Animals Books

I've got a couple dozen vegan-oriented books and this is one of the best. Succinct, cogent, smart, well-researched. A lot of books don't give enough hard facts or go deeply enough into their information. This one does both. Particularly great guidance for activists--which I consider any ethical vegan to be just by virtue of being 'the vegan in the room.'

I almost didn't read this book, and I am SO glad that I did! This is a great book for all those eager to make an impact on animal welfare. This book provides strong arguments for taking an active interest in animal welfare, especially the meat industry which lies at the root of an overwhelming majority of the animal suffering in this world. All arguments are supported with well documented facts. Most importantly, Meat Market inspires innovative ideas and directs readers to important resources for turning thoughts and beliefs into action. From evaluating leafleting and writing letters to editors to working with school lunch programs, Erik Marcus provides information about how to take action through many unexpected venues and careers.

I highly recommend this book as an innovative guide to activism!

Liked it. Not as ground breaking as Marcus' previous work on "Vegan the new ethics of eating", but worth reading.

"Just as slavery was once America's most pressing human rights violation, there can be no doubt that the effort to eliminate cruelty to animals should focus on agriculture. Animal agriculture accounts for more than 97 percent of animals killed by humans in the United States. Farmed animals therefore deserve priority, and arguments made on their behalf should not be weakened by lumping in rhetoric pertaining to hunting, medical research, or companion animals."

So argues Erik Marcus with impeccable logic in Meat Market: Animals, Ethics & Money. This concise, well-researched, and thoughtful book is divided into four sections:

Animal Agriculture -- The first part of the book covers some very familiar ground but does so succinctly and with the occasionally provocative perspective of someone who is willing to prioritize in an honest, objective way. This is no angry screed with unjustifiable or exaggerated claims. (In fact, the entire book embodies an admonishment against such counterproductive approaches.) Marcus is almost detached in his delivery thus making his presentation even more powerful.

Dismantlement -- The heart of the book covers Marcus' vision for how an activist's time, energy and money could best be spent. I won't go into detail here but this is great stuff.

Activist Essays -- I felt these were largely a waste of space and time. Perhaps other readers could find something useful or inspiring here but I did not.

Appendices -- The best appendices you will ever read in any book. Seriously. Marcus separated these essays from the main text in order not to distract from his message but there is some terrific stuff here especially Appendix B where he provides a rational counterargument to the popular beef production water use claims.

Some additional quotes from the book which I hope are provocative enough to arouse your interest:

Organic dairies and free-range egg farms never seem to volunteer the fact that they rely on killing every bit as much as their factory farm counterparts...

While suffering will always be part of animal agriculture, some of the worst cruelties can be removed at little cost. The industry could, if it chose, quickly enact the following five steps...

For many years to come, most of the dismantlement movement's efforts should be directed toward outreach. But it would be silly to neglect other attractive opportunities for action. Even with our current minimal resources, we can begin stripping away three of animal agriculture's most important assets...

[Militant activist Josh] Harper...explain[ed] why he believes that both outreach and property destruction should be used to protect animals. According to Harper, the animals benefit if the meat industry is forced to defend itself on as many fronts as possible--a coalition of militants and mainstream outreach activists would stretch the industry's resources and double its vulnerabilities. Harper's assertion seems reasonable, but a closer look reveals a flaw in its logic...

Overall, there have probably been thousands of instances in which animal testing helped diminish human suffering...

Unfortunately, the truth about water use is on the beef industry's side...

Outstanding book! Highly recommended.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Meat Market, not only as a refresher course on animal treatment and common farming practices, but also because I and others around me have recently engaged in discussions related to activism approaches and how to appeal to other people's nonviolent inclinations regarding their decision on what to eat. I agree with Marcus that the most prevailing concern with regard to use of animals is an ethical one and that animal protection advocates would be wise to focus their efforts and attention on eliminating an industry that kills billions per year. Due to Marcus's invaluable perspective, pensive mind, and incessant quest for facts, I believe that this book will give rise to many new ideas and collaboration within the animal rights movement. I cannot foresee any negatives of reading Meat Market, taking the information into consideration, and working towards becoming a millionaire just as Marcus; even causing others to choose not to kill one thousand animals will bring about a much-needed paradigm shift in our culture.

(As an aside, I saw mentioned that Marcus supports or believes that animal testing is justified in certain circumstances. I do not know if, outside of Meat Market, Marcus has suggested or stated the same; however, this is the location on Amazon for Meat Market book reviews. Marcus does not intimate in Meat Market any personal support for animal testing. He merely states that there probably have been instances wherein animal testing helped diminish human suffering, which is not a statement in favor or against vivisection.)

This is the best is the best animal book for children that I have ever found. The photographs are excellent. Each animal is pictured individually so there is no confusion as to which animal is which. I highly recommend this book.

This is one of our favorite books. Our 15 month old daughter loves to look at all the animals on each page. We also have the trucks, trains, and rescue books. All of the Priddy books are very well put together and entertaining.

In this one, there's a page for baby animals (always popular), one for farm animals (great for talking about going to Grandpa's house), one for zoo animals, and many others. The wonderful thing about these books is that there are bright colors and clear photographs of the objects/animals with labels for parents in case we don't know that a baby goose is a gosling.

I love this book! I purchased it for my friend who was looking for a book of animals that had actual pictures, not art. It's perfect. The realization of the book is awesome.

I got this book for my 15 month old grandchild and it is her favorite book. Every page has several animal photos and she wants to "read" it again and again and make all the noises!

I really only got this book as an 'extra' purchase, to qualify for free shipping. However it has become an unexpected hit with my 16 month old who can now identify most of the animals from the pictures, and she will ask for this book over and over and over again.
The book includes some rather obscure animals, which probably wouldn't be on my 'introductory list' of animals for a young child. My list would probably run "lion, tiger, bear, cat, dog" (which are also included)... rather than the "gosling, chinchilla, parakeet, egret and kookaburra" which you'll also find in this book. My husband and I have both learned a few new animals as well!
All in all and great buy that keeps my daughter entertained for hours.

Reviewed by Anne Marie Medema (age 12) for Reader Views (7/08)

Mary O'Hara is an excellent author because she ties in real things that happen into a fictional family. The breeds of horses O'Hara writes about are real and it is obvious she is educated in each horse's individual characteristics. O'Hara writes using authentic western language terms. In "My Friend Flicka" the story comes alive to the reader as O'Hara writes with much description about the farm, the horses and life out West. O'Hara weaves into her story punishment and reward in real times -- the reward of a boy's joy when he finally receives his filly.

Can you tame a wild heart? The cover states it well. This question explains "My Friend Flicka" to the reader. It is a book about taming both a young boy and a horse. The storyline begins with Ken on a horse ride. While riding, Ken loses many different horse articles. Ken's father had been an army officer and thus raised Ken with firmness and strictness. He demanded respect. Ken has always been dreaming of a horse of his own.

Due to poor grades in school and a missed assignment about horses Ken must repeat a grade in school. His father requires Ken to complete an hour of homework a day throughout the entire summer. Ken's brother gets him in trouble by asking many questions that Ken must answer and tell the truth.

One day Ken scares his father's horses towards a landslide. One horse cuts the other horses off so none of them fall off and are saved. Ken's mother encourages his father to give his son a horse. Ken's father finally gives him a chance to care for a colt or filly. Ken chooses a colt that is a yearling. Since there are many yearlings to choose from, Ken anxiously awaits to make a choice.

The doctor arrives at their farm because four horses need to be gelded. Gelded means the horse can not reproduce and is done to the stallions. The procedure was so horrible and so much blood lost that one of the horses dies due to the gelding. The colts act sad after the gelding. Ken is greatly disturbed by it. This incident means Ken will choose a filly for his horse.

Rocket is a wild horse who has a filly named Flicka. Ken sees Flicka and falls in love with her and wants her. Flicka is caught for Ken. One day Flicka falls sick. After she is sick, Ken finds Flicka in a river lying down ill on a cold night. By the morning, Ken is sick and Flicka's fever is gone. Ken's father wants to kill Flicka but decides against it. Flicka turns into a well-bred horse and a companion for Ken. Flicka and Ken grow up together and learn life lessons from each other.

"My Friend Flicka" by Mary O'Hara is a great book I would recommend for young and old alike. Boys and girls who have a love for ranches, horses and the outdoors would particularly enjoy the storyline. I have read many books in my life time and I rank this one as one of the best. Break-in a book called "My Friend Flicka" and gallop away from the world.

I have to give this book 5 stars. Mary O'Hara wrote an incredibly beautiful story about a struggling family. Many of the details of the story are so true to life. As an adult reading this story, I found the details about the parents to be more interesting than the story of the horse and the boy. O'Hara really understands the concerns of a parent for a struggling child and it's very true to life in the book. Many important issues are touched upon in this book too; responsibility for our domestic animals, love for people and animals, doing our duty in our every day life are all there with out being mushy and sentimental. O'hara also paints a vivid picture of Wyoming and old-time ranch life. It makes me wish it was still like that, so I could visit it. This is another great book for a read aloud family time.

Although he made his audio book debut just two readings ago, stage, screen and television actor Michael Louis Wells is in full command of the metier with his narration of the classic My Friend Flicka. Many will remember the story as a film with Roddy McDowall, as a TV series or as a current film. Wells is on a par with all of the actors who have undertaken bringing this touching tale to life. The reason for the story's many incarnations is obvious - it is one of our best-loved books and well deserves its place among others that are enjoyed from generation to generation, such as Treasure Island and Mutiny on the Bounty.

Pivotal to O'Hara's story is Ken and his seeming laissez faire attitude. Where his mind is his father, Rob, certainly doesn't know. He's a young boy who would much rather just look out a window than study his arithmetic. He should have studied because his report card is so poor that he's doomed to repeat a grade. Rob undoubtedly wonders whether he'll even catch on the second time around.

Their home is Wyoming's Goose Bar Ranch and Rob is working hard to make a go of it. He doesn't need a son who seems given to daydreams. Then, along comes Flicka, a beautiful chestnut filly, with a wild streak inherited from her sire. Ken is certain he can tame Flicka, and so begins the unforgettable relationship between a boy and his horse.

O'Hara wrote a follow-up to her story, Thunderhead, but it never achieved the popularity of My Friend Flicka, a timeless story to be enjoyed over and over again.

- Gail Cooke

This is a very good book. My granddaughter really enjoyed it.

I am in the middle of lstening to this book. Its detailed descriptions of ranch life and horses are quite compelling. But what surprised me was the absolutely accurate description of a boy with ADD. This book was written some two decades before attention deficit disorder gained anyone's attention, but O'Hara's descriptions of Ken's behavior are absolutely consistent.

And then O'Hara answers the question of what to do about the condition: give the kid something he really wants to do and stand back. Of course, it helps that Ken has two wise and good-hearted parents; but then, maybe that is the start to solving most problems that children have.

A fine book on many levels, and a fine companion on the road for adult and child.

What a great book! I don't think it could have been written any better! I wish Pride's career didn't have to end, but it all worked out. I almost cried at the end, thinking that there was no more racing Pride to look foreward to. Pride did have an amazing career, and it came together in one amazing book!

Pride runs in the Breeder's Cup Classic and beats Lord Ainsley, Brad Townsend's horse. Just about to begin his racing season as a 5-year old, Pride almost dies because of complications from colic and is retired.

Will Pride have another great year? Wonders Pride has had the greatest year of his life. He has been winning big steak races all over the country. But deadly illiness are wating. First, Ashleigh Griffen and Mike Reesse, owner of Whitebrook Farm get married but not everything turns out right. Wonder has had her second foal, Townsend Princess. But on Ashleigh and Mikes wedding party, Charlie Burke, head trainer at Whitebrook Farm, who has helped Ashleigh and Samantha Mclean train Ashleighs Wonder, one of Townsend Acres best horses in her racing days and now a great broodmare. Wonders Pride, Wonders first foal. Pride has had a great racing career soo far, but can he keep it up?, Fleet Goddess, Ashleighs special mare. Won many stake races in her racing days. Everyone is devistated about Charlie's chances. If it wasnt for him, Ashleigh would have never been a great jockey and the first female to win the Kentucky Derby and Preakness. But Charlies death leads to more terrible things. Second Mr.Townsend wants Pride to be put as a stallion, but Ashleigh and Samantha convince him not to but Pride comes down with colic. A terrible disease that kills more horses than any other disease. Pride is rushed to the clinic where the doctor say Pride might not last the night. But Samantha wants Pride to live more than anything. So Samantha sleeps in Prides stall all night to keep him company and help him if he needs it. But when samantha wakes she scared, she wasnt with Pride. Read this book to find out if Pride made it or not. U can find me at Blades60@aol.com

Im soo happy Pride didnt die and Im also glad he wont be over raced no more and lives at Whitebrook. Pride is a great horse. How he wins and tries his hardest in his races and fights through the colic. He is one of Wonders best offsprings I know. He really has Wonders heart to win and please the ones he loves. I kinda wish he would still race but this will be best 4 him after he had a great racing career.[...]

This is a truly rare book in children's fiction; a well-written equestrian adventure that takes you into the fast-paced world of horse racing. There are parts of this book that will move you to tears, others will have you cheering on the edge your seat - even if that seat is an armchair. Unfortunately, Harper Collins has decided to end the series abruptly after #72. With such a dedicated following and online fan base with members from all over the world, this is a classic and beloved series that has inspired many people and provided horse fans with vicarious thrills and adventure. Ashleigh saved Wonder, now it's up to you to help save Thoroughbred. Go to www.whitebrookfarm.com and join the effort.

My family is very fond of all of Julia Donaldson's books, but The Snail and the Whale is our very favorite. Axel Sheffler's illustrations are whimsical (My son has noticed that most of the insects he draws have noses)and beautiful. I am especially fond of its rhyming, making it a delight to read. Most of all, I love the messages it contains. One of which is that the world is vast and wonderful and we should get out and experience it. Also, it stresses the importance of helping one another, and being kind to our environment. A big nod goes out to The Snail and the Whale and its creators for giving us a book which is not only wonderful to look at and read, but has a valuable message. Thanks!

This is one of those books that I could read every night and not get sick of. In fact, over the past three years I HAVE read it every night for weeks at a time and still love the flow of the text.

My favorite lines include, "And she gazed at the sky, the sea, the land, The waves and the caves and the golden sand. She gazed and gazed, amazed by it all, And she said to the whale, 'I feel so small.'" The word "small" is in a smaller font than the rest of the text and is so appropriate for the two page spread that includes the tiny snail (barely visible) amidst a scene of snowy mountains, forests, bears, bald eagles, the sea.

Perfect for teaching the concept that it doesn't matter how big or small you are, you ARE important and CAN be successful. As the snail sets off on his mission (I won't spoil it), the text reads "'I must not fail,' said the tiny snail." GREAT lesson!

Can you tell that we love this book?!?!?

I read 3 books every night to my almost-4 year old daughter (I love to read and share this love with her) and this is one of our very favorites. It is beautifully written, marvelously illustrated and just so very sweet. My husband loves to read it too. A book for children that makes even parents dream about travelling adventures on the back of the whale! Most highly recommended.

My 27 month old son and I really enjoy Julia Donaldson's books and this book is among our favorites. It was the first of her books that we read and we liked it so much that we thought to purchase her other books without looking at other reviews and we have not been disappointed. She is a great children's book author and knows how to keep her stories interesting and just the right length for their attention span(I started this book with my son when he was under two and instead of reading the printed text which would be too long for a two year old, I described each page since the illustrations tell the story themselves-I was able to keep his interest by adding a little bit of detail each time we read it.) The illustrations are wonderful and I feel like my son got exposed to the great vastness of this world by simply going on an adventure with the snail and the whale:-)

The story of a snail that wants to see the world and the whale that gives her a ride. Very nice story and the rhymes and the cadence make it fun to read out loud.

Our family loves these books. We originially came across them at the library and purchased this one to have in our collection. The illustrations are so beautifully done, I would highly recommend purchasing the full-sized hardback books. The smaller paperback book collections just don't seem to be as much fun to read.

When my first born turned one (almost 12 years ago), a friend gave this to her for a birthday present. Over the years, and with the addition of our second child, this book continues to be in our top 3 books. We still pull it out to read -- it's never far away!

I now "pass it forward" and buy it as a gift for baby/young children presents.

This sweet book is one of my four-year-olds favorites, and mine too. I enjoy reading it to her as much as she enjoys hearing it. The illustrations say as much or more than the words. It's a great story for validating the child who loves home and the one who loves to "visit".

I have become a HUGE fan of every Toot and Puddle book available and want to collect them all. I've found they have a wide age appeal, from 2 years on up to....well, I'm 28. Such clever adventures and experiences are depicted in each book and the illustrations could be the artwork in my child's room. In fact, I'd buy the prints if they were available. Great book!

This adventure with Toot and Puddle is one of my all-time favorites. It is an adorable story about two friends, one who loves to travel the world and the other who loves just staying at home in Woodcock Pocket, USA. The postcards that Toot sends Puddle from his world travels are cute and humorous! The illustrations in this book are incredible. This is a book that adults and children alike will enjoy together. I never get tired of reading this one over and over. It is a book my children will keep and pass on to their children!!

This immediately became my daughter's favorite book. We read it everyday if not more than once a day. She love's it! Beautiful illustrations with a reassuring story for little ones.

I thought these were strange at first, but after more readings I love them. Some days it is fun to think that we can take a trip to the Bunny Planet! Their small size is fun for kids too. Even my 6 1/2 year old likes them -- in fact, they are best for kids 3 and up, I think.

I ordered this set of books for my girls, ages 4 and 5, last month. We had checked them out of our local library many times, so I knew they would like them. They absolutely love them! My 5 year old knows the words to "First Tomato" by heart, and I just love watching her "read" it. At first I was a little disappointed by the size, but actually the girls like them sized down so they can hold them better. The stories are absolutely beautiful, and they're the only books in poem form that my kids really enjoy. I think these stories teach kids that even when you're having a bad day where everything goes wrong, you can get through it by imagining yourself at a better place and time--a lesson that's good for adults as well!

I agree with the positive reviews above. I just want to add a note on genre. At the start of each book, when everything is going wrong for a young bunny, the story is in regular prose. For the second half of each book, when the bunny is transported to a land of peace and perfection, Wells converts to beautiful rhymed verse. While the content of the books might be best for 4-8 year olds, the poetry is so nice that any adult would find it a good read. The transition poem in the middle of each book uses a weak rhyme with "Janet," but beyond that, the latter halves of these three books belong in the children's lit Hall of Fame!

My daughter (3) and I love this book. We turn to it whenever our spirits need a lift. In fact, the other day she told her father that HE needed a trip to the Bunny Planet after he had reprimanded her. I am purchasing a set for my daughter's preschool library so that her schoolmates will also have the chance to go to the Bunny Planet and see "the day that should have been". Get the book and start a tradition.

This is an awesome potty book. It explains the mechanics of potty use, but in the eyes of a child. It is straight to the point, has beautiful illustrations, and encourages proper potty use. This book does a great job of encouraging a child to use the potty.

I loved "Where's the Poop?" In fact, my 40 year old son laughed the entire time he read it to our granddaughter of 17 months. Great idea of Markes and Hartung to write a book about common-everyday movements. The book teaches that every single living thing poops---Excellent excellent! Thank you and good luck to you both on future books to read in the "library." teehee

My 18 month old daughter loves this book. It's a big part of our "pre potty training" reading. She likes the flaps (though has torn a couple off) and definitely "gets it". It hasn't seemed to make her all that more interested in using her potty, but I think it's pretty good for our purposes. I do adjust the words a bit - I say "yes, that's right. Tigers poop and pee on the ground and bury it". If you were having issues with your child pooping in the potty (as I've read many do as part of this process) it makes sense to read the book as is. But for our pre-training purposes I wanted to include the pee part. I'd also recommend the Potty Book for Girls for anyone who's in the pre training process.

Great book! My son has had this book for months and reads it every time he goes on the potty. He loves lifting the flaps, and "reading" the book. Definitely worth the money!

I was having a hard time getting my son to poop in the potty. This book was a hit! We were able to get him to use the potty on a regular basis just like the little boy in the book.

I have previously reviewd this book. I gave it along with handmade scarves and mittens to little ones for Christmas.

My daughter is in Kindergarten and this book is a fun way to associate letters and words starting with each letter of the alphabet. It also has a great storyline and my daughter likes me to read the story and for her to "read" the letter pages.

Both my son (2) and I love this book. It's kind of like Bugs Bunny cartoons that kids enjoy but parents find amusing too. I highly recommend and am getting 3 for gifts this Christmas

I loved "Bad Kitty". One reason is it teaches children who are about to go to kindergarten their alphabet in a most creative and humorous way. Not only can they learn their letters but they can learn to read in a funny way. The pictures depict the words perfectly. Adults such as old granny women can enjoy the humor in these books. And, you know we are the ones who frequently read these books to children.

I am a 21 year old college student currently studying to be an elementary school teacher. I found this book and started reading through it and was actually laughing out loud! This book is absolutely hilarious and definitely entertaining. In the classroom this book would surely be a hit! I recommend it whole-heartedly! :)

A "must read" for any boy who craves adventure stories. No elves or dragons or monsters - just a real picture of life of a small boy on the Indiana frontier. If you enjoyed the Little House on the Prairie books you'll love this.

This is such a good book to share with modern Hoosier children. It gives them a taste of what life was like for some of the early pioneer children living in Indiana. I have read this book to my fouth grade classes for years, and they always love it.

The Bears of Blue River is a book I can heartily recommend parents to buy and read to their children. This book, about the many pioneer outdoors experiences of young Balser in the 1820's, is a great way to introduce youngsters to life in a simpler, yet challenging time. My children are captivated as they hang on every word of Balser's bear hunting exploits in the forests of the then-young State of Indiana. My Mother, who is 91 years of age, purchased the book for my young son, and wrote in the forward "Your Grandpa Wayne liked these stories when he was a boy". Eighty-five years later, his 12 year old and 4 year old grandsons are equally enthusiastic. Don't miss this one for your sons!

What a great book! My husband enjoyed the book when he was a boy. We shared it with our children. They loved it,too! Great adventures.

In 1953 I started first-grade in southern Indiana. My teacher, Pearl Monroe, read Charles Major's 1900 Bears of Blue River to us. She, also, read it to my father in a one-room school house. It was my favorite book. There was one sad part in the book where Mrs. Monroe always cried. She would have an older student finish the chapter. In about 1980, I read it to my kindergarten age son. I also cried when the Polly died in an explosion that killed the dreaded Fire Bear. About five years ago, in a used book store in Colorado. I read it to my father who was in his 80's. Together we enjoyed the memories it brought back. This year I started teaching fourth-grade at the Odessa Christian School here in Odessa, TX - having just retired after 21 years with the pubilc schools. I just finished reading this marvelous adventure story to my class. They all acclaimed that it was the best book they ever heard read. I highly recommend this book and the sequel, Uncle Tom Andy Bill. Donald Potter