|
Roar - Animal rights handbook for kids.
Peter Hoggarth. Illustrated by Woody.
Subject Headings:
Grades 5 - 8 / Ages 10 - 13. ** /4
|
excerpt:
Specially trained packs of hounds are used to hunt foxes, deer, hares and mink. The hounds are bred to have extra stamina so that they run faster and longer than their prey. Fox hunts: Imagine you're at home watching TV, when suddenly forty people on horseback with a pack of hounds crash through your front door and start chasing your dad down the street. It might sound hilarious, but it does really happen to foxes, and it's not their idea of fun. Foxes may be cunning, but they're usually not cunning enough to outwit a hunting party. It's no game of tag, either. Like James Bond, the hounds have a licence to kill, and when they catch up with the fox, they use it.
This book is full of facts about abuse of animals, in hunting, laboratory
testing, and in being raised for food. The author suggests ways that children
can help to reduce this abuse through changing their eating habits, doing
volunteer work, fundraising, raising public awareness and petitioning. The
style is amusing and light hearted, the illustrations comical, but the
overall tone is very serious, and, in fact, borders on the fanatical at
times. Since the publication is British, much of the information given, such
as names and addresses to write to, are useless in the North American
context, but some of the information could be adapted to Canada. For example,
sample letters are given to use in writing to Members of Parliament,
newspapers, manufacturers and zoos.
As no biographical information is given about the author, his authority for writing on the subject matter remains unknown. Though the humourous style makes the book easy to read, its overall tone might be too intense for some children. While Roar could spark interest in the protection of animals, parents should consider carefully whether this book is suitable for their children.
Recommended with reservations.
Luella Sumner is Head Librarian at the Red Rock Public Library, Red Rock, Ontario.
To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.
Copyright © 1997 the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.
Published by
The Manitoba Library Association
ISSN 1201-9364
TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THIS ISSUE - JUNE 6, 1997.
AUTHORS | TITLES | MEDIA REVIEWS | BOOKSHELF | BACK ISSUES | SEARCH | HOME