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Bancroft Press • Pub Date: October 7, 2026
6 × 9 in Hardcover with Jacket • 598 PagesISBN-13: 978-1-61088-706-9
Credits: Jacket design: Christine Van Bree Design. Cover illustration: Nikki Attree, artist. Author photo: Ashley Leone, Lens Be Real Studios.
Michelle Lerner Bundle: A Series of Opinionated Animals + Ring Prepare to Laugh. Prepare to Cry. Prepare to Care.
When a frantic call sends Harvard-trained lawyer Michelle Lerner to rescue a neurologically impaired squirrel, it is only the beginning. Her household becomes home to Monster, the squirrel with an operatic voice; Lamby, a disabled sheep who demands blue corn chips and herds cats; Shire, an injured police horse whose courage helps inspire Lerner’s animal-law work; and a sprawling cast of rescue dogs, cats, chickens, and other unforgettable creatures. Warm, wickedly funny, and deeply moving, A Series of Opinionated Animals is a memoir about grief, family, resilience, justice, and the astonishing relationships that grow between species—and how the lives we change often change us even more.
MEMOIR HIGHLIGHTSInside the Pages
Unforgettable Characters
True stories of eccentrics like Monster the operatic squirrel, Lamby the cat-herding sheep, and Shire the injured police horse.
The Legal Frontier
A firsthand look at pioneering animal-law initiatives, drafting legislation, and co-founding Harvard Law’s Student Animal Legal Defense Fund.
Advocacy in Action
Behind-the-scenes realities of grassroots rescue work and establishing a community no-kill haven.
Resilience & Bond
A touching exploration of navigating personal illness, grief, and family through transformative interspecies relationships.
Format
6 × 9" Hardcover (Jacketed)
ON-SALE DATE
October 7, 2026
Publisher
Bancroft Press
Distributor
SCB Distributors
Description
Both of Michelle Lerner's Bancroft Press books together, at a special price.
- A Series of Opinionated Animals (hardcover) – Michelle's new memoir of the animals who became the best storytellers of her life.
- Ring (paperback) – her novel, longlisted for the Aspen Words Literary Prize and given a starred review by Booklist.
$46.90 when bought separately. Bundle price: $35.00.
Author biography
Michelle Lerner is a former public interest attorney, animal law pioneer, and author. A magna cum laude graduate of Harvard Law School, she co-founded its Student Animal Legal Defense Fund, and successfully lobbied for Harvard’s first animal law class. She later drafted municipal and state legislation, co-chaired the New Jersey State Bar Association’s Animal Law Committee, and founded a local rescue that achieved no-kill status for the animals it took in. After a disabling illness, she turned to writing stories. Her critically acclaimed debut novel, Ring, was published in 2025. It was longlisted for the prestigious Aspen Words Literary Prize.
“Often hilarious, occasionally heartbreaking, and always compassionate.”
— Sy Montgomery, NYT Bestseller“Warm, witty, and delightfully told... A must-read.”
— Gwen Cooper, NYT Bestseller“An absolutely charming book!”
— Quinn Cummings, Oscar-nominated Actress“Fiercely intelligent, uniquely funny, and emotionally exacting.”
— Kristen Stilt, Harvard Animal Law“A joyful read with powerful ethical implications.”
— Gene Baur, Farm Sanctuary“You’ll love this sweet, funny, heartfelt book.”
— Laurie Zaleski, Funny Farm Rescue“A delightful romp... told with wit and charm.”
— Joyce Tischler, Animal Legal Defense Fund“A love letter to the humanity of all animals.”
— Katherine A. Sherbrooke, Author“A joyful and touching ode to family.”
— Cameron Harsh, World Animal Protection“A hilarious, thought-provoking, and utterly unique memoir.”
— Midwest Book Review“Wickedly funny... smart, soulful, and unique.”
— Jeanne Winer, Author“Tales rich in pathos and comedy alike.”
— John Sanbonmatsu, Professor, Worcester Polytechnic Institute