Customer Reviews

That's Why We Don't Eat Animals: A Book About Vegans, Vegetarians, and All Living Things

5 star:		(36)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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

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.

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.

I picked up this book to hopefully give my 7 year old a pictorial explanation about animal agriculture. The subject matter is not new to him; he has been raised a vegan in a vegan household. I just thought it might be nice to have a book about it, too. The book does a superb job of showing heartwarming sides of each animal that are very touching and the artwork starts out really fun and interesting. As the pages were turned, however, the artwork grew darker to the point where my child could not distinguish a flower on one page. Soon after that, although he normally enjoys being read to, my son turned away so he didn't have to look at the book anymore. I understand that this is a difficult subject that most people do not want to hear about (including my vegan child). I can talk about this painful subject with him but scary pictures are too much. I continued reading the book for myself and found that it does end on a really positive note with bright, colorful and happy artwork on the last page, along with another page listing suggestions for getting involved.

This book may be better aimed at pre-teens. It is definitely too dark and scary for young children. I would suggest that the pictures be bright all the way through: even the artwork of factory farms could be tempered with brightness outside of the buildings. I would also suggest that the book be peppered with alternative suggestions for what kids can do instead of saving it for the last two pages. I appreciate the author's genuine effort. It's a tough subject to cover for kids.

Definitely a good choice for your kids if you are raising them vegan and want a good book to explain why. Probably best for those over 6. We have others, like Herb the Vegetarian Dragon, Benji Bean Sprout, and the Victor the Vegetarian books, but this is much more to the point, and does not have as many troubling issues as the others, which are good, but I have a couple reservations about each of them. This one I can recommend heartily. And the artwork is beautiful and captivating.

Ruby's book is just right, and at just the right time. The message is clear and sensitive and compellingly important as a valuable teaching tool. It brings to light the terribly swept under the rug topic of eating meat and animal products, allowing children to understand what it is and how it works. I will definitely give a copy to each of my grandchildren when they are old enough to read.

This is a beautiful book and acts as a wonderful tool to educate children about compassion for animals. It is well-written as it addresses the implications of factory farming on the environment and the brutal, inhumane treatment of animals in factory farms and slaughterhouses. It also describes the true nature of these animals and how they would act if left alone to their own volition. Though this book is ideal for an older child and adult, its message is clear, eloquent and proactive. I highly recommend this book.

I bought this book for my 5 year old niece because she was being asked by cousins and friends why she doesn't eat meat. I think this book is an excellent way to teach her that meat comes from animals that we don't want killed. This book does it in a way that teaches compassion, not fear. My only criticism is that the language used is a bit wordy for children. My niece reads at a 2nd grade level so she was okay, but she would have preferred more of the captivating illustrations and less lengthy sentences.

This is my 3 year old's new favorite book. After reading it, he said, "I wish everyone would be vegan, so those animals wouldn't have to be at the factory farm." I was worried about exposing him to the sad dark nature that is the meat industry, but it is described gently and the illustrations are excellent. I'm an artist and I won't buy a kid's book if it's illustrations are bad, which I find way too common. These are quality interesting paintings. My vegan family LOVES this book and would recommend it to anyone, vegetarian or not!

A beautifully illustrated book with a beautiful message that will resonate with many many children. My daughter and a number of her friends don't want to animals and this book provides support for her feelings. Hundreds of millions of people around the world grow and thrive without eating animals - so can you. Read and enjoy this great book!