Animal Theory

Two new interesting books about animal (and human) behavior…

The first is Amy Sutherland’s Kicked, Bitten, and Scratched: Life and Lessons at the World’s Premier School for Exotic Animal Trainers. From the publisher… The author spent a year at The Exotic Animal Training and Management Program at California’s Moorpark, which has been called “America’s teaching zoo” and the “Harvard for exotic animal trainers.” Whatever you call it, this institution of learning offers a curriculum unlike any other. Its courses provide incomparable training for animal professionals destined for jobs at zoos, aquariums, animal sanctuaries, research studios, and Hollywood. Kicked, Bitten, and Scratched shepherds readers through the school’s unique academic regimen, following students as they learn to interact with cougars, baboons, snakes, wolves, tortoises, mule deer, camels, servals, and rats. (I read an article by Sutherland in The New York Times about her book. It was hilarious, insightful and easy to read.)

The second book is The Grandest of Lives: Eye to Eye with Whales by Douglas H. Chadwick looks promising. From Publishers Weekly…
“Wildlife biologist Chadwick’s fascination with whales began when he found himself floating nose to nose with an inquisitive humpback off the coast of Maui. Since that heady experience, he has traveled the seas with whale researchers, becoming ever more enchanted with these great mammals. In this compelling book, he records what he has learned and observed of five whale species, including the humpback, described by Melville as “the most gamesome and light-hearted of all the whales”; the bottlenose, an exceptionally intelligent whale that can dive to great depths; and the orca, misnamed the “killer” whale, a very social whale that does not attack humans. As he observes the whales’ habits and listens to the sounds they use to communicate with each other, Chadwick (The Fate of the Elephant) struggles to remain objective. But this is difficult. Whales have such a complex assortment of lifestyles, cultures and social relationships, it’s hard to avoid anthropomorphizing them, especially since they seem to be as curious about humans as humans are about them. The author’s enthusiasm for these extraordinary creatures effectively draws the reader into the whales’ underwater environment and makes a powerful case for increased efforts to preserve that environment. Six b&w illus. (June) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.”

There are many books for kids that have animals in them, but only a few are tried and true. These are stories that move the reader and create the desire to read more.

All Creatures Big and Small (more in this series) by James Herriot for ages 11 and up
Herriot was a country vetrinarian in Yorkshire, England after WWII. He gives a personal touch to the rigors of this job. After reading this, you’ll either know you want to be a vet or be grateful that you’re not.
“The warm, joyous and often hilarious first-person chronicle of a young animal doctor…shines with love and life.” The New York Times Book Review

Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo for ages 8 - 12
From Publishers Weekly - Through the love she gains from her new pet, a girl gains the courage to ask her father about the mother who abandoned them. “In this exquisitely crafted first novel [a Newbery Honor book], each chapter possesses an arc of its own and reads almost like a short story in its completeness,” said PW in our Best Books of 2000 citation.

The Black Stallion (many in this series) by Walter Farley for ages 8 - 12
First published in 1941, Walter Farley’s best-selling novel is the triumphant tale of the love between a boy and a wild horse. From Alec Ramsay and the Black’s first meeting on an ill-fated ship to their adventures on a desert island and their eventual rescue, this classic will hold the rapt attention of readers.

Misty of Chincoteague and King of the Wind by Marguerite Henry (others in the series for ages 8 - 12
Marguerite Henry’s Newbery Honor Book has captivated generations of boys and girls both with its thrilling descriptions of true incidents from the tiny island of Chincoteague, and its realistic yet wonderfully magical atmosphere. This story of an animal brought into captivity poignantly reveals the powerful opposing forces of humans and nature.

Justin Morgan Had A Horsealso by Margeurite Henry
Child Study “…a superb story of the first known Morgan horse…excitement, pathos, and suspense skillfully blended.” Washington Post “…a thing of beauty in every respect and a treasured addition to the home library.”

King of the Wind - also by Marguerite Henry

Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor for ages 8 - 12
When 11-year-old Marty Preston chances upon a mistreated beagle pup in his hometown of Friendly, West Virginia, he is not prepared for the ethical questions he has to face. Should he return the dog to its owner, only to have the animal abused again? Should he tell his parents? Should he steal food?

The Red Pony by John Steinbeck for ages 12 - 15
Book of four related stories published in 1937 and expanded in 1945. The stories chronicle a young boy’s maturation. In “The Gift,” the best-known story, young Jody Tiflin is given a red pony by his rancher father. Jody develops empathy and also learns from his grandfather about “westering,” the migration of people to new places and the urge for new experiences.

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Where the Red Fern Growsby Wilson Rawls for ages 11 - 15
In spite of being written during the Depression, there is a timelessness to this simple story. Young Billy works two long, hard years to earn the money to realize his dream-to own a pair of dogs for hunting raccoons. Rawls instills this autobiographical piece with a strong sense of right and wrong, as well as innocence and integrity. A true tear-jerker.

Draw 50 Animals: The Step-By-Step Way To Draw Elephants, Tigers, Dogs, Fish, Birds, and Many More… Lee J. Ames for 10 and above