The Kids' Bookstore  

'The Livewire Guide to Going, Being and Staying Veggie!' by Juliet Gellatley (founder of VIVA!)- a guide for teenagers who are going vegetarian or vegan. Lots of information about how animals are treated in the food industry, answers to difficult questions from peers and parents, nutritional advice and more.

'The Gnats of Knotty Pine' - brave gnats terrify the hunters away from the woods! This book is suitable from about two years and up.

'Farmer Duck' - a sort of 'Animal Farm' for children - the animals revolt against the exploitative farmer. Read aloud from about two years or reading ages 4-8.

Herb the Vegetarian Dragon by Jules Bass and Debbie Harter. The story of Herb who stands out from his fellow carnivorous dragons by being a vegetarian! He also brings peace to the forest of Nogard where dragons and people now live together in harmony! Colourful book with a real medieval, castles, knights and dungeons feel to it. It does get a bit gruesome at a point where you think that Herb is about to be beheaded so is not perfect for very small children. Reading ages 8-12 or read aloud.

'Under the Stairs' by Mary Brady. A vegan novel for teenagers which deals with the subject of abuse to both children and animals. The book starts with Peter, a fourteen year old boy who is beaten by his stepfather, meeting a family of animal rights activists. The author is graphic in her descriptions of violence and hopes that this book may help young people speak out about their own problems. A little romance and vegan chocolate cheesecake lighten the mood!

 Now out of print but worth looking for in the library system or second hand are the two Victor books - they seem to be available on Amazon now and again so it's worth checking the links.:

  Victor the Vegetarian - Saving the Little Lambs by Radha Vignola. The charming story of a young boy who discovers that his two lamb friends are going to be killed for meat and ultimately becomes a vegetarian. The author is a vegan. Suitable from about two years and up. Reading ages 6-12.

'Twas the Night before Thanksgiving' - the story of eight school children who rescue eight turkeys from Farmer Mack Nugget on Thanks-giving Eve. Ages 4-8.

'Chicken Run' - the story book of the film. Brave chickens try to escape from a battery chicken farm and the evil Mrs. Tweedy (who loves to cook chickens!).

And here's the video.

'The Chicken Gave it to me' - the story of a brave chicken that flies 'frillions' of miles to prevent humans being farmed and eaten by aliens! Strong information about factory farming. Reading age 8-12 or read aloud to children from about 5 years old.

'Charlotte's Web' - the famous tale of Wilbur the pig and his dearest friend, Charlotte the spider. Wilbur is horrified when he discovers what pigs are generally kept for and Charlotte hatches a plan to save his life. Suitable for older readers 8-12 or for reading aloud to younger children.

Alternatively there is the video! An older film with catchy songs. Cert. U.

'Oliver's Fruit Salad' by Vivian French and Alison Barlett. Not exactly vegetarian in content but the only food here is fruit - a good book for encouraging kids to try different fruits.

'I Eat Vegetables' by Hannah Tofts. A very simple book for small children with large colour photos of different vegetables.