In this vulnerable age, we do not brainwash them with terminology they do not understand or tell them what is the right opinion to have on an issue (whether it's an opinion we support or disagree with). The wise mentors teach to love all critters, the earth, and treat all living beings (including humans) with respect. The rule of thumb for conservation educators and teachers is that up to grade 4, we teach children the GOOD only.

It definitely has an 'us against them' feel, and comes out of a lot of anger towards racism, sexism, environmental harm, inequality, etc., which is felt in the book. I'm so left wing that it hurts sometimes, but I found this book very uncomfortable to read because it is so preachy. If I’m reading a book about activism it doesn’t have to mention animals but if it does it has to be for their rights, not for their use and abuse by activists and would be activists.

I will never give or read this book to anyone, and certainly not any child. What about non-human animal rights?! What about animal rights activists, most of whom are also human rights activists. But not only nothing about animals but a point is made to eat what is definitely animal derived cheese and probably animal flesh. And this is a book that touts rights for all varieties of humans, and I agree with that. Hot dogs, even vegan ones, aren’t really that healthy. Hot dogs!?! Yes! Healthy hot dogs please! (And pizza.)” adults enjoying kids’ books, that I could have forgiven the not so friendly for young kids vocabulary. However, I am such a fan of the idea, and I’m all for parents, teachers, babysitters, etc. Older kids will but they don’t need board books. However, the vocabulary is so advanced that while babies to preschoolers might enjoy the pictures and the cadence of the language, they’re not going to understand much of the text. The illustrations are colorful and interesting and while I’m not a huge fan of their style, I think many readers will like them, including young readers/listeners. This is a board book, so presumably geared toward babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, and their adults.

The most stars I would have given anyway is 3. I’m so disappointed because I’d seen this book on someone’s (real) shelves and jumped to reserve it at the library to see if I’d want this for giving new baby gifts.

A is for Activist by Innosanto Nagara