While I think what PETA fights for is wonderful, it is no secret that at times their methods are a little over the top. Then that the president wrote a book for kids made me a little nervous. But once I started reading it I realized that it might be more appropriate for kids than I thought. There are 50 ideas of how to be nicer to animals. Each chapter gives some quotes, facts, situations, and then things you can do. It encourages your child to notice and realize what you pet and other animals may be thinking when they play, when they are hungry, or when they are sad, to watch wild animals from afar and allow them to continue with their lives undisturbed.

There is discussion on animal testing, not too much detail is put on what they do (though there is a little) most of the discussion is on using products that do not test. Kids are also made aware of the dangers to animals if you litter, how to do science fair projects with out using animals, not to wear fur, to adopt from shelters, and ways to make your yard friendly to nature. Focus is shared with all types of animals from chickens to bugs to deer to whales to well you get the point.

Now here comes what parents will need to decide if these are the actions or ideas they want their children reading about. There is discussion on being vegetarian, calling and/or writing companies that test on animals or sell fur, and to set up tables about animal rights among others. Also included are some facts and descriptions about animal abuse or how many animals die due to human actions. Because to this I would encourage the parent reading the book first before placing it in their child’s hands just to make sure that they agree with the actions discussed.

As you get further into the book though it feels that there is some stretching to reach 50 ideas. Many are very similar touching on disrespecting animals, vegetarianism, and making clothes, songs, and poems about animals. But there are also some really good things included. At the end there are vegan recipes, other books that could be read, companies that are friendly to animals, and phone numbers to call if there are hurt animals in the wild. Ultimately this book has a good purpose behind it, some good ideas, and some great encouragement to take care of our animal friends; but on the other hand some of the suggestions may be a little more active in public than parents may want depending on the age of their child. A for the ideas of thinking like an animal and ways to help out nature at home. D for the age inappropriate ideas throughout.

-Pandora has been a writer for Shakefire.com since 2002.

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