Lions and tigers, and bears, oh my! Think about that statement and what it means. How does this make us view these animals and their behaviors? As children, the natural world is defined by the sources surrounding us that will ultimately shape our perspective as grow older. In programs, such as Disney, the characters come across as inviting and exhibit cartoon characteristics. They talk and have real human interactions, despite the fact that much of this is impossible. Then as we grow older and focus in on more mature programs and literature, animals are portrayed as these unapproachable beasts that can generate fear or vulnerability. Is there a possible middle ground? Is there a softer way to transition into more mature and realistic stories? There needs to be a way in which animals can be described in their most natural state without placing these pre-created characteristics into their personalities.
Majority of what we are exposed to as children regarding the natural word is exaggerated or lacking in truth. Certain characteristics of animals and their behaviors are altered to hold our interest and make learning more “fun.” Is this perspective actually helpful? Children enter the world with opinions that are not based on facts or observation, but merely fantasized stories. This can prohibit what individuals are actually taking away from the natural world and the animals that live in it. Children’s literature expert Donna Norton states “Children’s literature is important because it provides students with opportunities to respond to literature; it gives students appreciation about their own cultural heritage as well as those of others; it helps students develop emotional intelligence and creativity; it nurtures growth and development of the student’s personality and social skills; and it transmits important literature and themes from one generation to the next”. Animals are creatures that we cannot possibly understand because they operate differently than humans, but if we close ourselves off to certain assumptions then we lose the ability to truly let ourselves be amazed by the world around us. Animals also act as a living representation of history. Many of them have been around longer than our generation and it is important to preserve these animals because there is much knowledge to gain.
We want our readers to take away a new curiosity and understanding of animals. As a child, you are often afraid of animals, or only know animated versions such as Franklin the turtle or the three little pigs. This characters can cause children to develop unrealistic ideals about how animals are supposed to act. Our overarching goal is to show children that animals are not horrific beasts or silly cartoons, but more similar to humans than we had once thought before. The transitional period from graduating elementary school and entering junior high is a perfect time in a child’s life to introduce them to this concept considering the change in educational tools. However, in our collection of essays, we feature stories with friendly themes yet mature vocabulary to accompany their transition. Children should be offered resources that show the natural world in a bare state, where they have more of an opportunity to build their own opinion on animals and their behavior. There are essays available that address this idea and attempt to portray animals in the most realistic way.
The journey begins with exposing how our misconceptions can prohibit our learning. The first chapter highlights how our misconceptions can lead us to believe that animals are scary creatures that we must distance ourselves from. For example, imagine every time you heard the word wolf you immediately thought of the big bad wolf who was after little red riding hood. Then after reading the first chapter you discover that wolves are actually not that terrifying at all. Your misconceptions kept you from truly learning about the natural world and what it has to offer. As the anthology progresses, more and more misconceptions are proven to be untrue. The next two chapters illustrate how human interactions with animals can be positive, and seem more natural opposed to a divide between our world and theirs. The last set of chapters will expose how much appreciation and amazement humans can experience with animals when they allow themselves to observe animals for their natural behavior and true characteristics. Depending on what children are exposed to as they grow older, it can be difficult to view the natural world with an unbiased opinion. Observation without any sort of influence is tough, but an attempt must be made in order to gain any form of realistic understanding.
These essays can redefine the way a child observes animals and the natural world. Instead of viewing them as cartoon characters or dangerous beings, they will be open minded and observing. This can lead to new views on the natural world as far as how we protect it and what type of decisions we are making that could affect it. As a child, imagination is the most powerful tool. To be able to read about animals in a realistic way would offer them the opportunity to stay engaged and interested in the natural world. They, as the new generation, can offer new insights as they grow older and potentially alter the way we view the natural world for the better. Who can say what a child’s mind is capable of without so much false influence? The goal is to be able to open their minds, to not only animals but the natural world in general and see where that will take them.
In conclusion, we want children to gain a new perception and appreciation of animals from our anthology. When a child reads our stories of animals in a new light, there imagination will explode with imaginative ideas and open mindedness. All of the essays in our anthology draw attention to animals as well as urban nature itself. Bringing attention to these concepts is much needed for a child’s growth and development. Stimulating a child’s mind is essential for development. In order for a child to mature, they need to be reading more mature content, and starting with animals is where to start because of their friendliness and familiarity. Our anthology ties together a newfound appreciation of animals, learning to read more mature content, and igniting a light in a child’s imagination. After children read our anthology, the phrase “Lions, tigers, and bears, oh my!” will not hold as much terror as it once did before.
