This copy was kindly given to me by Netgalley and the publisher for review. All opinions are my own.

what a fun book! This is a topic that I have been interested in for a while and I felt this book gave a pretty solid starting point to start my journey into finding a spirit animal. Each animal has its own small exploration which I thought made it less overwhelming to a beginner. I will definitely revisit in the future when I have more to deep dive

Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

This guide is really good and helpful (even tho I still don't know how to do this myself but that's my own fault and not the authors). The book is very easy to follow with a lot of pictures and illustrations and just an overall very nice layout. As someone who has learned graphic design the layout of the book is very easy on the eye and very nice and simple and colourful. As an animal lover it has a lot of good information how to get about Spirit Animals and how to connect and meditate and it's just overall a very nice guide.

Ever since I was young, I was fascinated by the movie ‘Brother Bear’. I still think it’s such a unique concept and am still very intrigued by the way it portrays connections with (spirit) animals. When I saw this directory/guide I was immediately drawn to it.

First of all, this book is gorgeous! The illustrations are stunning and very helpful.
It gives you a whole different way of viewing animals, going through life and feeling very grateful to the world around us.

I found that the beautiful writing is what kept me going on top of the intrigue.
The book is filled with helpful journal prompts, possible meditations, tips on how to connect more and offers guidance through this new world in general. It’s truly a book that is very relaxing to read.

Read this book with an open mind and you will learn how to connect more with your inner world, the world around you, how to interpret everything, a helpful overview of most of the animals and what they stand for and how to integrate everything you just learned into your life (if you want to).

I do have one sidenote: this seems to not be based on science. It is based on experience through life. If you are looking for a book that is heavily supported by science, this one is not for you. There are portions of the book that may come across scientific, but they are most definitely not. However, the writer did not mean for this book to be scientific. They meant to share a different perspective on animals and present a guide to those who wish to explore this perspective. And thus, my conclusion is the writer succeeds in what she does.

Do I stand by everything that is written here? No, but it was so much fun to explore the (spiritual) animal world in such a new to me way!
Definitely picking up a physical copy of this book for myself.

This book is definitely not for everyone. You must be open to different views/perspectives to get something out of this book.
I would recommend this to anyone who is fascinated by animals, the possibilities of them and just to anyone willing to open themselves up to new perspectives.

Thanks to NetGalley, Chartwell Books and Dawn Baumann Brunke for granting me the opportunity to read this ARC and getting a wonderful new way of looking at animals in the process of reading this book!

I loved the animal guide information in this book. Dam Baumann Brunke chose a great variety of land, air and sea creatures to represent various archetypes and energies. Many of the creatures she chose I haven't seen in other animal guide books or oracle decks. There are a variety of meditations that were simple to follow and would allow you to try and connect with the animal that spoke to you. I enjoyed the book.
***I did want to mention that the term "spirit animal" is controversial and associated with specific cultures so I do try and avoid that phrase, instead saying animal guide or allies.

Although beautiful and with a nice style at the beginning, I quickly lost interest in it. The first chapters lacked charm to me, and when I started to read about the animals I found the style good at first, but then it started to feel mechanic, lacking passion. It was more like a reference with no emotions. I also found it bothersome that the author didn't mention where those interpretations were coming from; I can understand she includes a bibliography, but why exactly that specific interpretation to that specific animal? A quick mention of a myth or legend would have been enough.

Good for those wanting to work with a number of different animals and want to get a feel for them. Get some sort of exercise you could do as well that is connected to spirit animals in one way or another.

The Spirit Animal Directory shows and explains different ways of communicating spiritually with 100 different animals. It is a welcome addition to more detailed and sometimes cumbersome books on meanings of spirit animals. The meditation techniques detailed in opening to animal guides and helpers are solid and well explained. Modern shamans can use this guide in connecting more deeply with animal spirits.

Another great book in this new series from Quarto Publishing. Full instruction is provided to get you well on your way to working with your Animal spirit guide. Southern Hemisphere animals are included. This is perfect for all aspiring Shamans.

*eArc provided by the publisher and NetGalley

This guidebook is a perfect entry point for anyone interested in spirit animals! The tone is welcoming and encouraging, allowing both beginners and more seasoned people to feel comfortable learning and practicing the meditations and exercises. I really like the layout, which is clear, concise, and well written. In general, this is a wonderful directory that people will find themselves reaching for over and over again!

The book itself, layout, photos and illustrations are gorgeous.
I also enjoyed the different techniques in the beginning, but it's not more or less detailed than other books about spirit animals.
To have truly stood out, it would have needed more detail about each animal or something else special.

Thanks netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

I found this book to be very fascinating. When I first got it I expected it to be solely about animals and their meaning. Well it did have that but it also had so much more.
It was an interactive guide featuring step by step meditations you can practice to help you commune with and learn from your spirit animals. It also had a great section teaching you how to recognize spirit animals in your dreams that I found extremely helpful. I also liked that the section of the book with the spirit animals and their meanings was categorized by type making the book very easy to navigate and find exactly what you are looking for.
My only complaint is that I wanted it to go into a little more detail for each of the animals. Otherwise, this is a great starting point for anyone looking to learn.

This title was very informative and beautifully presented. It did not, however, provide a quiz or other "instant" indication of my particular spirit animal. In that respect, I'm still a bit unsure as to how to determine my animal. But, for those who know their animals, it was an information read about what a large variety of animals mean.

I guess the biggest thing about this book is that it is beautiful. The photos and layout are just gorgeous. Did it fill the need I had for it? Not really. Maybe it was just me though looking around at other reviews.

Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review.

This is a excellent guide for both beginners and experienced . I loved that the author presents the material in a logical way that anyone can relate to. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinion is my own.
The author has included large and small animals and even reptiles. She refers to the symbolism of each animal and what that spirit animal says to you. She includes lessons and guidance to understand your own spirit animal and how to incorporate them into your life.

I enjoyed reading this book and will use it as a guide . I highly recommend this book for all who are interested in pursuing knowledge of their own spirit animals.

I have been practicing Shamanic techniques for many years, Animal lessons and guidance have always been in the forefront in many cases. I wish I would have had this remarkable guide when I first started my journey a long time ago. This book by Ms Brunke has so much healing, and positive journeys in it that I am in awe. For those who are just interested in what animals mean when they appear in our lives this book will give you safe and known animal meanings. If you are interested in really moving forward into the animal realm then this book will guide you then also. It is chock full of sequential exercises and rituals. Many Ive seen before or done but there are also a lot of practical exercises that I learned from reading that I am going to try out soon. I love getting outside and doing this kind of activity but it can also be done from the safety and sanctuary of your own home or looking out the window. My favorite activity was the walk in Nature. However I learned some very interesting ways to look at that walk and record it in a new way. This book is more than excellent. It is one of a kind .

This is a concept I am really interested in, but I am not too familiar with it. I love the idea of spirit animals, and I think I have several myself. After reading lots of African literature, I have gotten more and more interested in this subject. When I saw this book I knew I wanted to read it.

The book is filled with information regarding spirit animals in general and also about a whole bunch of different animals. I found the information both intriguing and useful, and now i long for more information. There are lots of meditative exercises I have not tried yet. If you're even a little interested in this subject, I would advise you to take a look at this book!

A fantastic guide, I’ve done a meditation for my animal guide in the past, but years ago and was so happy to be able to read and review this book. It’s really well presented, welcoming and inviting the reader in, the tone is encouraging and invites any level of person in, those experienced in meditation and spiritualism, but also those taking there first steps into spirit guides, meditation and finding who you are or want to be. This guide is beautiful, full of great illustrations and photos, steps, helpful hints and meditation guides. It’s just perfect, I will be using this again and again, not just a book you read once and don’t return to. This is a manual you’ll need in your life.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

I always wanted to find out about my spirt animal so I was dead excited when I got to read this book. This is book I will keep coming back to and I will read one section at a time more than once because there’s a lot of information and I want to find how which animal is my spiritual guide. I think it’s lovely how there are lots of pictures in the book and it talks about lucid dreaming and what happens if you feel wake when your dreaming. Then talks about the different spirit animals and how to maintain relationship with them. I find this book very useful. Thank you NetGalley for letting me read this book.