Suggested fiction

Books

The following books are based on animal themes. They are listed in an approximate order -- those more suitable for older readers are listed first. Books become more suitable for younger readers as you go down the list.

Never Cry Wolf

by Farley Mowat, Pan, London, 1979

A true story, also made into a film. The author is sent into the wilds of Alaska to study the relationship between wolves and the declining caribou herds. In the process he develops a deep respect for wolf society, and realises that wolves are not to blame for the decline of the caribou. The book is not only a thought-provoking study of the relationship between humans and nature, but it is also very humorous in parts.

Papio

by Victor Kelleher, Puffin, Ringwood, 1985

David and Jem are appalled by experiments carried out on baboons at an African research centre. They decide to do something about it, and release the baboons. But the problem doesn't end there -- the baboons have trouble adjusting to life in the wild, and David and Jem now have the responsibility to help them survive. An engrossing narrative that also raises interesting questions about animal experimentation and the release of captive animals back to the wild.

Watership Down

by Richard Adams, Puffin, Harmondsworth, 1972

As their once peaceful warren is threatened with destruction, a group of rabbits make a perilous journey to find a safe place to live. The reader is drawn into the world of rabbits and sees the journey through their eyes. An award winning book that has become a classic.

Mrs Frisby and the Rats of NIMH

by Robert O'Brien, Puffin, Harmondsworth, 1975

Mrs Frisby, the mouse, has an urgent problem to save her family. The only ones who can help are the mysterious rats living in the rosebush. Mrs Frisby gradually finds out how the rats came to be so smart in the laboratories of NIMH.

Why the Whales Came

by Michael Morpurgo, Heineman, London, 1985

People in the Isles of Scilly regard anything that comes to them in the sea as theirs for the taking. This includes beached narwhales. This is not only the story of how Gracie, Daniel, and the mysterious Birdman save a pod of narwhales from slaughter, but also how human exploitation of nature leads to disaster.

Who Says Animals Don't Have Rights

by Jean Ure, Penguin, Harmondsworth, 1993

When Penny Monnery is kidnapped by animal rights activists, she is confronted by some very disturbing revelations of what goes on in her rich and charming uncle's cosmetic factories. Woven into the narrative is an interesting discussion of the many facets of animal cruelty that consumers are often unaware of.

The Sheep-Pig

by Dick King-Smith, Puffin, Harmondsworth, 1985

This is the book that the film "Babe" was based on. Babe escapes the slaughterhouse by becoming a sheep pig. It is a touching story about daring to be different, acceptance, and respecting the feelings of others.

The Schoolmouse

by Dick King-Smith, Chivers Press, Bath, 1995

Flora is a mouse with a difference -- she is the only mouse living in the school who learns to read along with the children. Her skills save her family from being poisoned. Eventually she meets Robin, the handsome pet mouse who has been abandoned by a careless boy.

Regina's Impossible Dream

by Judith Worthy, Puffin, Ringwood, 1988

Regina dreams of escaping her battery cage. A freak accident gives her the chance of realising her dream. Regina's story highlights the cruelties of modern "factory farming".

The Deliverance of Dancing Bears

by Elizabeth Stanley, Cygnet Books, Nedland, 1994

In her cage, the Dancing Bear dreams of a life of freedom. Instead, she is chained and forced to dance in the village square each day. A kind old man makes her dream a reality. The simple text is accompanied by beautiful colour drawings to enable the reader to appreciate the culture and landscape surrounding the dancing bears.

The Magic Finger

by Roald Dahl, Puffin, Harmondsworth, 1974

If people knew how animals felt, would they still be cruel? The girl in this story has a magic finger. She is so upset by duck shooting, she uses her magic finger to turn the hunters into ducks. They find out what it's like to be shot at, and they learn their lesson well.

Snake

by D.H.Lawrence

An interesting poem that considers the relationship between humans and animals. It can be found in many anthologies of poetry.

Films

Some of the following films, available on video, are based on the above books: