When Arion Press celebrated its 50th anniversary, it chose to create a special edition of the timeless classic, Aesop’s Fables. In the world created by Aesop, a former Greek slave, animals become mirrors of human virtues and flaws, each story imparting a moral lesson that exudes simple, profound wisdom. Humankind’s bond with animals spans millennia. Dogs, cats, and horses have long been cherished companions. Modern-day pets include reptiles like snakes and lizards which are low-maintenance yet fascinating, offering unique lessons on growth and patience – particularly valuable for young minds.
“How we interact with animals has preoccupied philosophers, poets, and naturalists for ages,” writes Susan Orlean in her book On Animals. This sentiment is echoed in countless works, one such being The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony, co-written with Graham Spence. Anthony recounts his extraordinary efforts to protect a herd of African elephants – a tale that is both a conservationist’s triumph and a parable about coexistence.
Therapy animals often symbolise this profound connection. While dogs typically come to mind, Iris Grace by Arabella Carter Johnson narrates the story of Iris Grace and her Maine Coon kitten, Thula. The kitten’s intuitive nature helped Iris, a young girl with autism, to navigate her emotions, fostering communication and creativity that blossomed into vibrant paintings.
Jane Goodall’s journey began when she was gifted a stuffed chimpanzee named Jubilee. Jubilee, still perched on her dresser, remains a symbol of her enduring mission and her book My Life with the Chimpanzees is an essential read. Anna Sewell’s Black Beauty is a classic for young readers. Narrated from the perspective of a horse, Beauty, the novel charts her life and highlights resilience amid adversity.
Few works have reshaped humanity’s view of animals as profoundly as Peter Singer’s Animal Liberation. Since its publication in 1975, this seminal text has ignited a global movement against speciesism and the ethical failures of factory farming. Singer’s updated edition, Animal Liberation Now, addresses contemporary challenges, from the environmental toll of meat consumption to the risks posed by industrial farming practices. It is a compelling call to action, urging readers to rethink their choices and advocate for justice across species lines.
Farley Mowat’s Never Cry Wolf delves into the misunderstood world of arctic wolves.Tasked with investigating their impact on caribou populations, Mowat instead discovered the intricate balance wolves maintain in their ecosystems. His narrative dispels myths about wolves as ruthless predators and celebrates their vital role in nature’s harmony.
In contemporary literature, Dave Eggers’ The Eyes and the Impossible offers a whimsical yet profound look at urban wildlife. Through the eyes of Johannes, a free dog tasked with observing his park’s equilibrium, Eggers explores themes of friendship, freedom, and environmental change. As humans encroach on the park, Johannes and his eclectic animal companions grapple with preserving their home’s balance. Lushly illustrated, this novel invites readers to see the world anew, fostering a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of life.
Each of these works celebrates the enduring bond between humans and animals. They remind us that animals are not merely subjects of our observation but partners in our journey. These stories call us to act with compassion and humility, ensuring that the harmony we share with the animal kingdom endures for generations to come.
(The writer’s views are personal)