Product Description

That’s Why We Don’t Eat Animals uses colorful artwork and lively text to introduce vegetarianism and veganism to early readers (ages six to ten). Written and illustrated by Ruby Roth, the book features an endearing animal cast of pigs, turkeys, cows, quail, turtles, and dolphins. These creatures are shown in both their natural state—rooting around, bonding, nuzzling, cuddling, grooming one another, and charming each other with their family instincts and rituals—and in the terrible conditions of the factory farm. The book also describes the negative effects eating meat has on the environment. A separate section entitled “What Else Can We Do?” suggests ways children can learn more about the vegetarian and vegan lifestyles, such as:“Celebrate Thanksgiving with a vegan feast” or “Buy clothes, shoes, belts, and bags that are not made from leather or other animal skins or fur.” This compassionate, informative book offers both an entertaining read and a resource to inspire parents and children to talk about a timely, increasingly important subject.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #14672 in Books
• Published on: 2009-05-26
• Released on: 2009-05-26
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 48 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781556437854
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From Booklist
Some may consider this an attempt to indoctrinate the young, but in truth it’s a courageous stab at a serious topic inherently hinted at through the anthropomorphizing of animals so prevalent in children’s books. By contrasting animal behavior in the wild with that of their counterparts in farms or factories, Roth makes a stark case that by harvesting sentient beings we are stripping them of their rights and natural desires. For example, wild turkeys “fly to the treetops to roost for the night,” but factory-farm turkeys are simply fattened until their wings become useless. Roth uses her own illustrations rather than photos, but she wisely does not make her animals too cute. Be warned: her depictions of poultry confined within filthy cages, while abstract, are fairly disturbing. Inevitably this will book incense those on the other side of the issue but there is much to be learned here (about animal behavior if nothing else). A unique effort that is to be applauded. Grades 3-6. --Daniel Kraus

Review
“This is a powerful and important book. Farm animals have emotions similar to our pets and this is conveyed in Roth's enchanting illustrations. It will make children—and their parents—think. But it will not lead to nightmares, rather respect and compassion for the creatures whose wellbeing is in our hands.”
—Jane Goodall, PhD, DBE, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace

“A refreshing, sympathetic, and attractive book that children are smart enough to understand, embrace and grow up a little by reading.”
—Ingrid Newkirk, founder, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)

“Ruby Roth has done us all a great service. If your children are vegetarians, or have friends who are, or are simply interested in why people might be vegetarians, this is the book for them!”
—John Robbins, bestselling author of The Food Revolution, Diet For A New America

“Where adults are more firmly entrenched in their ways, children need only the slightest insights and guidance, and off they soar into the direction of a more conscious and kind way of living. This book will help to create the much needed healers and leaders of tomorrow. ”
—Kathy Freston, NY Times bestselling author of Quantum Wellness

“Like many people, I knew as a child that I didn't want to eat animals. That's Why We Don't Eat Animals would have offered me the guidance and inspiration I needed to understand those instincts. This book is a must-have for anyone who loves animals.”
—Alicia Silverstone, actress, animal-rights activist

“In a time when we are all working to go green, I am thrilled that That's Why We Don't Eat Animals makes the connection between food and the environment, inspiring children to be aware and involved. ”
—Ed Begley, actor, activist

“Stunning artwork, meaningful content, and a message that will inspire-this book is a must-read for every child. ”
—Rory Freedman, NY Times bestselling author of Skinny Bitch

“Roth beautifully illustrates why we all love animals when we get the chance to experience their families and personalities. That's Why We Don't Eat Animals is a book I recommend to all parents and children. ”
—David Wolfe, author of The Sunfood Diet Success System, founder of SunFood

“This book captures the imagination with its illustrations that subtly helps children understand the ancient teachings that animals have souls. Animals are our friends and we do not eat our friends. In this understanding it helps us create a more compassionate world. ”
—Gabriel Cousens, M.D. author of Conscious Eating, and Spiritual Nutrition

"Declaring that 'All animals deserve the care and protection we give our pets,' newcomer Roth takes the vegetarian/vegan cause to young readers. Highly stylized illustrations against white backdrops depict angular caricatures of farm animals. Concluding with a list of tips for action around vegetarian/vegan ideals, this book is sure to raise awareness and questions."
—Publishers Weekly

"A courageous stab at a serious topic inherently hinted at through the anthropomorphizing of animals so prevalent in children’s books. By contrasting animal behavior in the wild with that of their counterparts in farms or factories, Roth makes a stark case that by harvesting sentient beings we are stripping them of their rights and natural desires. Inevitably this will book incense those on the other side of the issue but there is much to be learned here (about animal behavior if nothing else). A unique effort that is to be applauded."
—Booklist

"This book successfully tackles the tough subject [of veganism] with grace and clarity. This is a great addition to any compassionate kid’s library and will make a wonderful gift for any parents in your life who want to talk to their kids about animals but need a little help getting started."
—PETA Living

“That’s Why We Don’t Eat Animals succeeds in raising awareness about where our food comes from and how our food choices affect other creatures and the environment. Roth touches on the conditions animals raised on factory farms endure…but she doesn’t get overly graphic…That’s Why We Don’t Eat Animals nicely connected the dots between how humans treat animals and the impact our species has on the planet as a whole, with the basic premise being that a more enlightened attitude toward our food sources (of course, ideally that would mean becoming vegetarian) translates into a healthier planet.”
—Wired

"Turkeys dance and grieve together; they blush and fly to the treetops when the moon comes out. In factory farms they have no freedom and are made too fat to fly."
—Kirkus

“The artwork is bright and enchanting...the message is clear, simple, and compassionate.”
—Change.org

“That's Why We Don't Eat Animals is an elegantly written, beautifully illustrated children's book about the rationale for vegetarianism. [Roth] uses heartfelt, emotionally resonant language and art design to contrast the life lived by animals in the wild with the existence of animals in the factory farming system. This is a children's book with large ambitions...If the coming generations are going to strive for a more sustainable approach to filling their dining room tables, That's Why We Don't Eat Animals should certainly be in their bookcases.”
—L.A. Yoga

“You can never be too young to join the fight against cruelty, and Roth's book looks like a great tool to help teach the younger generation about what's happening on factory farms.”
—This Just In, VegNews blog

“An American teacher, writer and artist, Roth has come up with an innovative and somewhat controversial solution for helping children foster compassion towards animals-tell them the truth. That's Why We Don't Eat Animals: A Book About Vegans, Vegetarians, and All Living Things is the first book of its kind targeted toward young people. A candid, but gentle book that discusses what are normally considered taboo subjects for children, such as factory farming, battery hen cages, overfishing, habitat erosion, rainforest health and endangered species in relation to food.”
—Green Muze

“The illustrations are fantastic, and the message is spot on.”
—Vegan Dad blog

"The text does a fine job of explaining this potentially emotional issue without being too fraught with horrifying detail. Ruby Roth is a talented illustrator and author who has written a gently informative children's book that will be indispensable to thoughtful families everywhere. I am so grateful to her for making that inevitable talk a little bit easier."
—Your Vegan Mom

“That’s Why We Don’t Eat Animals makes the case for both vegetarianism and veganism with gorgeous artwork and a clear, firm stance about the needs of animals and the peril to the greater environment.”
—Vegan Future blog

“[That's Why We Don't Eat Animals] makes a sound, green argument for reducing animal consumption as well as eliminating factory farms. It offers another perspective that is missing from children's sections in libraries. It is a pleasure to find such a well-done book on the subject”
—Kids Lit blog

“Though this book tackles a difficult subject for younger children, it does so well. This is a good book for vegetarian families or parents who are raising their kids veggie and want a way to explain it to them. Without getting too graphic (animals in confined cages are as dark as it gets), it explores basic issues of factory farming and discusses its effects on the environment. Roth is able to get her point across without becoming too preachy or delving into topics that aren't age-appropriate.
—The Kids' Book Corner blog

“Wonderfully illustrated and inspiring for children of all ages, author Ruby Roth has tackled the complex moral and ethical issue of choosing to be a vegetarian, distilling it into a compassionate and informative snapshot of the emotional lives of animals in their natural state. That's Why We Don't Eat Animals is a timely reminder to look inside our hearts and reconsider the choices we make-and their impact on our fellow creatures and the well-being of the planet.”
—New Consciousness Review

“For any parent looking for a children’s book to introduce some arguments on choosing the vegetarian lifestyle, That’s Why We Don’t Eat Animals is a great start.”
—Vegetarian Star

About the Author
A vegan since 2003, Ruby Roth is an artist and illustrator living in Los Angeles. First inspired by children’s interest in healthy foods and veganism while teaching art in an after-school program, Roth has lived in Los Angeles, Kauai, and the Bay Area. This is her first children’s book.

Customer Reviews

Excellent book for children of all ages!!
My husband and I have read this very important book many times to our 7-and 3-year-old boys since it arrived 2 weeks ago. Both boys LOVE the story and the illustrations. The ideas are easy for them to comprehend and appreciate, and they have increased both their vocabulary and their understanding of their own veganism. That's Why We Don't Eat Animals has led to many meaningful conversations with our boys (both vegan since conception) about the impact of personal choice on the earth/animals. While my 7-year-old often reads the book on his own, my 3 year old also loves the book and is now able to talk more freely about his "gentle/peaceful choices" to be kind to animals. My boys make thoughtful, informed decisions every day about their diets, their lifestyles, their behavior, and their impact on the world. However, That's Why We Don't Eat Animals gives the ethics of veganism a voice that can be understood and appreciated by ALL children. Having read this book aloud to a group of 20+ preschoolers, it is clear that it is accessible to children of ANY age or level of independent thinking. What a huge bonus that this message is packaged in such fantastic illustrations that create empathy and adoration for animals everywhere.

-Michelle in San Leandro CA

Contrasts Help Children Learn
Ruby's book is an especially effective teaching aide because it helps children understand why they should not eat animals by contrasting the consequences for animals where they have been raised for slaughter with those where the animals are allowed the dignity of a normal life.

Gorgeous book, important message
Although I have no children of my own, I had to buy this book. The illustrations are beautiful, and the message is simple but poignant. I've been using it as a coffee table book, and it is a good conversation starter. It's so pretty to page through, and it is a story that is usually ignored amongst children's books. If you have people in your life, young or old, who would never watch Earthlings or something equally intimidating but you'd still like for them to understand why you live a vegan lifestyle, pass on this book.