Looking for eco-friendly holiday gifts for the kids in your life? The Farm Animal Rescue series by Leslie Crawford is a perfect, heartwarming option for children ages 4-8. Sprig the Rescue Pig and Gwen the Rescue Hen instill compassion by teaching kids about the extraordinary abilities of farm animals. Reynard Loki of Ecowatch has praised the way that “in telling these heartwarming tales of resilience, compassion, and love, Crawford avoids the more brutal realities of factory farming” and focuses on “how truly wonderful these overlooked and poorly treated animals are.” Both inspired by true events, the books include bonus sections that teach children amazing facts about chickens and pigs.
1. Sprig the Rescue Pig
In Crawford’s first book, we meet Sprig the Rescue Pig. Things aren’t looking good for Sprig, who is packed into a fast-moving truck with dozens of other pigs. He doesn’t know where they’re going but his nose knows there’s something better out there. So with one dramatic leap, or really more of a tumble, Sprig sets out on an adventure that leads him to his new best friend, a girl named Rory. This light-hearted tale introduces kids to an intelligent and inquisitive pig who finds his way to a good life. Scott Mann at The Permaculture Podcast has said, “With Sprig, Leslie Crawford shows us how it’s possible to expand our relationship with, and our connection to, the natural and non-human world. She uses language that is nonjudgmental, beautiful, and expressive.”
2. Gwen the Rescue Hen
Gwen the Rescue Hen introduces us to an egg-laying hen who has spent her whole life in a big hen house. One day, a fateful tornado turns her world upside-down and sideways, landing her in a strange new place that’s nothing like the hen house. Using her wits and chicken superpowers, Gwen dodges danger at every turn until she finds safety and friendship with a boy named Mateo. Together they discover how extraordinary an ordinary chicken really is. Reviewer Kelly Garbato says Gwen is “a wonderful choice … for any parent or guardian wishing to instill a sense of compassion in their young children. And the artwork is super adorable too!”
Both Gwen and Sprig are available on Stone Pier Press (signed copies + free shipping ), Chelsea Green (promo code GS30 for 30% off), Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and at your local bookstore.
Originally posted 2018-12-12 11:25:52.
