Tate's Wild Rescue by Izzy Burton, Jenny Turnbull ISBN: 0593569075
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
Tate is a young girl who loves wild animals. She loves wild animals so much that she hopes to “save” one by inviting it to live with her in the comfort and safety of her home. She proceeds to write letters inviting a series of animals to come and live with her but to her dismay, all the wild animals turn her down. Some humorously decline while others adamantly refuse Tate’s proposal. In the end, Tate receives a letter from an animal who indeed needs rescuing, companionship, and all of the amenities that the wild animals dismissed. As anyone who has loved a rescue pet can attest, sometimes the humans are the ones really being rescued.
This book would be a fun interactive read aloud for young children, as there are both picture and text clues alluding to the next animal Tate invites on the subsequent page. It would also be a great way to facilitate a discussion on the difference between wild animals and domestic pets. Following the story, the author includes pertinent information and resources about taking care of the environment, contributing to animal conservation areas/efforts, and helping homeless pets. Readers will also enjoy comparing and contrasting the endpapers at the beginning and end of the story. Written for ages 4-8.
Lindsey Hopkins, Jay-Niles Memorial Library, Jay