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I hate to be a "kill-joy", and I truly am an animal lover. I don't know about your neighborhood, but the wildlife in my neighborhood do not get vaccinated against the deadly disease of Rabies. From a distance, it's so adorable to watch them pick them up in their little paws, check them to be sure they're peanuts, bite off the shells, spit them out, and eat the nuts until they get full. That's why I didn't order it. They depend on me to get through the Chicago winters, and if I forget, they do come up the front stairs and I do think they knock on the door. My grandchildren love to come over and toss piles of peanuts on the lawn too, and watch from the window or porch (7 stairs up) as they nibble. I only read the online sample of the book text, and almost ordered it. So it's too much of a danger to let them read the book and not realize the danger.
(Maybe it does, and I couldn't see it online). How can we be sure our children won't get bitten by a squirrel or any other cute little critters that roam the streets if they approach them. I may go ahead and order it for them and preach to them the importance of NOT approaching the cute wildlife they see. NOW FOR THE DANGER PART of the review. I'm a wildlife artist, a subscriber to Wildlife Explorer with all its beautiful photos, and I keep a bowl of peanuts at my front door for the neighborhood squirrels to visit daily and receive my multiple tosses of peanuts on the front lawn. I do feel terrible about the squirrels and also about the author of the book.
After having enough, they carry some off to their families in another part of town. I almost ordered this book for my grandchildren, but realized the possible danger that I thought I would share: The kids who read it may think it would be a good idea to help rescue animals like the kids in the book. I don't want to do anything to hurt the the animals or the book sales, but the book should come with a warning for parents to warn their children to NOT approach those cute animals in their neighborhood, in case they didn't think of it. I suppose we can tell the kids, that if they find a poor little critter who's in trouble, we can call the animal control authorities in our area for help.
My son picked out this book when he was 2 years old and we were both hooked. Over a year later it is still one of his favorites. Especially good book for vegan children about compassion for wild animals. I always keep a copy on hand to give as a gift.
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. I used this book to help my Brownie Troop earn a badge. It was a wonderful introduction into discussion of helping 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.
My second grader is devoring books these days. She liked the characters - spunky girl, timid boy, and kind boy that took care of the animals. She has been reading a number of the "I Can Read Chapter Books". Of these books, this was her favorite. 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.
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