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ANIMALS

Domestic Animals, Pets, Zoo Animals

Burnford, Sheila. The Incredible Journey. Yearling Books, 1996 (1960), 148 pp. (5-up).

Primary listing under Literature: Level III, Realistic Stories—Modern

It is Burnford’s wonderful portrayal of the character and personality of each of the lost pets (two dogs and a Siamese cat) that has made the book a modern classic and sustained its popularity for four decades. As the three make their hazardous way home, their suspenseful adventures reveal the distinctive nature of each pet and the interaction among them—something the flm based on the story couldn’t adequately do. A very special story for animal lovers.

Engfer, LeeAnne. My Pet Hamster and Gerbils. Lerner Publications, 1997, 64 pp. (2-up).

Small, furry animals that can live comfortably in a moderately-sized cage have become increasingly popular pets for children in today’s more than busy households. Engfer’s practical and clearly written book helps children take a large share of responsibility themselves for the selection and care of hamsters or gerbils (though some adult oversight is, of course, always needed). The species types to choose from are described and pictured in color photographs, as are the details of care and feeding, what to look for in monitoring the pets’ health, and what activi ties the animals enjoy. A glossary of terms related to these animals is included, as well as a list of several organizations that can provide additional information. One group, for example, advises schools in creating classroom displays of rodent pets.

Gutman, Bill. Becoming Your Bird’s Best Friend. Illus. by Anne Canevari Green. The Millbrook Press, 1996, 64 pp. (4-6).

This general survey of the nature and needs of pet birds focuses especially on how to establish a loving and rewarding relationship between a young owner and his or her pet bird. The writer profles several different types of birds and includes practical care and feeding information and guidelines. He wants primarily, how ever, to help the owner understand the bird, to know why it does specifc things, and most of all to learn how to meet the bird’s emotional need for attention and company. Gutman writes with warmth and humor, and the text is further enliv ened with amusing drawings in color. A note for prospective bird owners: Even if you plan to acquire a manual on your particular species of bird, this book is the one to read before you select your bird—and to keep handy to refer to as you try to develop a happy, trusting friendship with your pet.

Hansard, Peter. A Field Full of Horses. Illus. by Kenneth Lilly. Candlewick Press, 1994, 24 pp. (ps-4).

There is something about horses that strongly appeals to most children. Is it the way they move and their glossy coats and swishing tails? Is it the proud way they hold their heads, gazing calmly out of large, beautiful eyes? Or is it the way they look when they trot and gallop, rear and buck? As the narrative proceeds, horses of varying colors and types are seen in a great variety of stance and move ment. The author speaks conversationally about the horses, wonders about the horses, and involves the reader in wondering and asking too. So seemingly casual, the writer’s just-right choice of words is matched perfectly with the illustrator’s outstanding drawings, many of which are accompanied by little hand-printed informational notes. This book will satisfy children’s eyes, answer many questions about one of their favorite animals, and give them new ideas to wonder about.

Herriot, James. James Herriot’s Treasury for Children. Illus. by Ruth Brown and Peter Bennett. St. Martin’s Press, 1992, 246 pp. (ps-up).

Real-life Yorkshire veterinarian James Herriot didn’t just take care of a great variety of animals, both pets and “working” farm animals—he wrote about them too. Eight of his books are written especially for children, and this beautiful, big volume contains all of them. Eventful and often suspenseful, the stories all refect Herriot’s endless love for the animals he spent his life among. This book is well seasoned with his inimitable humor—a wonderful choice for the whole family to enjoy together.

Lee, Barbara. Working with Animals. Lerner Publications, 1996, 112 pp. (4-8).

Working with animals is often an appealing idea to children. Some dream of becoming a veterinarian, a wildlife specialist, or a zookeeper. Others simply have a lively interest in what such people do in their day-to-day jobs. Writer Barbara Lee interviewed and observed a dozen people who work with animals (each in a different branch of the feld) and provides a well-balanced picture of what each one does—often in his or her own words. None of them glamorizes the work, which in every case is demanding and often requires specifc college and graduate level preparation. Competition for such jobs is usually intense. Particularly in the less educationally demanding areas, many of the people profled were able to enter the feld only after volunteering and becoming familiar with the work on their own time. But all of these people are doing what they love to do—and doing it with determination, commitment, and immense satisfaction.

MacClintock, Dorcas. Animals Observed: A Look at Animals in Art. Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1993, 56 pp. (Art, all ages; text, 5-up).

Primary listing under Art

This collection of drawings, paintings, and sculptures by artists who were espe cially interested in animals is almost in the “something for everyone” category. The pictures are wonderful, from the page facing the introduction with its colorful painting of a wildcat gazing with narrowed eyes from its secure perch in a tree, to the little sculpture on the last page of a calf nonchalantly scratching its neck with a hind foot. In between are giraffes, zebras, bears, dogs, monkeys, horses, and many more. Then there is the very readable text, which not only puts each animal and its portrayal in the context of its era, its setting, and its artistic creator, but also succinctly provides information about the particular kind of animal. In the case of animals that have been moved from their natural homes, the book tells their individual stories. Younger children will love the pictures and mini-stories, and all other ages, including adults, will fnd much of interest.

Maxwell, Gavin. The Otter’s Tale. Dutton, 1962, 124 pp. (4-up).

A warm, appealing story of Mijbil, Edal, and Teko, pet otters, and their life with writer Gavin Maxwell. This true account is not only excellent because of its interesting story and irresistible photographs, but it indirectly makes an important point about the amazing possibilities that exist in relationships between people and animals—when the people are informed, concerned, and willing to meet the animals’ needs. The lengths to which Maxwell goes make it quite clear that the ownership of an animal should involve a serious commitment. Fortunately, most pets don’t have the extensive needs of an otter, but as a child reads of Maxwell’s responsible care of his delightful pets, he or she can also see in a new way that whether one has a hamster, a lizard, a dog, cat, or other pet, a choice should always be made—either a faithful commitment to learn about and meet the ani mal’s needs or a decision not to have a pet at all.

Maze, Stephanie and Catherine O’Neill Grace. I Want to Be a Veterinarian. I Want to Be . . . Series. Harcourt Brace and Co., 1997, 48 pp. (5-up).

The frst step for an animal-loving child toward fnding out if he or she would like to become a veterinarian might be to read a book like this one. Offering a broad range of introductory information, the book briefy surveys the work of veterinarians, from small-animal community practices, such as the one to which a reader’s family might take their pets, to medical care for farm animals and riding horses. The work of veterinary specialists—as wide-ranging as that of doctors who treat people—is discussed. Included are veterinarians working at aquariums and zoos and those in research and in wildlife programs both in the United States and abroad that work to save endangered species of animals and birds. Veterinarians also teach in the veterinary medicine programs of universities and colleges and a few multitalented vets go on to become authors as well. Also a variety of careers are open to those who want to become veterinary technologists. The text is accompanied throughout by a wealth of colorful, informative photographs. A useful section offering sources of additional information concludes the book.

Morley, Christine and Carole Orbell. Me and My Pet Fish. Illus. by Brita Granström. World Book Inc., 1997, 32 pp. (3-up).

An enjoyable and practical little guide to the care of goldfsh. Colorful draw ings and photographs enliven every page. Starting with background information and a brief discussion of the many varieties of colors, shapes, and distinguishing features among goldfsh, the book then takes the reader step by step through the essentials—what to look for in buying a healthy fsh, the size a tank needs to be in relation to the number of fsh, the needed (and optional) accessory equipment, and guidelines for feeding. One requirement that will surprise many people is that the fsh tank should not simply be flled with tap water. The water must be treated with a liquid...