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Animal Books for All Ages
By Holly E. Newton
Last week, I reviewed books about animals that
were geared for older kids. This week I will concentrate on picture
books on the same subject, but picture books can span across the
age differences. So here are some outstanding animal picture books
with only a few that are specifically for younger children. The
first four books are suitable for all ages, and the rest are geared
for the little ones.
 Swift,
written and illustrated by Robert J. Blake, is a beautifully painted
story about the harshness of the far north. Swift is a husky that
is much loved by a father and his son, Johnny. While out hunting
with their dog, the father gets into some trouble as he attempts
to shoot a bear. He has twisted his leg and is unable to move, so
he asks his son to take Swift and get help.
The biggest problem that Johnny faces besides
the fact that it is very cold and snowy is that they are very far
away from the nearest town. But with Swift’s help, he knows
he can find the long way back.
Furthermore, the bear is still a problem as
Johnny is swiftly going through the forest. When the bear is about
to attack boy and dog, Johnny gets a shot off and injures the bear.
The bear runs off, but Johnny is still worried because he remembers
that his father often said, “A wounded bear is the most dangerous
bear.”
Johnny is just beginning an adventure that will
lead him back to this bear, across snow-filled forests and ice that
cracks under his feat. But with the help of his trusty dog, he’s
able to survive and get help for his dad. The story and oil paintings
will compel you to sit by your fire or snuggle where it is warm
and appreciate all the luxuries that many who live off the land
in this country don’t enjoy! This is a remarkable story!
 And
while I’m reviewing books about huskies, Wind-Wild
Dog, by Barbara Joosse, and oil paintings by Kate
Kiesler, is another story about a dog who wants to help his master
pull his sled. But will he stay or will he run away to be with the
wild wolves that live not far from camp? There is added information
in the back of the book that lists little-known words and facts
about the region.
 Frightful’s
Daughter, by Jean Craighead George, and illustrated
by Daniel San Souci, is a story about a falcon named Frightful whose
offspring are the obsession of a sneaky weasel. When young Sam discovers
that the Baron Weasel is looking at the babies as food for his offspring,
he devises a way to keep the falcons safe. The gorgeous watercolors
bring out the beauty of nature and the story will capture your heart.
 Big
Black Horse (a storybook version of The Black
Stallion), by Walter Farley, and retro pictures by James Schucker,
is now available after 50 years. The story, about a young boy and
a beautiful stallion and a shipwreck and how these two begin to
build a life-long relationship.
 Donkey-donkey,
written and illustrated by Roger Duvioisin, is a simple story about
self-image. When Donkey-donkey looks into a stream with the horse,
Pat, he sees that his ears are much longer than Pat’s. Now
he feels ugly and miserable. He begins to seek help from his animal
friends of what to do about his awful ears, and they give him advice
not geared for donkeys. So, he remains depressed and continues to
look for help until he meets a girl who helps him feel good about
how he looks. This book was first published back in 1933, and the
artwork reflects the era, but the theme remains as pertinent today
as back then.
 Ivan
the Terrier, written and illustrated by Peter Catalanotto,
is an uproarious story that begs to be read aloud! The story begins
with “Once upon a time there were three billy goats named
Gruff.” You see three goats grazing on a palate of green but
upon turning the page, the text has become large, bold and with
exclamations! A small terrier is barking madly and the text asks,
“Where did that dog come from?” The text changes to
another story about “The Three Bears.” They are seated
happily at their table as they are about to eat their porridge.
But as you turn the page, larger and bolder text is telling the
terrier to sit and that this story isn’t about him! The picture
shows a large disruption taking place as bowls and cups are dislodged
and the bears are dismayed.
 Henry
the Dog with No Tail, by Kate Feiffer, and illustrated
by Jules Feiffer, is a clever story about
a dog who is frustrated about having no tail. As he searches to
try to find something to replace the stub
on the back of his body, he discovers that there is much more to
happiness than just a tail — or the lack
thereof.
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© 2007
Meridian Magazine. All Rights Reserved.
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