Animal Hospital Books Are Perfect for Kids
Stories centered around an animal hospital (or wildlife rehabilitation center) have it all: There are animals, helpful doctors, injury, and recovery. These topics are highly interesting to most young readers, making a wildlife rescue story quite compelling. As an added benefit, such picture books foster a love for and an appreciation of nature.
I had the pleasure of editing two books by Christie Gove-Berg. My introduction to these wonderful centers came via Esther the Eaglet in 2015. A year later, another animal hospital was featured in Christie’s Maggie the One-Eyed Peregrine Falcon. These books are absolutely perfect for children, and here’s why.
Kids Love Animals
It’s practically a universal truth: Children adore critters of all shapes and sizes. Dogs and cats are the standard, but wild animals hold a special allure. They are unique and exotic, often talked about but rarely seen. A nonfiction book about them is a treasure, especially one that tells a captivating tale—and has photographs of real animals too!
Wildlife Rescue Makes a Great Story
From a child’s perspective, such uncommon and unique creatures are often perceived as invincible. A story that puts the critters in peril is instantly captivating. Plus, an injured animal is a source of compassion. The child cannot help but root for and care for the creature.
An Animal Hospital Is an Interesting Setting
How many children, at some point in their lives, wish to become veterinarians? A lot! A wildlife rehabilitation center is a fascinating place to learn how animals are diagnosed, treated, and eventually returned to the wild (whenever possible). In Christie’s books, the readers see real people in action, patiently and tenderly helping injured wild animals.
These Books Have a Lasting Impact on Readers
A wildlife rescue story affects children on several different levels. There are lessons about sympathy and compassion as readers hope for the animal to get better. This, of course, builds a love for nature: The animal is important and deserves to be well. It wants to return to the wild because nature is a good place to be.
On top of that, the doctors at the animal hospital model warmth, sensitivity, and selflessness. Kids see the benefits of good people doing good things, and that can only have a positive impact on them as they grow and learn.
You can’t go wrong with Esther the Eaglet, Maggie the One-Eyed Peregrine Falcon, and other books about wildlife rescue. Stories like these are worthy of any 4- to 8-year-old child’s bookshelf and classroom.
