Children’s Books Inspire Humane Treatment of Animals

Brenda, aka "Grannie" Snow, a human resources director, always wanted to write. Her own experiences with cats inspired her to create the Silas Series of children's books. She has been delighted by the reception the first two books in the series have received from children and adults alike. Brenda, who lives in Vermont, holds events in local bookstores and animal shelters where she reads from her books. Her hope is that the series will inspire other people to adopt companion animals of their own. — Brenda, aka “Grannie” Snow, a human resources director, always wanted to write. Her own experiences with cats inspired her to create the Silas Series of children’s books. She has been delighted by the reception the first two books in the series have received from children and adults alike. Brenda, who lives in Vermont, holds events in local bookstores and animal shelters where she reads from her books. Her hope is that the series will inspire other people to adopt companion animals of their own.

You can never start respecting and caring about companion animals too young! Here are some recently published books for preschoolers and elementary school age children that feature shelter animals or feral and stray community cats.

The Silas Series: The Adventures of Silas and Opal
by Grannie Snow
This series of picture books, written in verse, details the adventures of a shelter cat named Silas who gets adopted and winds up sharing his home with a “sweet smelling lady.” Later, Miss Opal, a lovely little kitty joins their family. Key aspects of having a companion animal are woven into the stories, including loving and losing a pet and then discovering the joys and comfort of letting new pets into your home and heart. Learn more about this book series.

The Cats On My Block
by Valerie Sicignano
This picture book, written by Valerie Sicignano, Community Outreach Director of the NYC Feral Cat Initiative of the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals, introduces young children to the world of outdoor cats. Through the course of the story kids will learn about how these cats live and why we should care for them. All proceeds from the sale of the book go to the Humane Society of New York’s feral cat program. Learn more about this book.

American Humane Association Hero Dog Award Ready-to-Read Series
by Thea Feldman
Written by Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals writer and editor, Thea Feldman, each book in this series created for children learning to read on their own features another recipient of the American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards. Kids can learn about a dog who sniffs out fires, a dog who sniffed out bombs in Iraq, and a dog who provides comfort for people in need. Learn more about this book series.

ASPCA Kids: Pet Rescue Club Series
by Catherine Hapka
Kids can read these 128-page illustrated novels and learn about the real-life pet who inspired each adventure of the Pet Rescue Club. Learn more about this book series.