50 Awesome Ways Kids Can Help Animals    by Ingrid Newkirk Order:  USA  Can Warner, 2006 (2006) Softcover Read an Excerpt     Reviewed by Hilary Williamson Ingrid Newkirk, author of 50 Awesome Ways Kids Can Help Animals, is cofounder and president of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). She opens with a Special Note to Parents and Teachers, suggesting that today's kids 'are destined to teach us some excellent lessons' about treatment of animals, and offering to provide more details on any topic, on request. In this book, she suggests all kinds of 'ways to help make sure the future will be cruelty free for all living creatures.' The first chapter, Do Unto Others ..., encourages empathy and compassion for what the author calls other-than-human beings, talks about caring for different kinds of pets, and offers a quiz to see how you rate. Next comes Don't Pester the Pigeons, including 'funky facts on our flying friends'. Try It, You'll Like It encourages becoming a vegetarian, while Chicken Out tells us about the inhumanity of 'dark, smelly egg factories'. Be Science Fair and Don't Pass the Product Test talk about the cruelty of animal experimentation. We're told why Fur is Un-fur-givable. It's Raining Cats and Dogs (about homeless animals) and "Companimals" are Priceless address the critters many of us share our homes with. Other chapters advocate to Save the Whales, Be Good to Bugs (including a creepy crawly quiz), avoid Horsing Around (against wild horse roundups), Watch Out for Animals (who need help), Dump Wasteful Habits, Free the Fishes, and Help Turtles out of Trouble. They address the treatment of animals in circuses, zoos, and fairs, and how to get uninvited critters out of the house. Each chapter ends with suggestions for What You Can Do, and Check It Out opportunities for further research. At the back of the book are a bunch of appetizing vegetarian and vegan recipes. There are lots of great ideas and much (vegan) food for thought in 50 Awesome Ways Kids Can Help Animals. If you care about the smart, caring critters who share the planet with us, maybe it's time to get involved. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Kids books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews