Tails from the Animal Shelter
by Stephanie Shaw (Author) Liza Woodruff (Illustrator)
2020 EUREKA Excellence in Nonfiction Awards - Honoree
Did you know that more than six million pets arrive annually at community animal shelters in the United States? Of that number over three million are dogs. But of course it's not just dogs and puppies that need homes. Shelters take in cats, kittens, birds, reptiles, and even domestic farm animals. And there are many reasons why these animals need to go to shelters. Some of the animals are strays and some are lost; some are rescued from natural disasters or from mistreatment. Some have been given up because their owners could no longer care for them. Using poetic back stories and informative text, Tails From the Animal Shelter shines a spotlight on the good work of community animal shelters. Ten different fictional animals, including a handicapped dog, a magician's former rabbit, and a pot-bellied pig, represent the millions of pets brought to shelters every day. Whether they're known as Humane Societies, rescue services, or other names, these organizations and their caring work remind us all of how a loving home can change the life of a vulnerable animal.
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School Library Journal
Gr 1-4--This primer on the importance of rescuing animals begins by listing some of the reasons animals end up in shelters, including natural disasters, medical issues, and abuse. While these are sad facts, the book's tone is positive. The text describes the many wonderful ways animal shelters connect pets with caring families. Shaw tackles a variety of pet species, from the conventional dogs and cats to the more unusual skunks and pigs. Each spread contains a thematic, kid-friendly poem on one side with informational content on the other side. The cute illustrations are paired with a jaunty font and show endearing close-ups of various pets with their loving two-legged companions. Back matter includes background on the history of the Association of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, things to consider before adopting an animal, other ways to help animals, and additional resources. Adults may question the inclusion of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals' website on the additional resource list, as the organization's website is known to include graphic photographs of animal mistreatment, which could be traumatic for children exploring on their own. VERDICT A "paw-some" introduction to pet adoption.--Alyssa Annico, Youngstown State Univ., OH
Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.JNF003060 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Animals | Dogs
JNF071000 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Social Activism & Volunteering
Animal shelters
Pet adoption
