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My first impression of this book was that it seemed slightly morbid for a children’s book, however as I began to think about it there really is no easy way to explain to children why it is that we don’t eat animals. Although this book is slightly morbid for children it depicts accurate images of life for animals on factory farms, in the sea or in the rainforest in a way that children will understand. I think that the graphics are amazing in this book and that they are the closest thing to real photos of factory farms without actually having to show children such graphic pictures.
This book starts by introducing the idea that we are all Earthlings and explains what a Vegetarian and a Vegan is. The book is set up in a way that starts with the most familiar animals to the least familiar to children. The first section is about pets which is a great place to start because pets are the animals that children have the most exposure to whether in their own house or at friends/families. Following pets are farm animals from birds to pigs and cows. These pages explain what life is like for the animals when they are free to roam on their own and how life is dramatically different for farm animals when they are placed in factory farms. The last sections of the book are dedicated to ocean and rainforest life. Both of the animals and other living organisms are the least familiar to the average child that would be reading this book (at least in North America).
One of my favorite features of this book is the very last page that list ideas on what you can do to make a difference and learn more. I think that this was a great addition to the book as it gives children and parents ideas on what else to do after the book is done. I also have to add that this book is not only a great tool for teaching your kids why they are vegetarian or vegan but also to teach adults and others why it is important not to eat meat.
Overall this is a must have book for any vegetarian or vegan bookshelf.
