“Each animal has its own special way of seeing.” Clear, close-up photographs of animals’ eyes and the question posed in the title are followed by more information about other animals. A variety of animals appear, from owls and pigeons to alligators and frogs. Information about the human eye concludes this fascinating look at ways of seeing.
This book is designed to help children cope with “bad things” that occur in their everyday lives and to allow them to explore their feelings of sadness, fear, anger, etc. Some of the examples offered include a game being canceled, a sibling being pushed by a bully, adults fighting, and seeing scary news stories on television. After acknowledging the emotions, Jackson reassures youngsters that while “a few people do bad things” most people “want to make the world a better place for everyone.” A brief text and crisp, color photos show community heroes such as a firefighter and other professionals caring for people and animals. Simple coping strategies are suggested, such as “Hug a friend. Plant a flower.- Look up at the sky. Sing a brave song,” and youngsters are told that “It’s okay to cry.” Older children could use this book as a springboard for talking about their own experiences and ways to handle them positively. Younger audiences will find comfort in expressing their own sadness and looking for a happier outcome.
