What Animals Want: The Five Freedoms in Action, written by Jacqueline Pearce and illustrated by Julie McLlaughlin. Orca Books, 2021. $24.95 ages 10 and up

"Did you know that feeding wild animals
can be more harmful than helpful? It may 
cause wild animals like bears and raccoons
to lose their fear of people, which is a safety
concern for people and animals. It may also
encourage animals to crowd around the food
source, raising the risk of disease being 
spread, as well as fighting."

We all know the feelings that animals inspire in our children. Interaction with animals are daily events for many. They are pets, they work for people in various ways, they provide food and clothing, and are used for research and learning. While kids are always concerned with their pets' needs, how often do they think about all the other animals in the world, and wonder what they might need? 

The table of contents shows that seven chapters will follow the introduction. They concern food and water, good health, suffering, homes, allowing animals to do what they naturally do, building communities that care about their welfare, and ways for each one of us to make a difference in their lives. Appealing photographs and winning illustrations add appeal to the informative text. Did You Know? boxes add useful facts, and True or False? questions allow time for thought, then provide concise answers. There are numerous Care Tips, and Kids in Action profiles that tell stories of kids who are bringing attention by acting for animals. 

Here is The Five Freedoms Checklist. It was created to ensure that animals who are cared for by people are treated with the respect they deserve. 

❤Freedom from hunger and thirst. 

❤Freedom from pain, injury, and disease

❤Freedom from distress

❤Freedom from discomfort

❤Freedom to express behaviors that promote well-being

The task doesn't seem formidable, does it? These are the same freedoms we all need. Animals cannot speak their needs. We must do it for them. The author provides many suggestions for creating empathy and understanding for all animals. She explains how careful thought must be given when considering each of the five freedoms, and the changes that can be made to make life any animal's life better. Animal activists raise awareness, and kids can make a difference as well. 

In her final Care Tip, Ms. Pearce offers a page filled with 10 actions children can take to ensure that the five freedoms are followed where they live. The concluding chapter offers a graphic double-page spread of the five freedoms. Back matter includes an extensive glossary, a list of resources and an index.