by Mandy Donoghue

Created on: January 26, 2009   Last Updated: July 26, 2009

As a child, my mother brought home stray field mice, lizards, frogs, turtles, ducks, squirrels, dogs and cats to my exasperated grandmother. Listening to her reminisce through storytelling was a special time for me. Her stories and eventually her reading me books about animals were important aspects of my humane education.

Childhood books that I remember fondly include Black Stallion, The Velveteen Rabbit, The Runaway Bunny and Charlotte's Web. These books helped me develop a respect for people and animals and continue to influence my every decision.

BLACK STALLION OVERVIEW

A horse and boy end up on a deserted island after the ship they were on catches fire and sinks. Both are alone and frightened. Eventually, the boy and the stallion bond with one another and are rescued. Upon returning to the mainland, Black's speed catches the eye of a man that races horses, but Black is hesitant to trust people other than the boy.

BLACK STALLION LESSONS AND THEMES

It is important to speak up for all living beings unable to do so for themselves. Be kind to an animal or child and they will learn to also be kind. Themes: loyalty, courage, kindness, empathy

THE VELVETEEN RABBIT OVERVIEW

For Christmas, a boy receives a stuffed toy rabbit. He ignores the rabbit in favor of other fancier, real' toys. The stuffed rabbit wants to become a real rabbit. Other toys inform the rabbit that toys become real when loved by the owner. Eventually, the boy picks up the Velveteen Rabbit as his companion.
When the boy becomes sick, the doctor advises his parents to burn all his toys. Velveteen Rabbit is discarded. At the end, it appears the Velveteen Rabbit finally becomes real when he sheds a tear and is set free to join real rabbits.

THE VELVETEEN RABBIT LESSONS AND THEMES

Treat all living creatures the way you want to be treated. Old or sickly beings need to be respected and shown compassion. Themes: life, death, friendship, loyalty, right to live peacefully

THE RUNAWAY BUNNY OVERVIEW

Every time the little bunny tells his mom that he is going to run away, she tells him "If you run away, I will run after you." The little bunny comes up with ways to hide from his mom, such as turning into a fish, a bird and a flower. His mom says that she'll turn into a fisherman, a tree and a gardener.
The little bunny decides to just stay home. He and his mom sit in their burrow in a tree trunk. She offers him a carrot.

THE RUNAWAY BUNNY LESSONS AND THEMES

All living creatures need someone at one time or another. All animals need to be taken care of. Themes: Commitment, unconditional love, responsibility

CHARLOTTE'S WEB OVERVIEW

The farmer wants to kill a runt pig considered useless, but his daughter, Fern, begs him to spare the pig. She becomes responsible for the pig named Wilbur. Fern is loyal to Wilbur in the beginning. Eventually, Charlotte, a spider, is a better friend to Wilbur than Fern. Charlotte is so devoted to Wilbur that she will risk her life for him.

CHARLOTTE'S WEB LESSONS AND THEMES

People have a responsibility to let animals be animals. All living creatures are different but deserve respect. Themes: friendship, loyalty, individual worth, death

There are so many other books that influenced me, but the ones discussed above had the most profound effect on how I live my life in harmony with other animals and people. The lessons learned and themes influenced me throughout my childhood.

As an adult capable of making my own decisions, the lessons learned are even more valuable to me in my daily decisions from what I choose to eat and where I choose to shop. If it weren't for my exposure to compassion and kindness towards animals growing up, I do not know if I would be who I am today.

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