Submitted by Ms. Tess!
Some kids don’t like to get books for a holiday gift. Like, this kid, for instance. But if the elementary school aged child in your life loves books, and loves animals, might I suggest checking out Can We Save the Tiger by Martin Jenkins, with illustrations by Vicky White. This is a beautiful book about endangered animals, featuring words that are accessible and kid-friendly, with sketches that are life-like, and gorgeous. Can We Save the Tiger is informative for folks of all ages, explaining simply how some species become threatened, and what we can do to help. It is somewhat ludicrous to me that the tiger could become extinct, but it is sadly a very real possibility. There may be a generation in the not-so-distant future that will never see one alive. Or a polar bear. Or even vultures and iguanas. You can see this book listed in our catalog, or you could consider giving it at a gift during this year’s festive season. You might pair it with a symbolic species adoption through the World Wildlife Fund. When you make a donation, you can receive a plush toy of your chosen animal, as well as a certificate. What a terrific way to make the little one (or grown ups) in your life more aware of conservation efforts! And for more ideas of fun ways to give good books for the holidays, check out my friend Pam Coughlan’s blog!
Tough Stuff
The Day Tiger Rose Said Goodbye
Submitted by Ms. Melissa!
Tiger Rose is a loved cat, one that has lived a long and full life. Now it is time for her to go, so she sets out to say goodbye to all that have loved her, and find a final place of rest. The Day Tiger Rose Said Goodbye by Jane Yolen is a sad story, but an important one. If you are having a hard time explaining the loss of a loved one, this book may be the instrument you need. Illustrated beautifully by Jim LaMarche, this tale will surely induce tears, but is told in a peaceful, natural way. See this book listed in our catalog
Owen & Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship
Submitted by Ms. Sue!
Owen & Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff, and Dr. Paula Kahumba is the incredible true story of a very unusual friendship between a baby hippo and a 130 year old giant tortoise. In December 2004 there was a tsunami in Southeast Asia, during which a very scared baby hippo was left stranded and all alone. After his rescue, he was placed in an enclosure where he quickly scrambled over to an old tortoise and adopted him as his mother. The tortoise was not sure of this baby hippo at first, but it wasn’t long before they became inseparable, and an unexpected friendship evolved. This is a very unusual friendship, and a true story about how animals can decide to be friends no matter how different they are. See this book listed in our catalog
Running with the Horses
Submitted by Ms. Allana!
Running with the Horses, written and illustrated by Australian author Alison Lester, is a wonderful book that tells the story of Nina and an old cab horse named Zelda, and takes place in Austria during the 2nd world war. The story is alive with excitement and danger as the terrible images of war loom closer and closer to home, and young Nina has to flee over the mountains with her father. They are attempting to rescue some Lipizzaner stallions from the riding school with the help of their friend Karl. The old cab horse grows weary and seems unlikely to be able to continue, but as the story unfolds, we see that she is vital to the rescue mission. Running with the Horses is a beautiful and inspirational story for readers of all ages. See this book listed in our catalog
Saving Audie
Submitted by Ms. Tess!
Saving Audie: A Pit Bull Puppy Gets a Second Chance by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent, with photos by William Muñoz, is the inspirational true story of one of the dogs rescued from Bad Newz Kennels, Michael Vick’s dog-fighting outfit that was shut down in 2007. Typically dogs held for evidence in court are put to sleep after the trial is over. Luckily, several animal rights organizations banded together to save the “Vick dogs.” One of those dogs was a black pit bull puppy, eventually named Audie. Audie was able to be cleaned up, trained, and adopted! He had some knee problems, but was able to get surgery, and now does agility training. And he didn’t trust people at first, but now he has lots of friends–people, and other dogs! The book also has an informative section in the back, with facts about pit bulls and the Michael Vick case. Saving Audie is a wonderful book about overcoming adversity to become the best you can be! See this book listed in our catalog or read more about Audie at the Vick Dog Blog
Me and You
Submitted by Ms. Tess!
Me and You by Anthony Browne is a fascinating take on the story of “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.” The illustrations, which I felt were pleasantly evocative of Wes Anderson’s film Fantastic Mr. Fox, portray simultaneously a cheery family of bears in their lovely house and, in stark contrast, a gritty urban setting, home to a small girl with blond hair. As the family of bears take a leisurely stroll through the park (while their porridge cools), the young yellow-haired girl discovers their door ajar, after a distressing walk through a neighborhood full of graffiti, broken windows, and barbed wire. When the bears return to find their belongings obviously tampered with, they are understandably alarmed. Our Goldilocks is also understandably alarmed when she’s discovered where she doesn’t belong, and flees the scene as hastily as possible. “I wonder what happened to her?” the baby bear wonders, but we get to see the girl run into the arms of a caring mother. This is a great book to demonstrate that there is more than one side to every story. See this book listed in our catalog