This collection of true stories of animal behavior is not only captivating and thought-provoking, but also a terrific way for teachers and parents to have children to consider feelings--whether animal or human. Superbly illustrated by Trudy Calvert, a noted wilflife artist, the book begs to be petted; your fingers will automatically run over every hair of these delightful animals.

These stories present emotional themes such as compassion, loyalty, grief, and others, while giving animal examples and then asking questions. It is a good tool for sparking dialog and breaking through concepts that animals don't have emotions.

Scenerios: A young antelope was being dragged into a river by a crocodile. A nearby hippopotamus saw what was happening and charged the croc, which released the antelope. The hippo gently pulled the antelope up the riverbank, comforting and protecting it until it died. Was this compassion? Or a zoo monkey routinely used a banana to bribe a moose to carry him across a moat designed to keep him confined to a small island. Isn't this cleverness?