Published by HMH Books for Young Readers
Summary: Based on her 2018 YA/adult book How to Be a Good Creature, Sy Montgomery shares with readers the lessons she has learned from animals. Her earliest teacher was her childhood dog Molly, who helped her discover how to observe animals. She used those skills to study emus, gorillas, tigers, sharks, and more all over the world. Animals taught her to be patient, to forgive, and to not be afraid. A pig named Christopher Hogwood helped Sy and her husband create a unique kind of family. Even animals that aren’t always loved–hyenas, a tarantula, and a weasel–helped her to become more open-minded and understanding. The last lesson, “Trust tomorrow” tells how a border collie puppy who was blind in one eye reminded her that, even when things seem like they’re ending, there’s promise in a new day. Includes a brief thank-you note to the animals from the author with photos of her with a few of the animals from the book. 40 pages; grades K-4.
Pros: Animal lovers will enjoy reading these brief but intimate stories about Montgomery’s many animal adventures. Social-emotional or spiritual teachers could use any of these stories to introduce a lesson.
Cons: The photos at the end left me wanting to see more.
