Four- Legged Therapy is a delightfully illustrated collection of ten stories that recognise the therapeutic value of having animals in our lives. A charming exploration of how pets can support our minds and bodies in everyday life. From grumpy cats, fat dogs and muddy ducks to goats in a classroom and rescue-hens in a care home, this book recognises animals as the unsung heroes that save lives and make life worth living.

Animals offer companionship, love and fun. They teach us the gift of kindness and acceptance. They can connect us to the world, slow down time and sharpen our senses in a kind of informal meditation. They can be good listeners, offering reassurance and devotion that steadies our self-esteem. They ask us for routine and consistency, to show a kind of resilience that is good for us.

- Caroline O'Donoghue, author of 'Promising Young Women', shortlisted for the Irish Book Awards writing about the joy of unconditional from her Jack-Russell terrier, Sylvie.

- Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg, author of Things My Dog Has Taught Me: About being a better human.

Department Store for the Mind is the exciting new creative venture by Sophie Howarth, co-founder of the School of Life. It is a place to explore the world inside your head: a vast and unique terrain of thoughts, ideas, emotions and memories.

Each book offers stories and ideas about creating daily habits that are kind to the mind, whether through our connection with nature, our creativity or everyday tasks, or simply knowing and feeling more accepting of ourselves. The books stretch the mind and soul, so that we may colour outside of the lines, experience the moments of wonder that are right there in front of us and occasionally venture out of our safe harbours.

This fascinating book tells the story of the Soviet space dogs, illustrated with legendary photographer Martin Parr's vintage space-dog memorabilia.

In the 1950s the space race between the USA and the USSR was well and truly on, and was for both a matter of pride and propaganda. But before man ventured into the cosmos, his four-legged friends would pave the way for space exploration.

The first canine cosmonaut was Laika, meaning 'barker'. The little stray could never have anticipated that she would one day float 200 miles above the Moscow streets. She would be canonized as a proletarian hero, appearing on stamps, postcards and souvenirs. Her successors were Belka and Strelka, the first dogs to successfully return safely to Earth, and with them, the cult of the space dog was born.

In a regime that eschewed celebrating individual achievement, the space dogs became Soviet superstars, with a vast array of merchandise, books and films in their honor.

A must read for fans of Soviet Space Dogs by Olesya Turkina and Designed in the USSR: 1950-1989 by Moscow Design Museum.

Martin Parr is a world-renowned photographer and collector.

From the depths of their existential angst, these profound pooches ask some of the most pertinent questions of their time.

These are just a few of the philosophical questions plaguing these contemplative canines. Join them in their quest for the truth – can a soft toy cushion the harsh blow of reality? Is there a meaning to life, or is it all just about treats? Is the fleeting happiness that comes from playing with a ball worth the crushing disappointment when it’s taken away? You’ll never see life the same way again.

About the Author

Pesala Bandara is a journalist, business-owner and cheese-eater. She lives in Birmingham with her husband Matt and their Chihuahua Chico, who can frequently be found in the deepest of existential angst.

WTF? THAT POOCH IS ON THE HOOCH!

Dogs love a drink! When you're not looking, your four-legged friend is busy knocking them back. This book gathers the best photos of dogs getting buzzed off booze and looking pawfully pitiful the morning after. And to add to your amusement, these snaps of hedonistic and hazy hounds have been paired with hilarious captions telling us what they're barking is all about. Raise a glass to these howl-raisers!