BOOKS ABOUT ANIMALS THAT YOUR CHILD SHOULD READ - PART 1

Carl Sagan, in his introduction to Stephen Hawking’s ‘A Brief History of Time’, famously wrote that there are many secrets in the world and the Universe; why is nature the way it is, why we remember the past and not the future, will time one day flow backward, Gravity, why mountains instill a sense of adventure and humility in us etc. And NOT surprisingly, he wrote that only children spent time wondering about this stuff, and went about their daily lives trying to understand something about the world.

It would be ideal if children could retain their thought-process even when they grew up, the world would simply be a better place for all living beings involved. Hence, keeping the above in mind, below is a compiled list of 5 books on wildlife and animals that your child(ren) can and should read!

The Animal Dialogues: Uncommon Encounters in the Wild by Craig Childs. (For Anyone above the age of 11)

Although the prose could be a little challenging, anyone above the age of 11 should take away immense learning from this classic. Simply a delight to read, this book is important because it is written in a manner that the reader imagines the situations described, thus not only firing up your kid’s creativity but also enabling them to learn in the process.

Craig discusses various birds and animals in his books, and about how their lives are almost on the shores of no return, on the edge of total fragility. This book is bound to move the reader both to tears and to action).

 

 

‘Man-Eaters of Kumaon’ by Jim Corbett and ‘The Tiger Roars’ by Kenneth Anderson (For children and adults alike)

Written in very simple and similar styles, these and other books by the mentioned writers are a must-read for children and adults alike. Children are bound to enjoy these because the tales in the books will add fuel to children’s sense and longing for adventure.

Although the books, for the majority, describes how ‘man-eaters’ were hunted and put down, the enormous respect for the beasts that the writers had and espoused their whole lives, is very noticeable and put forward in a deeply respectful manner.

Also, if your kid is an avid horror fan, there are a few unexplained incidents in Corbett’s book, so it is a win-win situation!

 

Topsy and Tim on the Farm by Jean and Gareth Adamson (For tiny tots)

 

This one is for your tiny tot. A very adventurous story, it is reassuring for young kids having first experiences of their own. Written with a very subtle mix of humour, hilarity and madness, the book introduces children to the lives of everyday domestic animals.

 

 

The Born Free Series: Lion Rescue, Elephant Rescue, Dolphin Rescue. (For Children aged 12-17 years)

This series stands out in this list and is arguably the most unique. It holds massive importance because it not only uses stories to put forward it’s point, but subtly introduces to children how animals have historically been kept in captivity and why it is morally wrong to do so.

So, if you are struggling with helping your child understand the concept of captivity and/or poaching or any of the countless harm inflicted on animals by humans, just pick up any of the books from this series! And your kid will undoubtedly understand why we should let animals be born free, live free and remain forever free!

 

 

The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony (For Children aged 9-12 years)

A powerful read, this book is for all the jumbo aficionados out there! With unforgettable characters, stunning wildlife, this is an enthralling book that will appeal to animal lovers and adventurous souls undoubtedly!

Although the prose is most suited for young adults, even kids aged 9-12 can try giving this a read. The book is a storehouse of cultivating empathy. It will teach your kid a lot of things, most of which can never be learnt in the classroom. Some of the lessons are that animals are gifted with understanding and generosity of spirit; that they are caring, emotional and extremely intelligent, and that they value good relations with humankind.

So, what are you waiting for? Go pick up any from this list. Happy Reading!

 

 

 

 

Author of this Blog

Aryaman says that he is just a regular boy with hope, love and tears in his heart for animals and wildlife, especially big cats. He wishes to do something tangible in life in the conservation sector, while also harnessing his love for chess, handstands and skate-boarding."