This was a great book that was very simply done, but filled with little bits that will prompt children to ask many questions and want to learn more. It's a great introduction to the cruelty animals face that will encourage them to learn more and be better. The facts included at the end are a great eye opener to how much our decisions on what to buy/eat effects other humans as well as the environment. It teaches kindness, empathy, and love for all beings on our planet.

A delightful book that will inspire our children, our future, to live compassionate lives.. A perfect introduction for young children into the way humans use animals making the connection to animal suffering simple as any child would see it. As a vegan mom I will purchase this book for my home and for every child that enters my life. Please make a series of these books so that we can teach our young people a meaningful way to live and empower them to care about fellow earthlings and the world around us. Thank you.

Our Animal Neighbors by Matthieu Ricard and Jason Gruhl was beautiful illustrations and had an important message. However, it felt a bit preachy. There also seemed to be an issue with the format on my Kindle. The pages were all out of order, so I had to piece the book together a bit.

I received an eARC from Shambhala Publications and Bala Kids through NetGalley. All opinions are 100% my own.

Animal, Human, and Earth Positive

In this book, the authors are trying to help children to appreciate animals for what they are, not what they can do for us, and their similarity to us. The book starts by looking at the varieties of types of humans that exist on Earth, followed by the species of the animal kingdom. Habitats are compared, showing people and animals having their own preferences. The authors then show the similarities between humans and animals, like how we have skills, need food and water, have familial relationships, work, and play. There are also a few pictures that show ways that humans exploit animals, like using them for scientific research or entertainment. At the end, the authors encourage children to look out for their neighbors with compassion and open hearts, including animals. A couple of pages at the end include some facts and figures about animals and humans' impact upon them (and the planet). At times, this book did come across as a little preachy, which I guess is expected given the topic. Some images or ideas might disturb younger children. For instance, there's a cartoon of two monkeys who clearly have been experimented on that show injuries. Other parts of the book might spark curiosity questions, like why the elephant balancing on a ball is called “trapped.” I thought the authors show some bias. I understand having a passion for this topic, but it needs to be balanced, especially when sharing with children. The illustrations are bright and colorful, and the first pages really show the diversity of people and animals. I particularly liked the colorful pages showing the habitats of humans and animals. If you want to encourage the care and protection of animals in your child, this book could help you do so.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. Excellent views on animals and why we need them and how we should treat them.

This book has beautiful illustrations and a good perspective on co-existing with animals and the similarities we share with them. There are a few moments where it seems unnecessarily preachy and negative, which is a shame in what could be a book about making positive, slow-but-steady changes when it comes to conservationism and even vegetarianism.

Yes, yes and more yes! I love this book! It so perfectly explains in simple language how animals should not be hurt and exploited and how just like other people, they are our neighbors. As someone who is vegan, involved in both dog rescue and farm animal Sanctuary rescue, I am thrilled to see a book like this!! I volunteer with a farm Sanctuary called Lancaster Farm Sanctuary in Pennsylvania and we sometimes have a storytime where the founders go on Facebook live and read a bedtime story, I would so love to get a copy of this book for them to read to their followers! Please consider seeing all animals as animals who want to love and love. A dog is no different than a cow, they all want to be here and feel love. Thank you again for this great book! The illustrations are amazing!

A very cute and interesting picture book about diversity and the need to appreciate all human-beings on earth. A little preachy but effective.

This was a sweet and timely book about living in harmony with all of our neighbors (human and animal). It had good text and illustrations.
Note: After the story there is a section called Facts, Figures, and Things to Ponder. This section mentioned evolution.
"I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."