Monthly Book Review: Sassy Mama’s Best May Reads!

Check out our favourite May reads with a purrfect emphasis on our furry friends in this month’s book review!

The first week of May was “Be Kind to Animals Week” and so the books on this month’s list are dedicated to animal appreciation. Children, in general, love animals and are fascinated with them and through their reading, they can learn compassion and respect for all life and become responsible carers for every creature great and small. Hope you like this month’s May reads!

Written by Kirby-Lee Dingwall
Illustrated by Henry Petrides

This delightful book follows Albert Acorn and his twin sisters as they go on a day trip with their parents and grandfather to the woods, have a picnic and learn a bit about birdwatching.  The illustrations are unique and colourful and will attract your child to the tale itself while the story is both funny and educational and will give your child an appreciation for the great outdoors.

Find it: Available online at Albert Acorn Adventures for $180.

Written by Tami Crupi Zeman & Bruce Zeman Jr
Illustrated by Shaunna Peterson

Many children want a pet and many parents at one point or another will endure the constant begging for one. However, what families should know is that buying a pet from a pet shop is not always the best option and supporting local animal shelters can be a better way to adopt a furry friend. In this heartwarming story, Hobbes the Dachshund is rescued from an abusive home into a shelter and dreams of his forever home with his new mummy. A touching story with beautiful illustrations.

Find it: Available online at Amazon for $178.

Written by National Geographic Learning

Compiled by National Geographic, these true stories of animal behaviour will not only delight your child but also engage them in exploring feelings, both their own and others, human and animal.  This book is a great tool for generating a discussion with your child about traits like compassion and your children will love the glimpse into the real animal kingdom.

Find it: Available online at Amazon for $70.

Written and illustrated by Ruby Roth

Many families when sitting down to their dinner of steak or roast chicken don’t consider where their meat comes from, but today’s meat industry is often a far cry from previous generations of farming.  That’s Why We Don’t Eat Animals artfully contrasts the lives of wild animals to factory-farmed animals and helps educate families on the plight of modern-day industrialised farming. The book is beautifully illustrated and manages to convey the message of animal cruelty without disturbing children. A brave book that’s worth the read.

Find it: Available online at Amazon for $95.

Written by Wendy Henrichs
Illustrated by John Butler

Circuses are less common these days than they have been in the past, probably due to the increasing awareness of animal protection and well-being. Yet many well-meaning people will visit elephant parks or ride elephants while on holidays.  And yet these dignified creatures are one of the most intelligent, social and empathetic animals around, according to Scientific American.

In this story, your child will get to meet one of them, Anju, a carefree young elephant who is subsequently stolen and sold to a circus. Follow Anju as she searches for her happiness again. A touching story with gorgeous illustrations that will fascinate and captivate your child.

Find it: Available online at Amazon for $113.