That's Why We Don't Eat Animals: A Book About Vegans, Vegetarians, and All Living Things

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That's Why We Don't Eat Animals: A Book About Vegans, Vegetarians, and All Living Things

by Ruby Roth

3.90 · rating details · 101 ratings · 27 reviews

That’s Why We Don’t Eat Animals uses colorful artwork and lively text to introduce vegetarianism and veganism to early readers (ages six to ten). Written and illustrated by Ruby Roth, the book features an endearing animal cast of pigs, turkeys, cows, quail, turtles, and dolphins. These creatures are shown in both their natural state—rooting around, bonding, nuzzling, c...more

Hardcover, 48 pages

Published May 26th 2009 by North Atlantic Books

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That's Why We Don't Eat Animals by Ruby Roth

Vegetarian & Vegan Friendly Books for Kids

2nd out of 65 books — 13 voters

Vegan with a Vengeance by Isa Chandra Moskowitz

books for Vegans, Vegetarians, and those interested in Animal Rights

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May 23, 2011

Robert Beveridge rated it

Shelves: 2011-goal-list, search-ohio, i-am-reading-this-to-make-fun-of-it, finished

Ruby Roth, That's Why We Don't Eat Animals (North Atlantic Books, 2009)

I've commented in other reviews in the past on some of the sociopolitical assumptions made by a number of vegan and vegetarian writers, and how such stances may be unwise. When an author is writing for adults, that's an annoying gaffe most of the time. When writing for kids, it becomes something more, because you've gone outside the realm of preaching to the choir and entered the realm of propaganda. There is a sc...moreRuby Roth, That's Why We Don't Eat Animals (North Atlantic Books, 2009)

I've commented in other reviews in the past on some of the sociopolitical assumptions made by a number of vegan and vegetarian writers, and how such stances may be unwise. When an author is writing for adults, that's an annoying gaffe most of the time. When writing for kids, it becomes something more, because you've gone outside the realm of preaching to the choir and entered the realm of propaganda. There is a school of thought that simply presenting options and letting kids make their own choices isn't nearly enough—that we should in essence, teach them what to think. I do understand this sort of belief was standard until ~50 years ago. That makes it no less offensive today. Ruby Roth's book is loaded with it; in fact, I'd say it's the main thrust of the book.

Interestingly, though, there's a but of sleight-of-hand to be found here (and if Roth didn't catch that herself, that would be telling in the extreme, though I wouldn't presume to speculate on that one way or the other); while the title of the book would seem to indicate a general raison d'etre-style overview for vegetarianism/veganism, the text has a much more particular agenda: anti-factory-farms. And don't get me wrong, I am completely down with the idea that factory farms should, to use an appropriate cliché, go the way of the great auk. I also suspect that kids who haven't been completely brainwashed might ask the same question I've been wondering about for a few years: if we shouldn't eat the animals raised on factory farms, how about the animals raised on more responsible farms? What's wrong with eating those? In dialogue with a vegan, you can at least hope for an answer to that question. When reading a book, short of emailing the author, you can't, unless the answer is presented in the text. Here, it is not, which could lead to a few embarrassing silences during storytime.

One other note: In an “other things you can do” section in the back of the book, Roth also recommends vegetarian pet food. I would strongly suggest consulting your vet (two or three would be better) before embarking on such a plan, especially with animals who are traditionally carnivores.

I'm sure there's a good intro-to-vegetarianism book out there for the juvenile set. I haven't found it yet, and of those I've tried, this is the worst of the lot. Recommended only for those who prefer brainwashing their kids to, you know, allowing them to think. (zero)
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Jun 27, 2011

Stephanie Petruso rated it

Shelves: animals, vegetarian

This book has a definite agenda, so it's not for everyone, but that agenda is pretty clear from the title. Many other reviewers seem to be concerned that it doesn't give a balanced view, but we seldom teach our children balanced views on morality...we teach them what we believe, what we want them to believe, and then hope that they share our beliefs as they grow older. I'm sure this book will fit that bill for many vegetarian and vegan parents. It's honest without being too graphic. I'm not ...more

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May 13, 2011

Maicie rated it

Shelves: finished-in-2011

I’m not a vegetarian nor a vegan so I don’t completely understand the passion they have against eating meat. Like a vegetarian, though, I hate factory farming and cruelty to animals. I like the idea of this easy picture book; teaching our children the importance of treating animals with respect.

But yowza, I felt the author was a little extreme. The picture of the ducks crammed in rows of cages with feces dripping onto the ducks below was gross. Worse were the open sores on the ducks’...more

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May 16, 2010

Erin added it

Shelves: non-fiction, picture-book, mid-elementary

I really appreciate the idea behind this book, but I found the execution lacking. Roth describes the environmental effects of factory farming and encourages people to give up eating meat. I do feel that Roth presents a biased view of this issue. She heavily anthropomorphizes the animals she talks about, and simplifies many concepts to the point of meaninglessness. After reading this, I am almost left with the impression that all the world’s problems will just disappear if I stop eating meat. ...more

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Mar 05, 2010

Andrew rated it

Many of the folks here who have written negative comments about this book have basically missed the point. This is a children's book that confirms to kids where their food actually comes from. It's not an adult book pressing the issue of "why we shouldn't "use" animals, but rather aimed at children who may have already come across the issue of whether animals should be eaten. If a child is exposed to this book, they probably already have vegan or vegetarian parent or relative,...moreMany of the folks here who have written negative comments about this book have basically missed the point. This is a children's book that confirms to kids where their food actually comes from. It's not an adult book pressing the issue of "why we shouldn't "use" animals, but rather aimed at children who may have already come across the issue of whether animals should be eaten. If a child is exposed to this book, they probably already have vegan or vegetarian parent or relative, or well meaning friend.

This book is probably the first childrens' book to discuss the emotional lives of animals and gives kids a look at where the food on their plates actually come from, and that the animals that may be offered up to them as food were sentient beings that have animal feelings. The author never claimed that animals have "human" feelings.

For people who have commented that it is fiction and merely propaganda, I would suggest to you that it is anti-propoganda. The propaganda is what we see on television and billboards that make children and adults lose their conscience and forget about the fact that the lump of meat on their plate used to actually walk and run and experience pleasure and pain, contentedness, and yes, even sorrow, along with other emotions that animals routinely exhibit.

On the goodreads group discussion, Chris criticizes the book for not addressing pets as property. Clearly, that's a different book. Then he says that "the problem isn't factory farms". Well, if factory farms ceased to exist, so would a great deal of "the problem". Yes, there is an emphasis on the dreariness and hopelessness of factory farms. This has never before been tackled in a children's book, yet it is something children can comprehend, a fact that the author has confirmed firsthand in her teaching experience. Chris sees "a pattern" in that the book repeatedly shows various animals being raised on factory farms. Why is that a problem for you, Chris? Don't you want kids to know that this is where most meat comes from? He goes on to criticize the author for not addressing dairy farms and for omitting "what happens to boy calfs (sic)". That would be "calves", Chris, and there is only so much room in a children's picture book. As to the ocean, Chris says, "Not much to say there". To quote you, Chris, "ORLY?"

Never before has a children's book addressed the issues Ruby Roth's book covers. Vegans should be praising the author as well as the publisher for the bold release of this beautifully illustrated book (Chris and Lindsay at least recognize and acknowledge the great illustrations).

Contrary to Chris' opinion, Ms. Roth clearly possesses a thorough understanding of why we don't eat animals, which message was her purpose to convey. Why we don't use them is a different book. Perhaps Chris can write that one.

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Oct 06, 2009

Allison rated it

Shelves: nonfiction, food

To start off with, I'm not a vegetarian by any means, but I was intrigued by this title, since I don't see many books about vegetarianism or veganism come across the desk at the library. Plus the art is unusual.

The illustrations are unique and expressive, and while some reviewers seemed put off by the odd appearance of the animals, I felt the style worked fairly well with the writing.

What bothers me about this book is the simplified dualistic view it takes of farming. I...moreTo start off with, I'm not a vegetarian by any means, but I was intrigued by this title, since I don't see many books about vegetarianism or veganism come across the desk at the library. Plus the art is unusual.

The illustrations are unique and expressive, and while some reviewers seemed put off by the odd appearance of the animals, I felt the style worked fairly well with the writing.

What bothers me about this book is the simplified dualistic view it takes of farming. I believe children (and parents!) are capable of understanding that there are more options than eating animals raised on Evil Factory Farms and not eating animals At All. Moreover, since the author is taking an environmental approach to justifying vegetarianism, it ought to be mentioned in the text that in industrial farming both livestock AND crops contribute to pollution and the destruction of natural habitats, etc. And yes, it is suggested on the back page to look for foods that are "sustainably grown", but when a chief point of the book is the harm inflicted on the planet due to farming, the other factors (such as toxins in pesticides and fertilizer) should be more prominently taken into account.

Of course, you may argue, there's limited space in a children's book such as this, and the complexities of the industrial farming issue would go over most kids' heads. It's still wrong to ignore them. But then again, this book is written by and for vegetarians and vegans, so it's not in the author's interests to talk about alternatives such as locally-grown livestock, grass-fed beef, free-range eggs, and other such farmer's market fare. This, IMO, makes for a very limited view of the issue, and therefore can't be the be-all-end-all reason why the readers don't eat animals. This book is a good place to start, and I'm glad that there are children's books talking about the impact of farming and the quality of life of those animals raised as livestock, but I fervently hope that this title serves as a platform for further and nuanced discussion with children, instead of an oversimplified explanation. (less)

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Jul 02, 2009

Tasha rated it

Shelves: nonfiction

A friendly introduction to veganism and vegetarianism for elementary-age children, this book focuses more on the evils of factory farming than eating animals. This slant makes it more appropriate for the young audience. The animals are portrayed as whimsical characters. The pigs have huge nostrils, the chickens stay round as an egg, and the cows are lanky with long-lashed eyes. Animals are shown in family groups, demonstrating what their natural lives would be like. This is contrasted with ...more

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Apr 06, 2010

Christiane rated it

Shelves: childrens-non-fiction

If you’re not a vegetarian or vegan then drawings of super-cute farm animals languishing behind bars is guaranteed to make you regret that ham and cheese sandwich. The text is no better: "But factory-farm ducks and geese are caged behind bars and force-fed to make them fat. The skies above them are endless, but these birds will never fly." Like most didactic books this will be embraced by the folks who already agree with it, and shunned by those who don't want to explain factory-fa...more

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Aug 31, 2009

Karen rated it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jun 22, 2009

Lisa Vegan rated it

Recommends it for: children 8-12, and younger kids if from vegan families or if interested in veganism

Recommended to Lisa by: Ginny Messina

Shelves: animal-rights, childrens, vegan, vegetarian, picture-books, non-fiction, reviewed, nature

Make no mistake about it: This is not a storybook; this is an educational non-fiction picture book for children. It is a picture book but it’s definitely not designed for preschoolers, but probably for those 8-12 who can read it on their own, or having it be presented in a group setting, either participating in the reading or having it read to them.

The facts are about how factory farmed animals lived compared to how they’d live in the wild and also about how what we eat affects the h...more

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Oct 12, 2011

Leanne rated it

Shelves: animals

The illustrations are a little bizarre, but the book's message is as clear as day. It is clearly intended for children, because most adults are so brainwashed by our carnist society that they are no longer able to grasp the fact that depriving other creatures of life, liberty, and bodily integrity is wrong and unnecessary. Some people claim that the book is biased, but as others have noted, morals have to be biased. No one goes through life without any convictions about what is right and what...more

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Jul 26, 2009

Ginny Messina rated it

Shelves: kidlit, animal-rights, picture-books

If I were rating this based just on how much I liked it, I’d give it four stars. I’m bumping that up to five stars because of how important I think this book is and because I'm grateful to Ruby Roth for writing it.

I had a few misgivings about That’s Why We Don’t Eat Animals because I couldn’t really identify the reading level and figure out if it was appropriate for the intended audience. I think of picture books as being for preschoolers and young school-aged kids and I thought th...more

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Nov 05, 2009

Sarah rated it

Shelves: children-s-books, j-non-fiction

I like this book, sort of. The book explains some of the reasons that people are vegetarian or vegan, including inhumane treatment of animals, the importance of valuing animals as fellow inhabitants of the earth, preserving the earth's beauty, and so on. What it doesn't do is demonstrate the complexity of some vegitarians or vegan's beliefs, or include religious reasons. The illustrations are nice, but some are a little creepy. There are discussion questions, but no references to other resources...more

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Sep 20, 2009

Molly rated it

Shelves: picture-books

I am raising my son as a vegetarian, and he is very interested in the topic. This is especially true since we are the only vegetarians he knows. I had hoped this would reinforce my explanations of why we chose to live as we do. I am well aware that factory farming and animal exploitation are under reported, so I can see the importance of this topic in children's books. I guess, maybe, I was just jarred by the juxtaposition of cute, child friendly illustrations and the more mature narrative.

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Feb 09, 2010

Tamara Evans rated it

Shelves: nonfiction, health-weight-loss, vegetarian-vegan

This is a great book for adults and children alike to learn about vegatarians, vegans and animal welfare. By contrasting animals in their natural habitats with animals held in factory farms, Ruby Roth's words and illustrations helps reaffirm the message that we are all earthlings and we are all sharing this planet together.I really liked that the book ends with giving the reader ideas for learning more about vegtarianism and veganism.

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Sep 17, 2011

Alice rated it

Shelves: 2, middle, reader, elementary, school, vegetarianism, veganism, cruelty, to, animals

6. Personal Response: I am a vegan, and I brought this book into my classroom to help educate students on why I made this dietary choice. Most students had never considered how animals were killed for them to eat.[return]7. Connections: This would be useful in a unit on environmental studies, animal rights studies, or a unit on food in America.

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Aug 21, 2011

Linda rated it

Shelves: food, childrens-new-vintage

this is a truly gorgeous and inspiring book. It is primarily for children but a book we can all love, the illustrations are GORGEOUS a lovely book for everyone to own, especially for young children to understand why we teach them to love animals but at the same they have them on their plates and they need to know that, it shouldn't be kept from them

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Dec 29, 2009

Peacegal rated it

Shelves: humane-education

The juxtaposition of cute, abstract-art animals with more mature text can be jarring, but I think it helps soften the blow for readers. This is an intelligent book for adults and mature, thoughtful children. This would be an excellent addition to the library of a vegetarian family.

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Nov 06, 2009

Holly rated it

Shelves: animals, grades-2-5, nonfiction, picture-books, vegetarian-propaganda

This book hits just the right note for sharing this sensitive subject with children. Factory farming is horrific, and this book helps make kids aware of that reality without traumatizing them with too much information. I wish every kid (and every adult) would read this.

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Jun 09, 2009

Amber Anderson rated it

Shelves: animal-advocacy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ii9VFHfKx...

This book is wonderful. I love the artwork of the animals and how Ruby Roth was able to illustrate such an array of emotion in their faces.

The pictures aren't terribly graphic, they didn't seem to upset Anevey. The words are powerful, reasonable, and truthful without being scary.

The book is separated into sections such as pets, pigs, cows, chickens, turkeys, quail, fish, rainforest, and endangered species. The author ...more

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Sep 19, 2010

Erika rated it

Shelves: childrens-ya, tree-hugging-dirt-worshipping

Ummmmm. This might have been a little too much for me. I appreciated the idea of the book, and for that I'm bumping it up a star, but it was very black and white. I would probably still use it but only with a good discussion after the fact.

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Aug 05, 2009

Zack rated it

Shelves: j-non-fiction

While the illustrations are beautifully done, the book breaks the non-fiction rules of applying emotion and pushing opinion rather than fact.

A good resource for vegetarian families, but it can be a bit heavy handed.

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Jun 29, 2009

Mamie rated it

Love the concept of a children's book on vegetarianism and the pictures are great, but I don't think it's the most age-appropriate format.

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Apr 28, 2010

Liesa rated it

Aram selected this book from the library. I am sorry to say it was not my style. It was too much even for me.

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Jan 16, 2011

Marcy added it

It has been a couple of months since I've read this book. I am still debating how I feel about it.

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May 29, 2011

Mary rated it

A nice explanation as to why some people choose to not eat animal products.

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Feb 22, 2011

Sophie rated it

Shelves: picture-books, children-s-books, not-owned, veganism

A picture book intended for children, explaining why we don't eat animals. The art isn't perfect - the colours are a bit too dark in my opinion, but that's a matter of personal taste, I think.

The text, however, is great - the descriptions of how the animals in question - chickens, turkeys, pigs, cows, fish - usually live are juxtaposed with the descriptions of their sad and horrible reality. I found it very upsetting, but sadly that is the nature of the topic. But the text stays with ...more

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Feb 04, 2012

Alexa Reed marked it as to-read

Jan 29, 2012

Tiffani marked it as to-read

Jan 07, 2012

Danielle Morgan marked it as to-read

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