Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Five top books with unforgettable animal sidekicks

Laura Bickle grew up in rural Ohio, reading entirely too many comic books out loud to her favorite Wonder Woman doll. She dreams up stories about the monsters under the stairs, also writing contemporary fantasy novels under the name Alayna Williams. Her work has been included in the ALA’s Amelia Bloomer Project 2013 reading list and the State Library of Ohio’s Choose to Read Ohio reading list for 2015-2016.

Bickle's new novel is Nine of Stars.

Among the author's five favorite books with unforgettable animal sidekicks, as shared at Tor.com:
TALAT THE HORSE, AND THE FOLTSZA AND YERIG ARMIES in The Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinley

Every young dragon slayer needs a trusty steed, and Talat serves Aerin loyally. As her father’s injured war horse put out to pasture, he provides unconditional love for an overlooked young woman with no magic. Talat heroically brings the young dragon slayer home, every time.

As Aerin gathers her army to save her kingdom, she wins the trust of the giant wild cats, the foltsza, and the wolf-like yerig. Her all-furry army helps her defeat the enemy, as the creatures follow her where no other human would dare go.
Read about another entry on the list.

--Marshal Zeringue