recently finished The Honest Truth, by Dan Gemeinhart, (shameless marketer), in which there is a dog who rescues his owner (the main character) in a truly spectacular way! I rooted for the characters, and I loved that dog, but I had a hard time reconciling to myself what the dog does! But after reading Unlikely Heroes, I am reminded once again about the wonders of our animal kingdom, about loyalty and learning to trust, and about all those out there who need rescuing—whether feathered, footed, or pawed.
Unlikely Heroes is an uplifting and fun book I highly recommend. Being the wife of a veterinarian and mom of four, we’ve had our fair share of animals in the house, so I can completely relate to author Jennifer S. Holland, who specializes in science and natural history, and has dozens of animals, including geckos—which my 11-year-old daughter wants so desperately! (See post of power-point presented to me on why she should have a crested ghecko! http://kimchildressink.wordpress.com/...)
April 24, 2015
I don't think anyone in their right mind would give this book a rating of anything below 5 PERFECT *****STARS :)
This book was an incredible read. I urge every book/animal lover to read
Unlikely Heroes by Jennifer S. Holland .
This book was a shear treat to the heart and soul. Uplifting and heartbreaking in so many ways. The pure bravery and courage from Gods furry creatures in this book was so unexpected yet expected because any pet owner knows the love they share with their pet and lengths they will go to to save a loved one. But strangely it was all the animals doing the saving. Whether it was for their own kind or another animal from another animal kingdom or their owner. This book is truly an eye opening to anyone who says these animals that share the same earth as us are dumb. I challenge anyone to say that after reading this book.
This book was an incredible read. I urge every book/animal lover to read
Unlikely Heroes by Jennifer S. Holland .
This book was a shear treat to the heart and soul. Uplifting and heartbreaking in so many ways. The pure bravery and courage from Gods furry creatures in this book was so unexpected yet expected because any pet owner knows the love they share with their pet and lengths they will go to to save a loved one. But strangely it was all the animals doing the saving. Whether it was for their own kind or another animal from another animal kingdom or their owner. This book is truly an eye opening to anyone who says these animals that share the same earth as us are dumb. I challenge anyone to say that after reading this book.
January 31, 2015
Unlikely Heroes was a wonderful read sure to touch you, give you warm fuzzy feelings and perhaps even some tears. Separated into three main "sections" (not including the introduction): Superheroes, Everyday Heroes and Big-Picture Heroes, this book explores animal heroes of all kinds from dogs and cats, to goats and rats, to the more exotic like seals, dolphins, a hippo, and a camel (to name a few). Whether the animals are saving human lives, each other, or contributing to a bigger cause it was a delight to read.
June 20, 2022
I enjoyed this book very much. It tells of animals that have been instrumental in saving the lives of people or other animals. I enjoyed it for two reasons: 1. It was interesting to read of the intelligence and sensitivity to animals. 2. It was also refreshing to read a book where human beings were not being made out to be the "bad guys", but were often instrumental in caring for and training these intelligent creatures. I also liked that it told of a variety of animals.
October 18, 2014
Very cute and heartwarming. I felt like I had already heard a lot of these stories already though.
January 21, 2015
Well, of course I liked it a lot!
August 28, 2023
Content/Trigger Warnings: Lots of mentions of loss of pets and grief, natural disasters, life threatening situations, some stories of cancer, stories with war talk, stories with PTSD/trauma, some stories with discussions of mental health, and potentially more!
This was such a great read! As I say often, I love reading about animals especially book like this the emphasize how special animals truly are. This book mainly caught my attention because I have my own stories of animals who've saved me in various ways, but also I do a lot of work with animals. So you know I had to pick this book up! It was really humbling and really emotional reading these stories and read about others' experiences with animals. Below I've listed some of my favorite stories from this book!
✨ The Male Cat Mama
✨ The Bravest Little Llama
✨ The Giving Greyhound
✨ The Loving Llama
✨ The Real Energizer Bunny
✨ The Therapeutic Goat
✨ The Sea Otter Supermoms
✨ The Bionic Dog
✨ The Cooperative Cranes
Overall, I definitely recommend this book to all animals lovers especially if you're looking for a fast paced read. There was a lot of times I got sucked into the stories and just watched time fly by as I was reading. I will say check your headspace because some of the stories really hit me in all the feels because of the stories don't deal with the easiest of topics at times. Despite melting into a puddle from crying and feels, this was a really great read and I highly recommend it.
All thoughts, feelings, experiences, and opinions are honest and my own.
Instagram|Ko-fi|Throne
This was such a great read! As I say often, I love reading about animals especially book like this the emphasize how special animals truly are. This book mainly caught my attention because I have my own stories of animals who've saved me in various ways, but also I do a lot of work with animals. So you know I had to pick this book up! It was really humbling and really emotional reading these stories and read about others' experiences with animals. Below I've listed some of my favorite stories from this book!
✨ The Male Cat Mama
✨ The Bravest Little Llama
✨ The Giving Greyhound
✨ The Loving Llama
✨ The Real Energizer Bunny
✨ The Therapeutic Goat
✨ The Sea Otter Supermoms
✨ The Bionic Dog
✨ The Cooperative Cranes
Overall, I definitely recommend this book to all animals lovers especially if you're looking for a fast paced read. There was a lot of times I got sucked into the stories and just watched time fly by as I was reading. I will say check your headspace because some of the stories really hit me in all the feels because of the stories don't deal with the easiest of topics at times. Despite melting into a puddle from crying and feels, this was a really great read and I highly recommend it.
All thoughts, feelings, experiences, and opinions are honest and my own.
Instagram|Ko-fi|Throne
February 5, 2017
Heart warming book
I am a lover of most animal articles. This book complied many beautiful stories of various animals that have shown varied tributes that have made us aware of their special attributes that have had a positive influence on our lives. Enjoy each story.
I am a lover of most animal articles. This book complied many beautiful stories of various animals that have shown varied tributes that have made us aware of their special attributes that have had a positive influence on our lives. Enjoy each story.
May 24, 2019
Who doesn't like cool, short stories about real world extraordinary animals?! No matter the circumstances, these 37 stories of 37+ heroes were amazing. I am excited to check out the other books by Holland. Great read!
July 3, 2017
A great feel-good book.
January 30, 2022
It's about the wonderful things animals do for us. How could I not love it!?
February 12, 2023
2014 - Trade - Have It - Read It
April 9, 2023
Inspiring book about how animals provide hope and sometimes more to their fellow animals and humans.
April 28, 2025
A wonderful read
July 27, 2017
The only reason I gave it 4/5 instead of a full 5 is because I did not really care for the last chapter but that is my opinion.
February 28, 2017
A heartwarming story of animals that risk there lives (sadly some die). This book has had me to come to think of animals and humans equal in intelligence in there own way because animals are just as smart and save lives too!
October 23, 2014
Just finished Jennifer Holland's latest book in her "Unlikely" series ... the first two books (Unlikely Friendships and "Unlikely Loves") are both excellent and I highly recommend them to any animal lover ... her latest entry is "Unlikely Heroes" ... the stories are all about animals that have done something heroic (a few at the cost of their own lives) ... her first section covers animals that had spontaneous acts of bravery (from the Lionberger dog that saved his owner from drowning to the horse that fought off an angry dog to protect his owner ... from the cat who braved an office fire 5 times to save her kittens one at a time to the llama who saved the flock of sheep he protected, at the cost of his own life ... from the wild hippo that saved a drowning Gnu to the seal that saved a stray dog from drowning ... and lots more) ... the second section covers the everyday heroes that live a life of service or bravery (from the Greyhound that fostered troubled animals for a decade to the dog that loved cats and saved hundreds for her 17 years ... from the service llama that visited hospitals, schools, and nursing homes to the service dog that helped a soldier with PTSD ... from the bunny with paralyzed legs that helped motivate children with spina bifida to the feral cat in Afghanistan that adopted a soldier and prevented him from committing suicide on his darkest day ... and more) ... the third and final section covered the big picture heroes who are helping save species and such (from the sea otter supermoms who train their adopted pups to live in the wild to the sandcranes who adopt and foster whooping crane eggs ... from the dog trained to find endangered species and snares to the sentry dogs who protect an Australian island's small penguin population from foxes ... from the rats who find land mines to the house cats who are surrogate moms for black footed cats ... and others) ... inspiring and occasionally tearful stories will have have you turning the page to read each of the short vignettes ... Highly recommended (if you loved the first two you will love this one)
December 7, 2014
If you’re an animal lover or just enjoy hearing stories to warm your heart, you can’t get a book more appropriate than Jennifer Holland’s latest book, ‘Unlikely Heroes: 37 Inspiring Stories of Courage and Heart from the Animal Kingdom.’ Her other books, are also amazing, but when you combine awesome animals with heroic stories, how can you not be ‘wow-ed’?
Along with the dog stories that you might expect, there are many other animals; like a bunny working in a hospital, a Gorilla helping an injured child, hero horses, cows and even mine sniffing rats, all get some well-deserved recognition in this book. Regardless of which animal the story revolves around, all of these encounters are life-affirming and remind us that compassion can transcend all logic and physical bounds.
The other wonderful thing about this book, and the other books by this author, is that the stories can be read numerous times and they never lose their impact. This is one of those books that will get you through a day of “Blahs”, and, for less than $14, this book makes an inexpensive gift that will lift the spirits of anyone who receives it.
Along with the dog stories that you might expect, there are many other animals; like a bunny working in a hospital, a Gorilla helping an injured child, hero horses, cows and even mine sniffing rats, all get some well-deserved recognition in this book. Regardless of which animal the story revolves around, all of these encounters are life-affirming and remind us that compassion can transcend all logic and physical bounds.
The other wonderful thing about this book, and the other books by this author, is that the stories can be read numerous times and they never lose their impact. This is one of those books that will get you through a day of “Blahs”, and, for less than $14, this book makes an inexpensive gift that will lift the spirits of anyone who receives it.
October 30, 2014
My goodness, I knew I was a softy when I was younger and a Humane Officer in California. I could tell you stories that would melt your heart of things I have seen. Jennifer S. Holland your book on so many levels touched my heart and soul..I love animals, and the stories you wrote about made me smile, and cry and felt sad and then with joy and sadness, the tears trickled down my cheeks. The sadness I felt was because of what these animals and there masters went through before they found each other and joy was in my heart because of the outcome of the stories..Many People hate dogs or cats, and others are so cruel to these animals..I believe the animals (dogs & cats) have souls as we do, because if they didn't then they could not feel or think on our levelcould they. For any animal lover that is reading this review, you have to get this book..you will not be sorry you did.
January 20, 2016
One of the recommended books for our library's Summer Reading Program this summer since our theme is Every Hero Has A Story. A great book for animal lovers. Easy, quick read, lots of wonderful photos and plenty of heart-warming tales of animals who go above and beyond to help others, whether they be human or other animal friends. What I liked the most about the book was that not all the stories are about cats and dogs. There are also dolphin, goat, camel and elephant--to mention just a few. If you love animals, I would certainly recommend this book and I think it would be a great family story option read.
June 26, 2016
I have always enjoyed stories of animals acting in courageous ways. This book is full of lots of wonderful stories of animals acting in surprising ways to protect, serve, and save both humans and other animals. My favorite stories come in the last section. These included California sea otters who are surrogate moms, dogs who use their noses to protect endangered animals and seek out invasive species, and African rats trained to sniff out landmines.
Each story is inspirational and shows that all creatures are sentient beings who possess a great capacity to do good deeds with little or nothing expected. I highly recommend this book to every animal lover out there.
Each story is inspirational and shows that all creatures are sentient beings who possess a great capacity to do good deeds with little or nothing expected. I highly recommend this book to every animal lover out there.
November 17, 2014
This is another great collaboration of animal stories. Instead of animal friendships like the previous books, this one is a collection of stories about animals that acted in heroic ways. The book is divided into 3 sections - Superheroes, Everyday Heroes, Big-Picture Heroes. There are some really great stories and if you're an animal lover you will love this book! Each story is only a few pages and includes lots of pictures, so it's a really quick read. Another great collection from Jennifer Holland!
February 2, 2015
If I had a category for "feel-good/fluff" then this book would be in it! The writing isn't fantastic, the author obviously pushes her bias on certain animal rights issues, but it was SO CUTE AND TOUCHING! I really bawled during some of the stories. The one where the two little dogs sacrificed their lives to save their owner from a house fire? Tears streaming down my face!!! If you own a business and have a waiting room, put this book out and count how many people get to your office with puffy eyes. Seriously adorable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews