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That's Why We Don't Eat Animals: A Book About Vegans, Vegetarians, and All Living Things
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, cuddling, grooming one another, and charming each other with their family instincts and rituals—and in the terrible conditions of the factory farm. The book also describes the negative effects eating meat has on the environment. A separate section entitled “What Else Can We Do?” suggests ways children can learn more about the vegetarian and vegan lifestyles, such “Celebrate Thanksgiving with a vegan feast” or “Buy clothes, shoes, belts, and bags that are not made from leather or other animal skins or fur.” This compassionate, informative book offers both an entertaining read and a resource to inspire parents and children to talk about a timely, increasingly important subject.
That's Why We Don't Eat Animals official
That's Why We Don't Eat Animals official
48 pages, Hardcover
First published May 26, 2009
4 people are currently reading
873 people want to read
About the author
Ruby Roth
10 books78 followersFeatured on CNN, FOX, Today, and other major media outlets, Ruby Roth is an artist and the world's leading author and illustrator of vegan and vegetarian books for children.
Vegan since 2003, Roth was teaching art at an elementary school when her students' fascination with her eating habits inspired her to write That’s Why We Don’t Eat Animals in 2009—the first book of its kind in children's literature. Vegan Is Love and V Is for Vegan. Today, Roth's books have been translated into multiple languages including German, Italian, Korean, French, Polish, Finnish, and Slovenian.
Complementing her degrees in art and American Studies, Roth has researched animal agriculture, health, nutrition, and the benefits of a plant-based diet for over a decade.
Vegan since 2003, Roth was teaching art at an elementary school when her students' fascination with her eating habits inspired her to write That’s Why We Don’t Eat Animals in 2009—the first book of its kind in children's literature. Vegan Is Love and V Is for Vegan. Today, Roth's books have been translated into multiple languages including German, Italian, Korean, French, Polish, Finnish, and Slovenian.
Complementing her degrees in art and American Studies, Roth has researched animal agriculture, health, nutrition, and the benefits of a plant-based diet for over a decade.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
March 6, 2010
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, 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.
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.
July 26, 2009
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 the text here was much too mature for that age group. A friend who is a former fourth grade teacher assured me that older kids read these books, too. My friend didn’t like this book (she hated the illustrations) but thought the reading level was okay. Her pre-teen granddaughter, who lives in a vegetarian family and is well on her way to being vegan, liked the book.
Apparently some reviewers have criticized Roth’s “unsubtle” illustrations portraying animals as cute and friendly in the wild but dirty and terrified on farms. Actually, I think Roth did a masterful job of portraying the “sad” conditions in which factory-farmed animals live, but in a way that was still appropriate for sensitive young children—ie, it didn’t come close to depicting how horrifying and inhumane conditions on today’s farms really are.
I had mixed feelings about the illustrations, especially the animals’ noses. The pigs’ noses look like electrical outlets! Overall, I thought the paintings were unique and interesting, though, and often appealing.
TWWDEA is intended for vegan families, of course. Every activist needs to petition local libraries to buy this book, though, with the hope that it will make its way into the hands and hearts of children in omnivore families, too.
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 the text here was much too mature for that age group. A friend who is a former fourth grade teacher assured me that older kids read these books, too. My friend didn’t like this book (she hated the illustrations) but thought the reading level was okay. Her pre-teen granddaughter, who lives in a vegetarian family and is well on her way to being vegan, liked the book.
Apparently some reviewers have criticized Roth’s “unsubtle” illustrations portraying animals as cute and friendly in the wild but dirty and terrified on farms. Actually, I think Roth did a masterful job of portraying the “sad” conditions in which factory-farmed animals live, but in a way that was still appropriate for sensitive young children—ie, it didn’t come close to depicting how horrifying and inhumane conditions on today’s farms really are.
I had mixed feelings about the illustrations, especially the animals’ noses. The pigs’ noses look like electrical outlets! Overall, I thought the paintings were unique and interesting, though, and often appealing.
TWWDEA is intended for vegan families, of course. Every activist needs to petition local libraries to buy this book, though, with the hope that it will make its way into the hands and hearts of children in omnivore families, too.
July 2, 2009
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 the misery they find on factory farms combined with the environmental toll as well. The book makes a sound, green argument for reducing animal consumption as well as eliminating factory farms.
This book deserves a place in most public libraries alongside all of those farm animal books. It offers another perspective that is missing from children’s sections in libraries. As adults learn that vegetarian and vegan diets are healthier for people as well as animals, parents will turn to libraries to help explain this to their children. It is a pleasure to find such a well-done book on the subject that provides information without the shocking images that would be too much for children.
Roth has done an admirable job of creating a book on a subject that could easily confuse and upset young readers. This book instead talks about nature, the importance of kindness, and gives children a way to make a difference right now. Her illustrations help to keep the subject from being too bleak with their cartoony feel.
Highly recommended for all public library collections, this book will be appreciated by vegetarians, vegans and others who are exploring their eating options. Appropriate for ages 8-12.
This book deserves a place in most public libraries alongside all of those farm animal books. It offers another perspective that is missing from children’s sections in libraries. As adults learn that vegetarian and vegan diets are healthier for people as well as animals, parents will turn to libraries to help explain this to their children. It is a pleasure to find such a well-done book on the subject that provides information without the shocking images that would be too much for children.
Roth has done an admirable job of creating a book on a subject that could easily confuse and upset young readers. This book instead talks about nature, the importance of kindness, and gives children a way to make a difference right now. Her illustrations help to keep the subject from being too bleak with their cartoony feel.
Highly recommended for all public library collections, this book will be appreciated by vegetarians, vegans and others who are exploring their eating options. Appropriate for ages 8-12.
May 23, 2011
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 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)
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)
June 22, 2009
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 health of the planet. So, it’s about both animals and the environment.
It’s not at all comprehensive with its information, but it makes excellent points and is educational for children and adults, especially those who do not already know the conditions on factory farms or the consequences to the ecosystem of humans’ use of animal products.
What’s interesting about the illustrations, which make up the bulk on every page, is that there were some pages I loved and thought were brilliantly done and there were some pages where I was not that fond of the illustrations. Overall, I thought that they were excellent, particularly because they truly fit the text and added immeasurably to the book.
I’m really glad that there is a book like this available as a teaching tool for young readers.
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 health of the planet. So, it’s about both animals and the environment.
It’s not at all comprehensive with its information, but it makes excellent points and is educational for children and adults, especially those who do not already know the conditions on factory farms or the consequences to the ecosystem of humans’ use of animal products.
What’s interesting about the illustrations, which make up the bulk on every page, is that there were some pages I loved and thought were brilliantly done and there were some pages where I was not that fond of the illustrations. Overall, I thought that they were excellent, particularly because they truly fit the text and added immeasurably to the book.
I’m really glad that there is a book like this available as a teaching tool for young readers.
June 28, 2011
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 sure how to share the truth about factory farming in a kid friendly way. As for the complaints below about anthropomorphization-talking about characteristics animals have that they happen to share with humans, such as love for their offspring, fear, or dislike of being dirty, does not anthropomorphize them. That's just describing their character. Making them talk, read, solve Algebra problems, or otherwise behave like humans in ways they naturally do not (like the Berenstain Bears, Babymouse, or The Cat in the Hat) would be anthropomorphizing.
May 13, 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’ bodies. This, in my opinion, is inappropriate for little children.
I also had a problem with the chicken section. The author writes, “a hen lays eggs that will one day be her babies.” That’s not exactly true. Only eggs fertilized by a rooster will turn into a chick. Hens lay eggs whether a rooster is around or not. I can see why someone wouldn’t want to eat a fertilized egg but an unfertilized egg is just chicken by-product. Again, this in only my opinion.
The author really lost me at the section called, “What Else Can We Do?” at the end of the book. Most of the suggestions are right on: Buy clothes….not made from animal skins and adopt pets from the pound rather than a breeder. But she also suggests, “Feed your pets vegetarian pet food.” Trying to force a carnivore into a vegetarian seems as cruel as caging animals. That suggestion is over the top. My cat agreed. He said the reason mice have 50 plus babies a year is because they are prey. He has a point.
I wouldn’t read this to a small child because it’s too much, too soon. But for older children it would open up some very interesting discussions.
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’ bodies. This, in my opinion, is inappropriate for little children.
I also had a problem with the chicken section. The author writes, “a hen lays eggs that will one day be her babies.” That’s not exactly true. Only eggs fertilized by a rooster will turn into a chick. Hens lay eggs whether a rooster is around or not. I can see why someone wouldn’t want to eat a fertilized egg but an unfertilized egg is just chicken by-product. Again, this in only my opinion.
The author really lost me at the section called, “What Else Can We Do?” at the end of the book. Most of the suggestions are right on: Buy clothes….not made from animal skins and adopt pets from the pound rather than a breeder. But she also suggests, “Feed your pets vegetarian pet food.” Trying to force a carnivore into a vegetarian seems as cruel as caging animals. That suggestion is over the top. My cat agreed. He said the reason mice have 50 plus babies a year is because they are prey. He has a point.
I wouldn’t read this to a small child because it’s too much, too soon. But for older children it would open up some very interesting discussions.
September 22, 2015
The text is useful, bringing the realities of factory farming to the attention of fairly young children, without alarming them. However, the artwork is less than effective. It's sometimes difficult to tell which animals are even being represented. The guidance at the end of the book includes the suggestion that you feed your pet vegetarian food--very dangerous advice for those who have cats, who would sicken on such a diet. Approach the book with some skepticism.
July 28, 2019
If you want to teach little kids the horrors of factory farms and how the meat industry destroys rainforests, this is the book for you. It's dark -- both in its words and in the artwork, which is probably intentionally dark to hide the gruesomeness described. I can’t imagine giving this as a gift for a parent or sharing it with a child.
Here's a typical entry (I share my life with five turkeys currently, one of whom recently broke her leg but we splinted it (and gave her pain meds and antibiotics) and now she's doing well again):
When a turkey dances, jumps, gobbles, and flaps its wings, others join in celebration. Turkeys also mourn together, sharing each other's sadness. They're so sensitive that they even blush. Their snoods change color depending on their mood.
When the moon rises, wild turkeys fly to treetops to roost for the night, gathering together beneath each other's wings. A factory-farm turkey will never get to use her wings at all. Turkeys raised for meat are fattened until they become too heavy to fly.
I recommend the author's "V Is for Vegan," which I found totally charming.
Here's a typical entry (I share my life with five turkeys currently, one of whom recently broke her leg but we splinted it (and gave her pain meds and antibiotics) and now she's doing well again):
When a turkey dances, jumps, gobbles, and flaps its wings, others join in celebration. Turkeys also mourn together, sharing each other's sadness. They're so sensitive that they even blush. Their snoods change color depending on their mood.
When the moon rises, wild turkeys fly to treetops to roost for the night, gathering together beneath each other's wings. A factory-farm turkey will never get to use her wings at all. Turkeys raised for meat are fattened until they become too heavy to fly.
I recommend the author's "V Is for Vegan," which I found totally charming.
April 6, 2010
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-farming to their 5 year old. This is a shame because the book could actually be a good starting point to talk about sustainable agriculture and cruelty free products. There is no middle ground here though; no mention, for example, that for people in third-world countries hunting, fishing, or clearing forests (as terrible as that is) may be the only way to support their families. And one piece of advice is definitely wrong: cats cannot be fed a vegetarian diet! http://www.vegsoc.org/info/catfood.html
June 9, 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ii9VFH...
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 thoroughly explains the attributes that make each species unique. These animals deserve their lives and they deserve our protection. That's the message we get.
At the end there are great suggestions for ways we can help animals (besides not eating them).
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 thoroughly explains the attributes that make each species unique. These animals deserve their lives and they deserve our protection. That's the message we get.
At the end there are great suggestions for ways we can help animals (besides not eating them).
January 24, 2023
I picked this for my grandchildren and I can’t wait to share it with them later this week. I was a little worried because I don’t want to haunt them with images but I also want to answer their questions on why most of our family is so passionate about veganism. I was hoping to find a gentle way of exploring this with them, without being too heavy handed as two of the four are vegans and the other two keep going back-and-forth. This is a very non-judgmental, but brilliant book with depictions of animals and their families that I think will help bring about thoughtful discussion between all of them.
February 20, 2017
Everyone who eats meat should read this. I Did
October 9, 2017
Tykkäsin kovasti. Tietokirjan tekstit on kivasti kirjoitettu ja kuvitus on ihana.
January 25, 2025
Reading this book immediately made me see the connection between factory farming and plantation life in slavery. Someone else, a farmer or plantation owner, controls other beings' bodies for profit. Whether human being or animal, the animal does not get to decide if he or she lives with and near their family. The plantation owner or farmer does. Both humans and animals do not get to exercise their basic instincts but must conform to the expected and acceptable behavior patterns expected by the farmer or plantation owner. Human and animal basic needs such as hygiene, are not considered important enough to be tended to and are ignored. Basic instinctual movements like running for humans, or flying, rooting, and pecking for animals are not allowed. The food selected for human and animal bodies is not what is best for them. In the case of cows, they are fed corn to fatten them up. This gives them gas, because their bodies are not designed to handle corn. Turkeys are fattened up until they fall over. The farmer or rancher prioritizes his profits over the common good by using up water resources and monetary subsidies. Fisherman, don't follow rules or are careless with their nets, killing ocean animals needlessly.
This book really hit home to me and made the case that factory farming is akin to slavery. I see why vegans and vegetarians are so passionate about their beliefs. This is a moral choice.
This book really hit home to me and made the case that factory farming is akin to slavery. I see why vegans and vegetarians are so passionate about their beliefs. This is a moral choice.
January 1, 2014
I think the author got distracted and forgot what this book was supposed to be about. Reading the book without looking at the cover, I would have assumed the title was something like, "Why you should eat sustainable amounts of responsibly farmed animal flesh." The book did a great job of making the anti-factory farm argument, but completely forgot to make the pro-veggie one.
The book's focus on factory farmed animals made it seem incomplete. As a non-vegetarian reading this book, the moral I came away with was, "As long as the animals you eat aren't from a factory farm, you're good." I know, it's intended for kids of vegetarians so it's assumed that many of the arguments against eating animals have already been made by the parents. But as an author, if you promise something in the title you really should deliver it. I kept waiting for the part where the author talks about not eating ANY animals, but it was all factory farms.
The book's focus on factory farmed animals made it seem incomplete. As a non-vegetarian reading this book, the moral I came away with was, "As long as the animals you eat aren't from a factory farm, you're good." I know, it's intended for kids of vegetarians so it's assumed that many of the arguments against eating animals have already been made by the parents. But as an author, if you promise something in the title you really should deliver it. I kept waiting for the part where the author talks about not eating ANY animals, but it was all factory farms.
October 12, 2011
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 is wrong. Kindness, compassion, and respect need no justification, whereas cruelty and indifference do.
February 22, 2011
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 you long after you've finished reading.
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 you long after you've finished reading.
January 5, 2013
preso in biblioteca
Premessa: io non sono vegetariana, ma vivo con un vegetariano e ho riflettuto parecchio su questo tipo di scelta alimentare.
Libro dedicato ai bambini, illustra, a mio avviso con un po' troppa retorica sentimentalista, le condizioni "normali" e "artificiali" in cui vivono gli animali che ci ritrovimo nei piatti.
Apprezzo le intenzioni del libro (tralaltro molto ben illustrato), ma non amo il tipo di retorica a cui accennavo sopra.
Di sicuro un buon punto di partenza per affrontare con i più piccoli il discorso delle scelte alimentari.
Premessa: io non sono vegetariana, ma vivo con un vegetariano e ho riflettuto parecchio su questo tipo di scelta alimentare.
Libro dedicato ai bambini, illustra, a mio avviso con un po' troppa retorica sentimentalista, le condizioni "normali" e "artificiali" in cui vivono gli animali che ci ritrovimo nei piatti.
Apprezzo le intenzioni del libro (tralaltro molto ben illustrato), ma non amo il tipo di retorica a cui accennavo sopra.
Di sicuro un buon punto di partenza per affrontare con i più piccoli il discorso delle scelte alimentari.
October 27, 2019
Aihe kiinnosti, mutta toteutus oksetti. Muutenkin meni yli, mutta kuppi kaatui kun eläimistä käytettiin sanaa "hän". Suomessa ollaan puhekielessä jo ihmisistäkin puhuessa käytännössä siirrytty "sen" käyttöön eikä se sovi kuin satukirjojen antropomorfisille eläimille. Ja ei tämä kyllä ole satukirja vaan pamfletti.
August 5, 2009
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.
A good resource for vegetarian families, but it can be a bit heavy handed.
December 29, 2009
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.
April 29, 2010
Aram selected this book from the library. I am sorry to say it was not my style. It was too much even for me.
July 31, 2012
Lovely.
November 21, 2012
This book is one of the worst I have ever read. I would not recommend it to anyone.
Read
November 1, 2015The very first book I read re veganism for children, the one that inspired me to write children's books.
October 29, 2012
Food for Thought
August 30, 2019
I’m always interested in books such as these for children.
I am a Vegetarian myself. I try my best to eat a Vegan diet as often as possible (I’m not great at asking other people to accommodate me and it’s still not a very common requirement), and I’ve met many children who either understand, or are curious about why.
This book is very clearly written by someone who is passionate about convincing others that Veganism (and Vegetarianism) is the right direction to go. I also think this, but my point is that you can easily tell. It is more of an answer to “why are you vegan?” rather than a story that allows children entirely free-thought.
It handles the heavy truth of our farming system and environmental impact well, with a clear message for children on morals and thinking about how your actions effect others. But I think it might be too heavy handed for say a Omni parent to deem appropriate, which I would need to consider as a teacher.
I am a Vegetarian myself. I try my best to eat a Vegan diet as often as possible (I’m not great at asking other people to accommodate me and it’s still not a very common requirement), and I’ve met many children who either understand, or are curious about why.
This book is very clearly written by someone who is passionate about convincing others that Veganism (and Vegetarianism) is the right direction to go. I also think this, but my point is that you can easily tell. It is more of an answer to “why are you vegan?” rather than a story that allows children entirely free-thought.
It handles the heavy truth of our farming system and environmental impact well, with a clear message for children on morals and thinking about how your actions effect others. But I think it might be too heavy handed for say a Omni parent to deem appropriate, which I would need to consider as a teacher.
January 6, 2020
As a pescatarian, I was curious how a picture book might package and "market" this lifestyle to children. Answer? By making them very, very sad.
This book, which definitely pushes a vegan agenda (rather than a mere vegetarian one), tells all about wonderful animals and why we don't eat them. The cow, pig, and chicken pages truly hit home with me, as they explain the reasons why I've chosen not to eat meat. That said, I'm not sure kids are emotionally equipped for all of this information in a culture where most people still eat meat.
The book does provide action items at the end, so that depressed readers will at least have something to DO after reading. But it may lead to kids getting upset and judgmental of peers who do eat meat; I'd be careful with how to read this, with which children, and in what context.
This book, which definitely pushes a vegan agenda (rather than a mere vegetarian one), tells all about wonderful animals and why we don't eat them. The cow, pig, and chicken pages truly hit home with me, as they explain the reasons why I've chosen not to eat meat. That said, I'm not sure kids are emotionally equipped for all of this information in a culture where most people still eat meat.
The book does provide action items at the end, so that depressed readers will at least have something to DO after reading. But it may lead to kids getting upset and judgmental of peers who do eat meat; I'd be careful with how to read this, with which children, and in what context.
August 7, 2024
É um livro que se destina a miúdos e graúdos, onde mostra a importância de não comermos animais. Com ilustrações lindíssimas, mostra de uma forma leve, a dura realidade que os animais vivem por causa do seu trágico fim, e sugere dicas sobre o que cada um de nós pode fazer para proteger os animais e mostra uma grande variedade de possibilidades de outros alimentos que podemos comer. Afinal de contas, quem ama os animais não os come.
It´s a book for kids and grown-ups, where shows the importance of not eating animals, and nothing that cause their suffer. With amazing ilustrations, show us in a lighty way, the hard reality animals live because their tragic end, and sugest us ways that each one of us can do to protect animals and show us a big variety of possibilities of other foods that we can eat. Well, in the end, who loves animals doesn´t it them.
It´s a book for kids and grown-ups, where shows the importance of not eating animals, and nothing that cause their suffer. With amazing ilustrations, show us in a lighty way, the hard reality animals live because their tragic end, and sugest us ways that each one of us can do to protect animals and show us a big variety of possibilities of other foods that we can eat. Well, in the end, who loves animals doesn´t it them.
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