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Do Unto Animals: A Friendly Guide to How Animals Live, and How We Can Make Their Lives Better
The more we know about the animals in our world and the better we care for them, the better our lives will be. Former veterinary technician and animal advocate Tracey Stewart understands this better than most—and she’s on a mission to change how we interact with animals. Through hundreds of charming illustrations, a few homemade projects, and her humorous, knowledgeable voice, Stewart provides insight into the secret lives of animals and the kindest ways to live with and alongside them. At home, she shows readers how to speak “dog-ese” and “cat-ese” and how to “virtually adopt” an animal. In the backyard, we learn about building bee houses, dealing nicely with pesky moles, and creative ways to bird-watch. And on the farm, Stewart teaches us what we can do to help all farm animals lead a better life (and reveals pigs’ superpowers!). Part practical guide, part memoir of her life with animals, and part testament to the power of giving back, Do Unto Animals is a gift for animal lovers of all stripes.
200 pages, Paperback
First published September 29, 2015
115 people are currently reading
2089 people want to read
About the author
Tracey Stewart
1 book19 followersTracey Lynn Stewart (née McShane) is an American author and the wife of tv host and comedian Jon Stewart.
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September 8, 2023
This book tells you exactly what it is on the cover:
A friendly guide to how animals live, and; how we can make their lives better.
The author is a former veterinary technician and animal advocate, so her understanding of animal needs is obvious. And this book – well, she is on a mission.
It is clear that she believes that the more that humans know about the animals in our world the better we will care for them, and the better our lives will be.
And for anyone who is an animal lover, I believe her.
What attracted me most to this easy-to-read book were the illustrations. The illustrations by Lisel Ashlock are gorgeous. Readers can spend a day just turning pages looking at them. Sharing them with young children – or viewing them for yourself. It is as if you are looking at photographs. Absolutely stunning!
The author has broken the book up into 3 sections. At home, In the backyard and Falling in love on the farm.
In the chapter, At home, she shows readers how to speak “dog-ese” and “cat-ese” if that is your preferred pet. You are also shown ways of providing forever homes for some of the less adoptive type pets, and how you can see them in a different light.
In the chapter, In the backyard, we learn about building bee houses, dealing with pesky moles (and how we can live in harmony with them) and creative ways to bird-watch, have mindful walks, and more.
Also…
In the backyard chapter, one beautifully illustrated page titled, “there’s beauty in the night” was on the owls. It reminded me of an owl who lived in our Cypress tree for about 10 years. It was wonderful to listen to its nightly call. And sad when we were awakened by its deathly fall one morning. We were told by the local rescue group that he had lived to a wonderful old age, probably because he had a home he was comfortable and settled in. That made us happy.
In the chapter, On the farm, she teaches readers what can be done to help farm animals lead a better life. What is particularly interesting is that she also shares what makes them unhappy, too – which can be key information for those choosing to raise farm animals.
In a more personal chapter, on “giving sanctuary” she shares about some of her own farm animals including how to foster a farm friend.
This wonderful book also includes: acknowledgements, resources and an index.
A truly delightful, resourceful read.
P.S. - not that it should matter, but she is the wife of Jon Stewart, host of The Daily Show. He really isn't mentioned, other than as "my husband," or his name in the slight bio in the back. But, those in the United States, you may know him.
A friendly guide to how animals live, and; how we can make their lives better.
The author is a former veterinary technician and animal advocate, so her understanding of animal needs is obvious. And this book – well, she is on a mission.
It is clear that she believes that the more that humans know about the animals in our world the better we will care for them, and the better our lives will be.
And for anyone who is an animal lover, I believe her.
What attracted me most to this easy-to-read book were the illustrations. The illustrations by Lisel Ashlock are gorgeous. Readers can spend a day just turning pages looking at them. Sharing them with young children – or viewing them for yourself. It is as if you are looking at photographs. Absolutely stunning!
The author has broken the book up into 3 sections. At home, In the backyard and Falling in love on the farm.
In the chapter, At home, she shows readers how to speak “dog-ese” and “cat-ese” if that is your preferred pet. You are also shown ways of providing forever homes for some of the less adoptive type pets, and how you can see them in a different light.
In the chapter, In the backyard, we learn about building bee houses, dealing with pesky moles (and how we can live in harmony with them) and creative ways to bird-watch, have mindful walks, and more.
Also…
In the backyard chapter, one beautifully illustrated page titled, “there’s beauty in the night” was on the owls. It reminded me of an owl who lived in our Cypress tree for about 10 years. It was wonderful to listen to its nightly call. And sad when we were awakened by its deathly fall one morning. We were told by the local rescue group that he had lived to a wonderful old age, probably because he had a home he was comfortable and settled in. That made us happy.
In the chapter, On the farm, she teaches readers what can be done to help farm animals lead a better life. What is particularly interesting is that she also shares what makes them unhappy, too – which can be key information for those choosing to raise farm animals.
In a more personal chapter, on “giving sanctuary” she shares about some of her own farm animals including how to foster a farm friend.
This wonderful book also includes: acknowledgements, resources and an index.
A truly delightful, resourceful read.
P.S. - not that it should matter, but she is the wife of Jon Stewart, host of The Daily Show. He really isn't mentioned, other than as "my husband," or his name in the slight bio in the back. But, those in the United States, you may know him.
July 3, 2016
I finished 2 books in one day – VERY different types of books. This one I finished after the other, and it was a lovely way to end my reading day.
I highly recommend this book to all vegans, to all families, and especially to people who have companion animals or relate to others’ animals, who live in areas with any kinds of wildlife, including urban dwellers, those who enjoy and appreciate nature, gardeners, and those who love crafts. In other words, I recommend this to many of my real world and online friends. I think this book would make a great gift for most people and most families.
I was thrilled to get an autographed copy (even though unfortunately I wasn’t able to get to any of her local events) even though I usually don’t care about autographs. I do like autographed books though, especially since in recent years I’ve relied mostly on the library and have purchased very few books.
I’ve been “in love” with Jon Stewart for years. Now I’m also “in love” with his wife & kids, the whole family. They’re a wonderful family and I believe other families will appreciate getting to know them and getting ideas from Tracey about activities in which they can participate.
This book is gorgeously illustrated. The pictures perfectly complement and enhance the text portions. They’re integral to the book.
The book is divided into 3 sections: Animals at Home, Backyard Wildlife, and Falling in Love in the Farm. The edges of the pages paper are color-coded: Animals at Home (pale pink), Backyard Wildlife (pale blue), and Falling in Love on the Farm (pale yellow), and also lavender for the Acknowledgements, Resources, and Index.
Teens and adults will be interested in Tracey’s autobiographical parts. I loved the humorous parts and was interested in her experiences and the various changes that she made in her life. All ages, including young children, will be interested in the heftier sections about animals, especially kids old enough to read and to help with the crafts ideas and the ways to help animals suggestions. So many great tips are given about how to properly relate to and help various types of animals, and if I could have a garden I’d be making thorough use of the suggestions provided. If I ever get to meet a horse I now know better how to approach and get to know one, and while I already knew a fair amount about relating with dogs and cats I still found the included information about them helpful.
Tracey is vegan and now Jon is mostly vegetarian. (I hope he goes vegan and is vocal about it.) The reader isn’t really told about the kids and what they consume. I appreciated how the author shares so much about her family, but while still careful about their privacy and not revealing more about them than I think they’d want or is appropriate. She talks mostly about herself and the animals.
This is not exactly a “vegan book” in the strict sense of the word. However, with all the descriptions of animal species and individuals within each species, including animals typically used for food and other things by humans, I hope the “message” gets across to those not yet vegan. The message, such as it is, is relatively subtle, in a way, but that makes this book appropriate for all audiences, and I think that is a huge positive. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable and educational book.
My only two quibbles: 1. It’s farmed animal not farm animal, or should be, and 2. Gene Bauer co-founded Farm Sanctuary; he wasn’t the sole founder, but I know that these two details, particularly the latter, are of little interest to those who have not already very involved for a long time in the vegan movement.
I highly recommend this book to all vegans, to all families, and especially to people who have companion animals or relate to others’ animals, who live in areas with any kinds of wildlife, including urban dwellers, those who enjoy and appreciate nature, gardeners, and those who love crafts. In other words, I recommend this to many of my real world and online friends. I think this book would make a great gift for most people and most families.
I was thrilled to get an autographed copy (even though unfortunately I wasn’t able to get to any of her local events) even though I usually don’t care about autographs. I do like autographed books though, especially since in recent years I’ve relied mostly on the library and have purchased very few books.
I’ve been “in love” with Jon Stewart for years. Now I’m also “in love” with his wife & kids, the whole family. They’re a wonderful family and I believe other families will appreciate getting to know them and getting ideas from Tracey about activities in which they can participate.
This book is gorgeously illustrated. The pictures perfectly complement and enhance the text portions. They’re integral to the book.
The book is divided into 3 sections: Animals at Home, Backyard Wildlife, and Falling in Love in the Farm. The edges of the pages paper are color-coded: Animals at Home (pale pink), Backyard Wildlife (pale blue), and Falling in Love on the Farm (pale yellow), and also lavender for the Acknowledgements, Resources, and Index.
Teens and adults will be interested in Tracey’s autobiographical parts. I loved the humorous parts and was interested in her experiences and the various changes that she made in her life. All ages, including young children, will be interested in the heftier sections about animals, especially kids old enough to read and to help with the crafts ideas and the ways to help animals suggestions. So many great tips are given about how to properly relate to and help various types of animals, and if I could have a garden I’d be making thorough use of the suggestions provided. If I ever get to meet a horse I now know better how to approach and get to know one, and while I already knew a fair amount about relating with dogs and cats I still found the included information about them helpful.
Tracey is vegan and now Jon is mostly vegetarian. (I hope he goes vegan and is vocal about it.) The reader isn’t really told about the kids and what they consume. I appreciated how the author shares so much about her family, but while still careful about their privacy and not revealing more about them than I think they’d want or is appropriate. She talks mostly about herself and the animals.
This is not exactly a “vegan book” in the strict sense of the word. However, with all the descriptions of animal species and individuals within each species, including animals typically used for food and other things by humans, I hope the “message” gets across to those not yet vegan. The message, such as it is, is relatively subtle, in a way, but that makes this book appropriate for all audiences, and I think that is a huge positive. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable and educational book.
My only two quibbles: 1. It’s farmed animal not farm animal, or should be, and 2. Gene Bauer co-founded Farm Sanctuary; he wasn’t the sole founder, but I know that these two details, particularly the latter, are of little interest to those who have not already very involved for a long time in the vegan movement.
February 7, 2016
First off, Jon Stewart's wife wrote this! I somehow missed that fact until I cracked open this book.
Tracey Stewart loves animals and that led her to become a vet's assistant. As she was working through her large animal rotation she realized how much she loved farm animals. So now she wants to make their lives better. She wrote this book b/c she believes the more we know about animals the better we can care for them. There are crafts, tidbits about her life, and illustrations of the animals that will make you happy.
Recommended.
Tracey Stewart loves animals and that led her to become a vet's assistant. As she was working through her large animal rotation she realized how much she loved farm animals. So now she wants to make their lives better. She wrote this book b/c she believes the more we know about animals the better we can care for them. There are crafts, tidbits about her life, and illustrations of the animals that will make you happy.
Recommended.
December 30, 2015
Oh how I wanted to love this book! I heard Tracey Stewart interviewed by Terry Gross on Fresh Air (http://www.npr.org/2015/11/03/4541183...) and was so moved I bought Do Unto Animals. The gorgeous illustrations by Lisel Ashlock are delightful, evoking old school Little Golden Book nature encyclopedias. But the content is very anecdotal, which wouldn't bother me if Stewart was writing a memoir. However, she peppers her experiences with factual statements about animal behavior and factory farm cruelty that are un-cited, and there is no bibliography included. While I'll be keeping this book for the illustrations and the fun craft projects inside that are perfect for my middle school students, I am very disappointed in Stewart's lack of scholarship.
November 6, 2015
Sweet and simple. Stewart clearly feels/thinks passionately about animal rescue and she has a lot she wants to say, so much that the book lacked focus, ranging wildly from instructions on reading dog/cat behavior, to craft ideas for your pets' playtoys, to memoiristic vignettes (for the Jon Stewart fans?) about her experiences with animals, to vegetarianism, to hints at - though not depictions of - the cruelties of factory farming, replete with trigger warnings for the faint of heart. I sort of wish she had kept her focus on the domesticated house pets and rescued farm animals (pigs, cows, chickens, turkeys) rather than diffusing her message with pages on cultivating insects in one's garden (I mean, that's just another book altogether). I gave it four stars because I truly admire what Stewart is attempting, and I'm excited about the farm sanctuary movement. I hope lots of people give this book as a holiday gift to young people this year.
October 2, 2025
I read this right after it came out. For some reason I don’t see my review. 5 stars ⭐️ and more. I own a copy. Time for a re-read for sure.
More important even today. I’ll think I’ll dig in again in November 2025. Got to get to all of my spooky season books first.
More important even today. I’ll think I’ll dig in again in November 2025. Got to get to all of my spooky season books first.
October 29, 2015
This is a wonderful read if your interested in the care of animals. There is some interesting and fun facts to learn from Tracey Stewart. You can feel her compassion for the animals that she has helped in her life. The illustrations of the animals through out in the book are so beautiful, I loved going from page to page and seeing the beautiful pictures. I enjoyed reading the stories Tracey shared dealing with working with animals and how her husband, Jon Stewart, helped her turn her life around by going back to school and becoming a vet tech. I very much recommend giving this book a read.
February 6, 2016
I'm not sure of the audience for this beautifully illustrated book. Then I read the other reviews. Not being a TV watcher I had no idea who the author was and what were her credentials. I'm now assuming this is a gift book or YA non-fiction. There was no depth and in the areas where I have done research glossed over real facts by repeating "what everybody knows." Example: Mutts are healthier and and heredity has nothing to do with personality (from her observations.) She doesn't mention that puppy mills exist because the USDA "certifies" them.
As another reviewer suggested. Make a donation to your favorite animal charity instead of buying this book.
As another reviewer suggested. Make a donation to your favorite animal charity instead of buying this book.
November 15, 2015
Like many people, I pre-ordered this book after Jon Stewart held it up on his last show. I didn't know what to expect. It's a lovely book, beautifully bound and illustrated. It reminded me in some ways of James Herriot's collected short stories for children, although I liked James Herriot's better. This book presupposes a certain amount of privIlege or nerdy fascination with animals. It's like preaching to the choir. I'm an animal lover so there was not much in this book that was new to me, except the bit about how to interact with cows. I live in Gilbert, Arizona which has many dairy farms and the cows are crowded in large dirt paddocks segregated by age and how far along they are in gestation. I'm not likely to find many chances to use her tips on how to pet or love a cow, but she did enlighten me that they make nice companions and are friendly than I would expect. Of course she has a farm/wildlife refuge. I don't mean to disparge this book or Tracey Stewart, it's just after I bought it brand new I did not see any value in keeping it. This book is perfect for a child that loves animals or to raise conscicousness about the sentient qualities of animals, a somewhat trending topic as we become more aware of our neurology and the neurology of others. I love the idea of loving animals and therefore her book can only be a good thing. I'm pleased she's devoting her resources and intelligence to this worthy cause. The book is beautiful and a pleasure to read.
September 24, 2015
DO UNTO ANIMALS
BY: TRACEY STEWART
ILLUSTRATIONS BY: LISEL ASHLOCK
Review by: Stacy Palm
Release Date: Oct. 6, 2015
**** 5 out of 5 stars
I'm going to be blatantly honest. My interest in this book was stirred solely because of Jon Stewart's amusing blurb of a promotion during his final week hosting The Daily Show. That is painful to admit because I am an animal lover. Should I have wanted to read this book because of my fondness for four-legged friends, yes. Should I have wanted to read this book because it is a beautiful creation, absolutely! When I received this book as a promotion, I did what I generally do, and I opened it to decide which reviewer would be best suited to read and review it, but here is the thing, once I opened it - I never stopped reading it! In a moment what was supposed to be me sitting at my computer for 20 minutes turned into sitting at my desk all night laughing uproariously at what I was reading.
Picture
The stories are some of the most love felt connections I have ever read about animals. Having a husband that is allergic to animal fur, yet lovingly understands that our pets are family too and so there is no option to live without them, really drew me into the story about choosing to date an individual with a cat when Mrs. Stewart herself is allergic to them. The Subtitle is A Friendly Guide to How Animals Live, and How We Can Make Their Lives Better, but truthfully your life will be better for having read this book. The joy it brought to me is no little thing. There were moments during the evening that I read this book, that I called my twelve year old daughter over so we could read sections together. It is a book you can share with your family and should share with them. After reading some chapters my daughter decided she wanted to be able to visually notice the expressiveness of our dog. So she proceeded to put on a bit of brow liner, on the dog, to highlight said visual expressions. (Please don't fret, our dog is quite fond of dress up play time.)
With such humorist and playful chapters as Dog-ese: Learn to Speak a Dog's Language, The Cat: Our Relationship was Complicated, and Don't Pester the "Pests" that Don't Pester the book is really a delight to read. I must also so that the illustrations by Lisel Ashlock are astoundingly beautiful. This is a book to be displayed and loved by all.
If you have any fur babies, feather friends, or you simply like to look at adorable animal photos online, you should go get this book. If this book is not on the New York Times Bestselling List the moment it is released, there is something wrong with the world.
BY: TRACEY STEWART
ILLUSTRATIONS BY: LISEL ASHLOCK
Review by: Stacy Palm
Release Date: Oct. 6, 2015
**** 5 out of 5 stars
I'm going to be blatantly honest. My interest in this book was stirred solely because of Jon Stewart's amusing blurb of a promotion during his final week hosting The Daily Show. That is painful to admit because I am an animal lover. Should I have wanted to read this book because of my fondness for four-legged friends, yes. Should I have wanted to read this book because it is a beautiful creation, absolutely! When I received this book as a promotion, I did what I generally do, and I opened it to decide which reviewer would be best suited to read and review it, but here is the thing, once I opened it - I never stopped reading it! In a moment what was supposed to be me sitting at my computer for 20 minutes turned into sitting at my desk all night laughing uproariously at what I was reading.
Picture
The stories are some of the most love felt connections I have ever read about animals. Having a husband that is allergic to animal fur, yet lovingly understands that our pets are family too and so there is no option to live without them, really drew me into the story about choosing to date an individual with a cat when Mrs. Stewart herself is allergic to them. The Subtitle is A Friendly Guide to How Animals Live, and How We Can Make Their Lives Better, but truthfully your life will be better for having read this book. The joy it brought to me is no little thing. There were moments during the evening that I read this book, that I called my twelve year old daughter over so we could read sections together. It is a book you can share with your family and should share with them. After reading some chapters my daughter decided she wanted to be able to visually notice the expressiveness of our dog. So she proceeded to put on a bit of brow liner, on the dog, to highlight said visual expressions. (Please don't fret, our dog is quite fond of dress up play time.)
With such humorist and playful chapters as Dog-ese: Learn to Speak a Dog's Language, The Cat: Our Relationship was Complicated, and Don't Pester the "Pests" that Don't Pester the book is really a delight to read. I must also so that the illustrations by Lisel Ashlock are astoundingly beautiful. This is a book to be displayed and loved by all.
If you have any fur babies, feather friends, or you simply like to look at adorable animal photos online, you should go get this book. If this book is not on the New York Times Bestselling List the moment it is released, there is something wrong with the world.
November 2, 2015
This book takes a stand for humane treatment of all sorts of animals with a charming, gentle style and irresistible illustrations.
November 29, 2018
I first heard about this book from Jon Stewart when he was winding up his tenure on the Daily Show. His wife had just been published and this was one of the last books he recommended. It intrigued me for both its subject matter and its art. It did not disappoint.
The book is divided into three parts: animals at home, in the wild and on the farm. All parts were interesting, informative and educational. There were even crafts and recipes included so that readers can create toys or bake biscuits that would aid in engaging more with animals. Tracey Stewart writes in a very simple and captivating way, so it was easy to slip into the book and just enjoy.
And wow, was the artwork ever amazing! I’d love to take whole pages and frame them. Lise Ashlock’s illustrations were the perfect accompaniment to Stewart’s narrative. The two aspects of the book worked exceptionally well together.
If you love animals and/or would like to get to know more about them, this book is for you!
The book is divided into three parts: animals at home, in the wild and on the farm. All parts were interesting, informative and educational. There were even crafts and recipes included so that readers can create toys or bake biscuits that would aid in engaging more with animals. Tracey Stewart writes in a very simple and captivating way, so it was easy to slip into the book and just enjoy.
And wow, was the artwork ever amazing! I’d love to take whole pages and frame them. Lise Ashlock’s illustrations were the perfect accompaniment to Stewart’s narrative. The two aspects of the book worked exceptionally well together.
If you love animals and/or would like to get to know more about them, this book is for you!
February 8, 2016
Tough call on this one. It could be great or terrible, depending on what you expect to get out of it. What it IS: a very simplistic overview of dogs, cats, farm animals and wildlife of the north-eastern United States. The information is mostly anecdotal and she provides no references for her claims. Her only qualifications for writing this book is that she was a veterinary technician and has volunteered at animal shelters ... and that her husband is Jon Stewart (yes, that Jon Stewart).
I would not have it on my shelf as a reference, but I might give it to a child as an introduction on the humane treatment of animals.
Rating: 2.5 ... I'll round up because I'm giving a copy to my niece.
I would not have it on my shelf as a reference, but I might give it to a child as an introduction on the humane treatment of animals.
Rating: 2.5 ... I'll round up because I'm giving a copy to my niece.
October 17, 2015
Such a fun book, and a must-read if you have pets, kids, wildlife in the backyard, or are just interested in learning more about animals. Beautifully illustrated by Lisel Ashlock, this book is divided into three sections: Animals at Home, Backyard Wildlife, and Falling in Love on the Farm. You'll learn fun facts about many different animals, how to properly massage your cat/dog, easy projects and crafts to do at home, animal behavior and training, and so much more. Do Unto Animals is packed with information and illustrations and is written by a woman with a heart of gold who just wants us to "learn more, love more." Avail. 10/20/15
November 25, 2015
Fantastically funny and informative. All the excellent advice corroborates with other trusted sources, is delivered in a gentle, friendly, and accessible manner, brought so beautifully and adorably to life by the illustrations; but it's the anecdotes that are my favorite aspect of the book. Tracey Stewart is extremely clever, funny, knowledgeable, and passionate and it comes right through the page. Read out of sequence during breaks at work so listing as "unfinished" as I may have missed or skimmed a few pages; look forward to rectifying that eventually.
November 17, 2015
Do Unto Animals is a great book and I would recommend it to anyone! The book gives a great overview of many different farm, companion, and wild animals and what you can do to create great living spaces for them or just make their lives better in general. The book also briefly discusses the many horrors or factory farms and makes an excellent case for why all humans should treat animals more kindly and move away from eating animals or using them for entertainment/profit.
April 12, 2016
I loved this book. It had the gentle feel of a children's book. So approachable with beautiful illustrations. I discovered that there is a Stewart Family Tradition which coincides with the Audubon Society's Great Backyard Bird Count. Hurray to Tracey Stewart for putting out a wonderful book for all animal lovers and to her husband John Stewart for starting their own farm sanctuary in New Jersey.
Want to read
August 5, 2015Her husband, Jon Stewart, plugged her book tonight on The Daily Show. Can't wait to read it. All proceeds will go to the Farm Sanctuary movement.
January 27, 2016
Low 4 or high 3. I loved the illustrations and some of the parts about animals and making the crafts for them. Partly I felt I was talked down to which always rankles a bit.
April 9, 2018
This is an easy read and is beautifully illustrated. I don't think I learned anything new, but I felt like Tracey and I were just chatting about how we love animals. She divided up the book into three sections focusing on: companion animals (I really appreciate that she just stuck to dogs and cats, not exotic pets, and talked about indoor cats as if, duh, of course, indoor cats); wildlife (I appreciate her appreciation, though she did get a couple things wrong here (rabbits don't burrow here in the U.S., I wouldn't feed any bread to any birds -- not even songbirds, and wild moms don't abandon their kids because of human smell)); and farm animals (kudos for tackling the unpleasant subject of factory farming. I'm glad I don't eat animals).
Tracey's love of animals shines through in her writing, and I got a kick out of reading her references to her husband too.
Tracey's love of animals shines through in her writing, and I got a kick out of reading her references to her husband too.
December 27, 2017
This book was so enjoyable! As someone who loves the natural world and believes in the intelligence of creatures from dogs, and domesticated animals to birds and insects, this book celebrates our co-existence.
Stewart is very upbeat about what we can do to help animals and sees the importance of pests and creatures we may misunderstand. I especially liked the chapters on how to help an injured animal, the Crow, the Backyard Bird B&B, and the 5 ways to make a dog happy. There are recipes for treats, how to make and stock a bird feeder, and build a worm bin, among many other ideas and tips for helping our less articulate cohabitants.
This is a great book to read to kids, and one I plan to keep on my shelf as reference.
Stewart is very upbeat about what we can do to help animals and sees the importance of pests and creatures we may misunderstand. I especially liked the chapters on how to help an injured animal, the Crow, the Backyard Bird B&B, and the 5 ways to make a dog happy. There are recipes for treats, how to make and stock a bird feeder, and build a worm bin, among many other ideas and tips for helping our less articulate cohabitants.
This is a great book to read to kids, and one I plan to keep on my shelf as reference.
February 18, 2023
It's a really well thought out and well written book about animals and everything they endure from people. It's not new information to me, per se, but it was nice to read a book that so perfectly captures how I feel about animals and how we can do better for them. I only wish everyone would read it and attempt to follow the same rules! And the illustrations are just beautiful 😍
November 13, 2022
This book was so amazing. Beautiful illustrations filled every page along with important information and ways to help. There are a lot of books, websites, etc. that talk about the animal crisis in America, but give few ways to help (except to donate money). This book gives so many suggestions for ways to help out at animal shelters (including crafts, activities, and recipes) and get involved!
June 1, 2017
Some cute little tidbits but not what I was hoping for.
January 4, 2018
Everyone should read this book.
January 12, 2017
Tracey Stewart's "Do Unto Animals" was a beautiful book, and such a pleasure to read, especially for animal lovers and nature lovers like myself. Tracey really shows her heart for animals in this lovingly-written book, and her words and the information given helps readers to understand animals in a better and more loving and kind way. She helps readers to better understand their pets' emotions, needs, body language, and how to keep them happy, and she also teaches us how to create special toys and treats for our pets that will be nurturing and good for them.
Tracey also emphasizes some important and true facts about how important wild animals are for the Earth as well, and she explains them with love and eloquence. Birds, bats, spiders, snakes, skunks, foxes, bees, rabbits, and so many animals are so important for our ecosystem, and Tracey did a truly lovely job at explaining their hard work, what they do that help to aid and protect us from pests, and also, how they fertilize flowers and fruit which are so important for bringing so much food for all creatures.
Tracey also how helps us to understand the importance of animals that are often feared, misunderstood, or disliked, but in reality, are just as important as the others that she mentioned. For example, Tracey explains how spiders protect our gardens from insects that harm our flowers, leaves, and fruits, as well as catching and eliminating flying insects that often spread disease. and how snakes, lizards, and turtles feed on harmful insects. She also explained and gave credit due to the beneficial insects such as beetles and ladybugs hunt many of the more harmful insects as well.
In the later parts of the books, Tracey talks about her farm animals that she lives with, and how she bonds with them and spends time with them, and how each of her goats, cows, horses, pigs, and sheep all have different personalities, and how loving her animals are to each other. One of the sweetest parts of this section was of Tracey talking about her horse, Alegria, and how in tune they both were with their communication and their emotions, and how her bond with her horse is one of the closest bonds she has with any of her animals.
In the book, Tracey also mentions some of the sad and cruel treatment that many animals receive, and helps us to understand the hurt that many animals have to go through due to having owners who are uncaring and cruel, and she also explains why some things we might think help animals does not, and actually hurts them, so that we do not make mistakes by hurting them, such as how feeding ducks and geese with bread harms their bodies and also confuses them, and affects them in a way where they expect to be fed continuously due to being confused about people feeding them, but later not being fed and not being able to scavenge or forage well to get their own food.
Tracey helps us to be kind and loving, and protect animals from those kinds of things, and she helps us to understand just how much every animal's life matters, and how closely her animals bond together and need each other, even being different species doesn't separate their friendships or their love.
I absolutely love how Tracey explained the importance of every animal, and how she explained their traits and their works in great eloquence. In my opinion, she was so kind and respectful with what she said about every one of the animals that she wrote about. Kind words like hers help us to understand that the animals we see every day are often animals we take for granted, but thanks to books like Tracey's, people like her help us to learn just how important they are, and what a blessing they are. I think that we all should be kinder and more loving towards animals, and give them the best treatment that we can. They help us in so many ways, and we all really should take Tracey's words and remember them.
Every time you see a squirrel, a bird, a spider, a fox, a rabbit, or any animal, just take some time to think and remember that they're helping you in ways you can't even imagine. Immerse yourself in the wonder of the beautiful animals and creatures that we can enjoy on this Earth. <3
Tracey also emphasizes some important and true facts about how important wild animals are for the Earth as well, and she explains them with love and eloquence. Birds, bats, spiders, snakes, skunks, foxes, bees, rabbits, and so many animals are so important for our ecosystem, and Tracey did a truly lovely job at explaining their hard work, what they do that help to aid and protect us from pests, and also, how they fertilize flowers and fruit which are so important for bringing so much food for all creatures.
Tracey also how helps us to understand the importance of animals that are often feared, misunderstood, or disliked, but in reality, are just as important as the others that she mentioned. For example, Tracey explains how spiders protect our gardens from insects that harm our flowers, leaves, and fruits, as well as catching and eliminating flying insects that often spread disease. and how snakes, lizards, and turtles feed on harmful insects. She also explained and gave credit due to the beneficial insects such as beetles and ladybugs hunt many of the more harmful insects as well.
In the later parts of the books, Tracey talks about her farm animals that she lives with, and how she bonds with them and spends time with them, and how each of her goats, cows, horses, pigs, and sheep all have different personalities, and how loving her animals are to each other. One of the sweetest parts of this section was of Tracey talking about her horse, Alegria, and how in tune they both were with their communication and their emotions, and how her bond with her horse is one of the closest bonds she has with any of her animals.
In the book, Tracey also mentions some of the sad and cruel treatment that many animals receive, and helps us to understand the hurt that many animals have to go through due to having owners who are uncaring and cruel, and she also explains why some things we might think help animals does not, and actually hurts them, so that we do not make mistakes by hurting them, such as how feeding ducks and geese with bread harms their bodies and also confuses them, and affects them in a way where they expect to be fed continuously due to being confused about people feeding them, but later not being fed and not being able to scavenge or forage well to get their own food.
Tracey helps us to be kind and loving, and protect animals from those kinds of things, and she helps us to understand just how much every animal's life matters, and how closely her animals bond together and need each other, even being different species doesn't separate their friendships or their love.
I absolutely love how Tracey explained the importance of every animal, and how she explained their traits and their works in great eloquence. In my opinion, she was so kind and respectful with what she said about every one of the animals that she wrote about. Kind words like hers help us to understand that the animals we see every day are often animals we take for granted, but thanks to books like Tracey's, people like her help us to learn just how important they are, and what a blessing they are. I think that we all should be kinder and more loving towards animals, and give them the best treatment that we can. They help us in so many ways, and we all really should take Tracey's words and remember them.
Every time you see a squirrel, a bird, a spider, a fox, a rabbit, or any animal, just take some time to think and remember that they're helping you in ways you can't even imagine. Immerse yourself in the wonder of the beautiful animals and creatures that we can enjoy on this Earth. <3
September 9, 2021
This book was so cute and educational. I loved learning more on how to help animals in my life and the animals around me. The message was great and the illustrations were amazing.
October 28, 2015
Stewart, an animal advocate and the wife of television personality Jon Stewart, shares her love of animals and provides insight in how we can better communicate with and care for them. Stewart covers three types of animals humans typically interact with: domesticated pets (dogs and cats), backyard creatures (frogs, foxes, owls, snakes, etc.), and farm friends (cows, goats, sheep, etc.). In each section, Stewart provides information on how to care for these animals by providing a safe environment, healthy food, and tips to understand what your animal is saying. Through personal stories, colorful illustrations, and homemade craft projects, Stewart achieves her mission to encourage people to give back to the creatures that give us so much.
Throughout the book, Stewart emphasizes the importance of applying care to animals whether it be adopting an animal from a shelter or contacting a wildlife rehabilitator should you come across an injured animal. Stewart stresses the important of not disrupting an animal’s environment or personal balance and to leave delicate matters to the experts. However, many of us may not come across an injured fox or skunk but there are more common ways to apply proper care. Should you be looking to add a furry friend to your family, always visit your local animal adoption shelter. Buying pets from pet stores contributes to animal mills that systemically abuse and kill animals for breeding and profit. Stewart also provides commentary on not judging animals that have an unfairly bad rap such as pit bulls and black cats; two domesticated animals with higher euthanization rates due to public misconception about their breeds.
While this book serves as a handy field guide for animal care, there is a lot more it offers. Seeming like a memoir at times, Stewart shares stories about her life growing up and the impact animals have had on her. Now with kids, Stewart finds ways to instill her animal-loving values into her family and motivates them to explore while respecting nature. If you’re looking for fun activities with your friends and family, this books offers instructions for various homemade crafts including feeders, playthings, and bedding/habitat. Also, there are guides and instructions for field work including birdwatching. Not only does this book offer the reader an understanding on how to care for animals, it also encourages you to seek personal enjoyment and fulfillment from our friends in nature.
In recent days, social media has been filled with stories of Jon Stewart opening an animal sanctuary with his wife since leaving “The Daily Show.” This is such an excellent thing to see and really emphasizes the value and truth in Tracey Stewart’s book. This book is fun, colorful, and certainly more entertaining than a lot of other books in this genre. For whatever purpose you have whether it be bonding with your pets, finding crafts to do with your children, or simply becoming educated about the non-human world around you, check out this book.
Throughout the book, Stewart emphasizes the importance of applying care to animals whether it be adopting an animal from a shelter or contacting a wildlife rehabilitator should you come across an injured animal. Stewart stresses the important of not disrupting an animal’s environment or personal balance and to leave delicate matters to the experts. However, many of us may not come across an injured fox or skunk but there are more common ways to apply proper care. Should you be looking to add a furry friend to your family, always visit your local animal adoption shelter. Buying pets from pet stores contributes to animal mills that systemically abuse and kill animals for breeding and profit. Stewart also provides commentary on not judging animals that have an unfairly bad rap such as pit bulls and black cats; two domesticated animals with higher euthanization rates due to public misconception about their breeds.
While this book serves as a handy field guide for animal care, there is a lot more it offers. Seeming like a memoir at times, Stewart shares stories about her life growing up and the impact animals have had on her. Now with kids, Stewart finds ways to instill her animal-loving values into her family and motivates them to explore while respecting nature. If you’re looking for fun activities with your friends and family, this books offers instructions for various homemade crafts including feeders, playthings, and bedding/habitat. Also, there are guides and instructions for field work including birdwatching. Not only does this book offer the reader an understanding on how to care for animals, it also encourages you to seek personal enjoyment and fulfillment from our friends in nature.
In recent days, social media has been filled with stories of Jon Stewart opening an animal sanctuary with his wife since leaving “The Daily Show.” This is such an excellent thing to see and really emphasizes the value and truth in Tracey Stewart’s book. This book is fun, colorful, and certainly more entertaining than a lot of other books in this genre. For whatever purpose you have whether it be bonding with your pets, finding crafts to do with your children, or simply becoming educated about the non-human world around you, check out this book.
July 19, 2018
I don't really know what this little book is, and maybe that's part of the problem. It's one of the few times I've come away liking the author better than the text. I think Tracy Stewart is a kind, compassionate, thoughtful, beautiful human being. I think her book is...meh.
Her personal stories are sweet, but not moving in a way that changes lives. Her animal facts are simplistic and read like prettily illustrated listicles from BuzzFeed. It's all information you can easily Google. In fact, the only animal I really did want to learn more about, because I adore them but don't get to interact with them much, is goats. And guess what? The goat section involves a picture of a goat playing and...that's about it. While she has facts, body language, recipes and crafts for many species, goats apparently don't rank too high in her interests.
I tried to think back on finishing the book if I had learned anything new from it, being an animal lover, animal advocate and vegetarian already, and the answer is no, but I can't say that will be true for everyone. I appreciated most her section on the Backyard Workforce, especially the Landscaping Team. It explain the harmony of creatures traditionally considered "pests" with their environment, and puts the onus on the gardener and homemaker to adapt to their needs and honor their role in keeping the earth healthy, rather than the other way around. This was probably her strongest point of advocacy because it did not rely on emotional appeals to fuzzy animals we already think of as pets, but rather advocated for the right of an animal minding its own business to be left alone to do what it needs to do for the health of an entire ecosystem. I really enjoyed that and it renewed my conviction not to hunt down the bunny family that has decimated my green beans this year.
Cute little book, but I'm guessing if you picked it up that you probably already know most of the information in here anyway. Might be a good middle-grade introduction to respecting animals, but adult readers won't get much from it.
Her personal stories are sweet, but not moving in a way that changes lives. Her animal facts are simplistic and read like prettily illustrated listicles from BuzzFeed. It's all information you can easily Google. In fact, the only animal I really did want to learn more about, because I adore them but don't get to interact with them much, is goats. And guess what? The goat section involves a picture of a goat playing and...that's about it. While she has facts, body language, recipes and crafts for many species, goats apparently don't rank too high in her interests.
I tried to think back on finishing the book if I had learned anything new from it, being an animal lover, animal advocate and vegetarian already, and the answer is no, but I can't say that will be true for everyone. I appreciated most her section on the Backyard Workforce, especially the Landscaping Team. It explain the harmony of creatures traditionally considered "pests" with their environment, and puts the onus on the gardener and homemaker to adapt to their needs and honor their role in keeping the earth healthy, rather than the other way around. This was probably her strongest point of advocacy because it did not rely on emotional appeals to fuzzy animals we already think of as pets, but rather advocated for the right of an animal minding its own business to be left alone to do what it needs to do for the health of an entire ecosystem. I really enjoyed that and it renewed my conviction not to hunt down the bunny family that has decimated my green beans this year.
Cute little book, but I'm guessing if you picked it up that you probably already know most of the information in here anyway. Might be a good middle-grade introduction to respecting animals, but adult readers won't get much from it.
October 28, 2015
First of all, this book is beautifully illustrated; the art and even the font choice remind me of books I had growing up in the 60s and 70s. Next, it is a wonderful, "friendly" book informing people on how to interact with animals(pets, wildlife, and "farmed" animals) and make their lives better. There are no gory photographs (no photos at all, actually) and it's not "preachy". Yet it tackles a wide range of topics: from why you should not crop/dock/declaw to how to interact with a cow. It also has craft ideas: how to sew a dog bed, make your own dog tug toys & dog biscuits, how to grow a pollinator garden. As well as other tips: what to do when you find injured wildlife, how to massage your dog and/or cat, how to grow cat grass. There are also excerpts that offer glimpses into the Stewart household. One sweet anecdote tells about how they make "foster charm bracelets" with photos of the animals they've fostered over the years, adding new pictures with each foster animal. I highly recommend this book for anyone (or as a gift for someone in your life) who wants to learn more about animals and how to do well by them, (without having to worry about graphic pictures or strident lectures).
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