Books On Board
series Reading Order

Animal Ark Pets Holiday Special Books in Order

1 Books
1999 Published
Jump to reading order
Affiliate links: We may earn a commission on purchases made at no extra cost to you.
Reading order
01
Foal Frolics
Foal Frolics
1999
Amazon

Understanding the Holiday and Pets Specials

The Animal Ark universe, created by Ben M. Baglio (writing as Lucy Daniels in the UK), features two distinct types of special edition books that databases often overlap or confuse: the main Animal Ark Holiday Specials and the younger-reader Animal Ark Pets seasonal specials.

1. Animal Ark Holiday Specials

Running from 1995 to 2008 with 26 books, this series features Mandy Hope and James Hunter rescuing animals during specific holidays. The stories cover Christmas, Halloween, Easter, and Valentine's Day. Key entries include:

  • Sheepdog in the Snow (1995) - The very first holiday special, set during a Christmas blizzard.
  • Kitten in the Cold (1996) - A heartwarming winter rescue of a stray kitten.
  • Bunny in a Basket (2004) - An Easter-themed adventure featuring a Holland Lop rabbit.
  • Colt on Christmas Eve (2007) - A festive rescue of a young horse.

2. Animal Ark Pets Specials

This is a separate, younger-reader spin-off series with its own seasonal releases. These are typically split into Summer Specials (like Foal Frolics from 1999) and Christmas Specials (such as Pets' Party and Spaniel Surprise).

How to Read the Series

Since each holiday special is a standalone story with its own animal rescue plot, they do not require a strict reading order. You can easily read them in any order based on the season or holiday you want to celebrate. However, for a chronological publication path, start with Sheepdog in the Snow for the main Holiday Specials and Foal Frolics for the Pets Summer Specials.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the difference between Animal Ark Holiday Specials and Animal Ark Pets Specials?

The Animal Ark Holiday Specials are holiday-themed spin-offs of the main series (for ages 8+), while the Animal Ark Pets Specials are seasonal books for the younger-reader spin-off series, featuring both Summer and Christmas themes.

QDo I need to read the Animal Ark Holiday Specials in a specific order?

No, there is no strict narrative order. The stories are self-contained, meaning you can read them in any order, though reading by publication starting with Sheepdog in the Snow is a popular option.

QWho is the author of the Animal Ark Holiday Special books?

The series was created under the direction of Ben M. Baglio. In the US, they are published under his name, whereas in the UK, they are credited to the house pseudonym Lucy Daniels.

QIs Foal Frolics part of the Holiday Specials?

Technically, Foal Frolics (1999) is part of the Animal Ark Pets Summer Specials, though library databases sometimes group these seasonal specials together under the Holiday Special label.

QHow many books are in the main Animal Ark Holiday Specials line?

There are 26 books in the main Holiday Specials line, published between 1995 and 2008.

QWhat are some other Christmas books in the Animal Ark Pets series?

Other festive titles in the younger Pets sub-series include Pets' Party, Cat's Cradle, and Spaniel Surprise.