Book Review

That's Why We Don't Eat Animals

By Ruby Roth
Review by Cathe Olson

I'm so glad somebody finally wrote a children's book that comes right out and says why vegetarians don't eat animals and why factory farming is wrong. While there are many picture books about turkeys who don't want to become Thanksgiving dinner or pigs who want to avoid the ax (which are good too), this is the first book I've seen for kids that talks about the animals' right to live with their families and follow their natural instincts.

Article continues below

That's Why We Don't Eat Animals is chock full of interesting animal facts that will appeal to any kid—like the fact that turkeys blush and chicks coo to each other before they are even hatched. The book gives a short picture of how the animals interact naturally so the reader can see that animals are not much different from pets or even themselves. Then the book tells how the animals live in factory farms and how they are locked in indoor cages and separated from their families. There are illustrations such as chickens crammed in a small cage, but they are sensitively done and appropriate for young children. There is no mention of the really gruesome practices like debeaking, etc. that might be too disturbing for children. While the book might be a tad long for preschool-age children, it is easily broken down and a parent could read about one or two animals at a time. My eight and ten year old daughters enjoyed the book and have been talking about it a lot. This is a great book for kids and would be a wonderful addition to school and public libraries as well.

Get your copy of That's Why We Don't Eat Animals.

Cathe Olson is the author of the new nondairy ice cream cookbook: Lick It! Cream Dreamy Vegan Ice Cream Your Mouth Will Love, as well as Simply Natural Baby Food and The Vegetarian Mother's Cookbook. Visit Cathe's website at www.simplynaturalbooks.com and her blog at http://catheolson.blogspot.com.

Sponsors: