Category: animals

Author: Palmer Brown
Publisher: The New York Review Children’s Collection
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-1-59017-627-6
Pages: 56
Price: $14.95

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Hickory lives with his siblings, Dickory and Dock, in the foot of clock. Living in the farm house is warm and safe, especially once he discovers how to disable mousetraps. But as he grows up, he becomes curious about the outside world, and one day he makes the choice to move to the field.

His family is supportive of his decision to strike out into the world, but once he arrives there, Hickory discovers he’s lonely. A grasshopper named Hope saves him from a cat, and the two become best friends. But, although mice can survive through winter, grasshoppers can’t, and the days soon grow colder.

Hickory is a delightful tale of friendship, in the tradition of Charlotte’s Web. Illustrations are in the old style of colorized pen and ink. The sad ending is a reminder to not take our loved ones for granted, and to enjoy every moment we have with them. I highly recommend this charming book.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Mary Packard
Illustrator: Lisa McCue
Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-1-4027-7230-6
Pages: 24
Price: $7.95

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Little Raccoon has some nice things, and she keeps them to herself. When she is out collecting flowers, she makes sure she gets plenty, and she never shares. But one day as she gathers berries, she overhears her friends talking while she hides in the bushes, making sure to keep her basket to herself. They are having a party, and everyone will bring something.

Little Raccoon goes home and tells her mother, who suggests she should bring berry muffins to the party. When Little Raccoon arrives, her friends are thrilled to see her, and happy with the muffins. And they in turn offer her some of their own goodies. Little Raccoon now understands that sometimes it’s nice to share with her friends because it makes them happy, and they will share back.

It would be easy to turn this cute story into something preachy, but author Mary Packard has skillfully avoided this pitfall. Instead she shows kids the benefits of sharing, while the refusal to share only leads to feeling lonely and left out. Lisa McCue’s illustrations are bright and cheerful, and the animals are adorable. This feel-good story will be a hit with kids, while teaching them a valuable lesson.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Rena Cherry Brown
Illustrator: Mikaila Maidment
Publisher: Schiffer Books
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-7643-4155-7
Pages: 48
Price: $16.99

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Lee’s mother is trapped in a fishing net while he’s still small, and suddenly he’s an orphan. When a rescue boat comes through, they bring him to the aquarium, where he meets other otters. But life in the aquarium is no fun when a bully named Brody steals all the food and attention.

One night an earthquake strikes, and all the otters are dumped in the bay. Lee is the only one who knows how to survive, and he tells them what to do until help arrives. But Brody has other ideas, and soon finds himself in trouble. Now, Lee needs to make some decisions. Does he help Brody? And does he return to the aquarium?

Otter Lee Brave is a cute story focusing on several difficult issues, through the eyes of this young otter. He faces the loss of his mother, the meanness of a bully, and an earthquake, which all challenge him to deal with these problems as best he can. But it’s his bravery that saves them all, and earns him the respect of a female otter that befriends him at the end.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Jennifer Keats Curtis
Publisher: Sylvan Dell Publishing
Genre: Children / Animals
ISBN: 978-1-60718-6236
Pages: 32
Price: $9.95

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What happens to wild animals when they are no longer wild? Sometimes people keep exotic pets until they get too big, and then they need to find a new home for them. Other animals become injured and no longer able to fend for themselves. These animals can be cared for in animal sanctuaries.

Animal Helpers: Sanctuaries is a photographic journey to some of the sanctuaries providing homes for wild animals in the United States. Sharing some of the animals’ stories, it explains how they came to be living there and what kind of care they are receiving. Animals need food, shelter, veterinary care, and even mental stimulation and enrichment, and all of these are offered to them in the sanctuaries.

In a perfect world, all wild animals would roam freely, with no need of sanctuaries. But these safe havens give some animals a second chance at life, even though they won’t be living in their natural habitat. This interesting and informative book explains the importance of sanctuaries in caring for wild animals who can no longer return to the wild.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author:  Jennifer Keats Curtis
Illustrator: Laura Jacques
Publisher: Schiffer Books
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-7643-4246-2
Pages: 32
Price: $16.99

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Two boys are tossing around a football when a baby squirrel suddenly appears. After looking around, they discover his sibling, as well as their damaged nest – and a very worried mother! Acting quickly, they safeguard the babies and wait for mom to rescue them. All is well when the three are snug in their nest once again.

Baby animals are adorable, and it’s natural to want to cuddle them and take them home as pets, but wildlife really does need to stay wild. Safe handling techniques are presented, as well as the smart decision to return these babies to their mother.

Christina Clark, a wildlife rehabilitator, assisted to ensure the accuracy of information presented, and the author is donating a portion of the royalties from the sale of this book to Chris’ Squirrels and More. The story is beautifully illustrated with a great message. I highly recommend Squirrel Rescue.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Robert L. Forbes
Illustrator: Ronald Searle
Publisher: Overlook Duckworth
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-1-59020-808-3
Pages: 80
Price: $19.95

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What happens when animals fall in love? Beast Friends Forever shows us, in humorous rhyme and whimsical illustrations.

Babette the Skunk has created a French perfume to mask females’ skunky scent. Poor Lancelot the Ocelot is in love with Gwenny, but she’s already married to King Art. Squig the Pig is too cool for the ladies who drool over his portly body. And Dapper Dan may not know how to foxtrot, but he sure knows how to make the rest of the moves! These, along with many others, playfully describe the antics of beasts in love.

Beast Friends Forever is a unique and fun Valentine’s Day book, sure to make your loved one smile.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Adam Kramer
Illustrator: David Kramer
Publisher: Schiffer Books
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-7643-41564
Pages: 40
Price: $16.99

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Ho, hum. Birthday presents have become so boring and mundane. Until a boy receives a mysterious membership in the monkey of the month club. Then the house is turned upside down. But the club assumes no responsibility for any of the damages these primates may cause.

A chimpanzee arrives immediately that loves to clean. Thirty days later, an ape comes to redecorate. As each month passes, a new monkey shows up with its own talents and desires. And soon his mother can’t take any more of the chaos.

I won’t spoil the surprise, but the last scene is laugh out loud funny. Monkey of the Month is a sure-fire hit with all kids. Amusing and well illustrated, this book will be read over and over again with glee.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Kosa Ely
Illustrator: Anna Johansson
Publisher: Insight Kids / Mandala Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-60887-115-5
Pages: 32
Price: $16.99

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A hunter once stalked the forests of India. This man not only hunted for food, but also for the joy of killing. One day, the kind Sage discovered an injured fawn. After hearing its sad story, he journeyed on to find other injured animals, all shot with the hunter’s bow. Finally, he tracked down the hunter for an explanation of his actions.

A deep and meaningful conversation ensues, and the hunter repents of his evil deeds. Peace is restored to the forest, and the animals can roam safely once again.

The Peaceable Forest is a beautifully illustrated fairy tale that teaches the value of all creation. Written for children, it inspires them to be kind to animals. And in learning kindness to our animal companions, they may also learn kindness to each other and the whole human race.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author & Illustrator: Eva M. Sakmar-Sullivan
Publisher: Schiffer Books
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-7643-4144-1
Pages: 40
Price: $16.99

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Itsy-Bitsy Boy Frog wants to find a friend. He goes to the lake, but he doesn’t find any frogs. Instead, a strange looking creature offers to be his friend. Itsy-Bitsy Boy Frog decides he won’t be friends with any “silly looking things” and walks away. Each day this same thing happens – Itsy-Bitsy Boy Frog goes to the lake, and the silly looking thing offers to play with him.

Finally Itsy-Bitsy Bog Frog stops going to the lake, and his parents ask why. When he shares the reason, they explain that he is not being kind. When he realizes how hurtful his actions have been, he goes to the lake to apologize, but he can’t find the silly looking thing. Instead, he finds a young frog.

Itsy-Bitsy Boy Frog has just discovered the life cycle of frogs, from tadpole to adult, as will children reading this story. Along with a science lesson, it also provides a reminder to treat everyone with respect, no matter how different they look. Told in a non-preaching manner with great illustrations, The Silly Looking Thing will appeal to young readers. I highly recommend it.

Reviewer: Alice Berger