Timely Takeaways: Animal-Human Relationships

Animal-Human Relationships

From turtles and koalas to animal babies, explore several new books that examine the lives of animals and their relationships with humans around the world.

Of Times and Turtles: Mending the World, Shell by Shattered Shell
Sy Montgomery, 2023, Mariner Books, an imprint of HarperCollins
Themes: Nature, Animals, Reptiles

Organized into five parts, Montgomery immerses readers in the world of turtles. Combining science with storytelling, readers follow the author’s experiences helping recovering turtles.

Take-aways: Draw on the book’s engaging examples to share the need for turtle protection.

Nursery Earth: The Wondrous Lives of Baby Animals and the Extraordinary Ways They Shape our World
Danna Staaf, 2023, The Experiment, an imprint of Hachette Book Group
Themes: Nature, Animals, Baby Animals

From egg to adulthood, explore the cycles of life in the animal world. Tracing both the history and science of animal development, Staaf shares fascinating facts and insights into the lesser known aspects of animal life.

Take-aways: Explore often overlooked phases of animal development.

Koala: A Natural History and an Uncertain Future
Danielle Clode, 2023, W.W. Norton & Company
Themes: Nature, Animals, Mammals

Clode investigates the history, physiology and personalities of koalas. Along the way, she reflects on the need to protect these unique Australian marsupials.

Take-aways: Bring life science alive with information about these adorable animals.

Beastly: The 40,000-Year Story of Animals and Us
Keggie Carew, 2023, Abrams Press
Themes: Nature, Animals, Wildlife

Divided into ten parts, readers explore the relationship between humans and animals through history. Focusing on key encounters, Carew examines a wide range of creatures and the importance of biodiversity.

Take-aways: Weave the author’s anecdotes into a discussion of animal-human interactions through time.

The Creative Lives of Animals
Carol Gigliotti, 2022, NYU Press
Themes: Nature, Animals, Environmental Protection

From building shelters to seducing potential mates, explore the many ways animals apply creativity in their everyday lives.

Take-aways: Use the examples in this book to show young people the need to view animals as individuals who make important contributions in the natural world.

Sentient: How Animals Illuminate the Wonder of Our Human Senses
Jackie Higgins, 2022, Atria Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster
Themes: Nature, Animals

Told through the sensory capabilities of thirteen animals, readers learn about human perception and celebrate the connections among creatures of the world.

Take-aways: Teach senses within the context of human and animal characteristics.