How to Hold Animals

I've held all sort of critter over my career working in a library. I never really thought there was a right or wrong way to hold them. But then, I was handling very dangerous ones either! This was a enlightening book o n how to handle (or not) various creatures, from insects to animals, so they can't harm YOU! It's more of a how not to get bit, stung, pinched, and other injuries, from animals. I liked the photos. Fun read for anyone interested in animals.

This is a brief and very useful guide about how to pick up and hold animals safely without harm to them and yourself. It focuses mainly on wild animals but also has chapters on farm animals and domestic (pets) animals. Each animal is highly detailed about the areas of concern for their health and safety but to why you hold each animal a certain way that may not look normal but it is safe for all.

I appreciate all the details and photos in this book for a step by step how-to. I disagree with the restraint on house rabbits. For most rabbits, it is painful to be scruffed and can cause more fear to a prey animal. I volunteer at a House Rabbit Society on a regular basis, and even the rabbits know to bite, box, and grunt are handled in a way where if they kick it will not injure their spines. Hindquarters need to be supported to protect the spine!

A good reference but always talk to your vet if you have questions about how to hold your pet properly and always monitor young children with all house pets.

Thanks to Netgalley, Toshimitsu Matsuhashi and Scribnar for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Available: 11/3/20

3.5. This visually appealing volume will surely attract its intended audience of elementary and middle school-aged children. It would make a nice addition to any large public library, school library or environmental centers.

How to Hold Animals
By Toshimitsu Matsuhashi

I really enjoyed this very thorough non fiction book written by well known vets in Japan about how to hold large and small animals, critters, insects, birds, spiders, and many more. I am very surprised it even included how to hold a cockroach. Not that I would want to, but someone may and there is always the right way to handle these creatures without hurting them.

I found that the pictures really helped. I have budgies and it was great to see the proper way of handling them. I feel that this book would really make a great resource for animal lovers, teachers with their students, and parents as they explore the world with their children. The photos in every page were incredible and really did teach me a lot.

I highly recommend this amazing book full of wonderful information.