The Animal Rescue Club (I Can Read Chapter Books) [Hardcover]

John Himmelman (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1998 | Age Level: 8 and up | Series: I Can Read Chapter Books

Who do you call when a squirrel is trapped in a mud puddle or a baby opossum is stuck in a drainpipe ?

Meet Jeffrey, Beaner, Raymond, and Mike--the Animal Resuce club! Adventures wait around every corner as this intrepid band of kids, working with a Wildlife Rehabilitator, helps the wild animals in our neighborhood.

John Himmelman's action-packed story and lively art is based on his firsthand experience with wild-animal rescue groups. This inside look at kids saving animals is certain to fascinate young nature lovers.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-3AIn this beginning reader, the young members of the Animal Rescue Club help a squirrel drowning in mud, an opossum stuck in a rooftop gutter, and a goose with a wounded foot. The creatures are taken to an animal hospital where an adult oversees their care. After they have recovered, the children release the creatures back into their habitats. Cartoon illustrations show the club in action. Although an author's note explains that it is dangerous to approach injured animals and that wildlife rehabilitators must be trained and licensed, adults do not assist with the rescues and no mention of training is made in the narrative. The images in the story contrast with the warnings: a youngster rides his bike with a squirrel peeking out of his backpack, a boy totters on a high ladder with an opossum clinging to his shirt, and a girl puts her arms around a huge goose that is pulling her hair. While this book features characters that do important work with courage and competence, issues about safety and the proper treatment of wild animals make it a questionable choice.AAdele Greenlee, Bethel College, St. Paul, MN
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

John Himmelman is the illustrator of Hanukkah Lights, Hanukkah Nights, and several other children's books, including the popular Buzby, an I Can Read Book by Julia Hoban. He lives in Killingworth, CT.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers; 1st edition (April 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060274085
• ISBN-13: 978-0060274085
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,924,322 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

John Himmelman is the author and illustrator of more than sixty books for children, including "Chickens to the Rescue". He lives in Connecticut with his family.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars 7 year-old girl loves book!, May 1, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Animal Rescue Club (I Can Read Book 4) (Paperback)

My second grader is devoring books these days. She has been reading a number of the "I Can Read Chapter Books". Of these books, this was her favorite. She liked the characters - spunky girl, timid boy, and kind boy that took care of the animals. She is hoping that the Animal Rescue Club will come out with more adventures.

She found the story credible and exciting. She would give this book a thumbs up!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Girl Scouts loved it!, July 31, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Animal Rescue Club (I Can Read Chapter Books) (Hardcover)

I used this book to help my Brownie Troop earn a badge. It was a wonderful introduction into discussion of helping animals. The exciting advenutre with its endearing characters is followed by a brief, but effective explanation of what children should and should not attempt with real wild animals. After hearing this story, the girls decided to take on a volunteer project at a local animal shelter. We are waiting for the next adventure of The Animal Rescue Club to see what it inspires.

4.0 out of 5 stars A Great Discussion Starter!, October 10, 2011

By 

Sara McGaughy "Sara McGaughy, Author of Matil... (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Animal Rescue Club (I Can Read Book 4) (Paperback)

I understand the concern that partially surrounds this book, i.e., does it encourage children to engage in potentially risky behaviors in order to help animals, but I think this book does a lot more good than harm. For example, I doubt that by reading this book, a child would be compelled to free an opossum from a roof gutter. Yes, I suppose that could happen, but realistically, I doubt it. What this book does really well is get kids and their parents talking about the respectful treatment of animals. It also encourages children to treat animals with kindness, which is fantastic.
Matilda Mae: The Dog Who Needed a Name