Page 12 - Martin Downs Bulletin - November '20

Page 12, Martin Downs

book Review

Becoming A Good Creature For a woman whom The Boston Globe has called “a lessons in them at such a young age.”
combination of Indiana Jones and Emily Dickinson” – If you are anything like me, you will take time to relish
By Nils A. Shapiro because of her experiences that include being chased by a this book before you share a word of it this coming holiday
silverback gorilla in Africa; hunted by man-eating tigers in with the young children you love most.
This book made me India; climbed into a pit with
break my own rule ... 18,000 snakes; swam with
and I’m glad I did. piranhas and electric eels in
the Amazon; and so much
This is the 179th Book more – Sy Montgomery’s
Review column I have exquisite and gentle warmth
written over the past almost in explaining how animals
15 years, and all except one as varied as an octopus,
(which was devoted to a a gorilla, a tarantula, a
discussion of the Winnie- cassowary, a giant hog that
the-Pooh classics) has been of a book written for adults. Even she raised from a tiny pig,
my recent column about two books by Sy Montgomery – the a weasel, her border collie
award-winning, best- and others have taught her
selling author of more important life lessons is a joy
than 30 books about her to experience in these pages.
adventures with animals I sent this book to one
around the world – took of my daughters, Hillary,
into account that they who is an elementary school
were written for adults, teacher in New Jersey. She
though her publisher read it to a kindergarten class
presented them in large that was a very small group
formats with many color because of the pandemic, so
photographs to appeal was able to show each the
to a wider audience, book’s illustrations as she
including teen readers. was reading to them. She
But when Becoming a Good Creature unexpectedly told me that the children
showed up in a package on my doorstep a week ago, sent were completely captivated
from its author Sy Montgomery’s publisher, I examined it by the story and pictures,
immediately from cover to cover and knew at once that this which very much pleased
is a book I wanted to bring to your attention, despite the fact my daughter because, as she
that it would be a first for my review column. added, “It’s wonderful to be
The publisher remembered that two years ago, in October able to instill such important
of 2018, I had favorably reviewed the author’s newest adult
book, How to Be a Good Creature: A Memoir in 13 Animals
… and thought I would like to know about this new picture- pet Matters
book adaptation designed for beginning readers, and for
parents to read to their preschoolers.
What that publisher did not know was that I loved
the original adult bestseller so much I had purchased a Pooch Plunge Provides Fun poochplunge.
dozen copies and sent them to my brother, two daughters, For Dogs While Raising Proof of a rabies
five grown grandchildren, new great-granddaughter to vaccination
appreciate when she is old enough, and other family Funds For Shelter Animals also is required;
members and friends! a county
As it turns out, this new, colorfully illustrated children’s It’s one of license will
book adaptation is charming, with a simple text that will clearly the best days suffice. Other
get across to even the youngest child a selection of the same for dogs that rules: dogs
important lessons of kindness and compassion that will help love the water! must be leashed
the boys and girls we love get a good start in leading happy and That’s because outside of the
successful lives – which is why I am sharing news of it with you they get to run, swimming area; no retractable leashes; and owners must
in time for this holiday season’s gift giving. jump, swim and clean up after their dogs. In addition, please leave dogs
Here, for example, is how Sy Montgomery opens her book: splash about in under three months, dogs in heat, and aggressive and
“SCHOOL IS NOT THE ONLY PLACE TO FIND A the water at the overly timid dogs at home.
TEACHER. Sometimes we meet teachers in the forest, or in the Seventh Annual “This is an event we can count on every year to bring
barn, or in the ocean—or right in our own house. Some of my Santa Paws smiles to everyone’s faces as they watch the dogs having a
teachers have had two legs while others have had four or even Holiday Pooch great time,” said HSTC Director of Community Outreach
eight. But all have taught me something important about how Plunge from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, at Courtney Zanetti.
to be a good creature in the world.” Sailfish Splash Waterpark, 931 S.E. Ruhnke St., Stuart. Wagnolia’s is one of the event sponsors and the
Then, with lovely color illustrations by Rebecca Green, Plus they get to help raise money for their fellow furry Humane Society is seeking additional community support.
the author describes – in simple terms that even the youngest friends. All proceeds benefit the shelter animals at the For more information, call Courtney Zanetti at (772) 600-
child can understand – how animals have taught her such Humane Society of the Treasure Coast. 3211 or email her at czanetti@hstc1.org.
lessons as: respect others; don’t be afraid; wait patiently; love Dogs of all sizes and breeds are invited to participate About The Humane Society Of The Treasure Coast
little lives; learn forgiveness; trust tomorrow; and others. in an open swim at the waterpark before the facility closes The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast (HSTC)
for the winter. However, due to proper social distancing is a no-kill animal welfare organization located at 4100
Answer for guidelines, attendance will be limited, and participation S.W. Leighton Farm Ave. in Palm City, Fla. Since 1955,
will be restricted to three 45-minute timed swim sessions
it has been the leading advocate for animal protection
Crossword Puzzle beginning at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon. Guests also are and well-being in the Martin County area. A 501(c)(3)
invited to bring a toy or treat for the House of Hope’s
private, nonprofit organization, the HSTC is independent
four-legged friends. In addition to the swim, there will and locally operated and relies on donations to support its
be selfies with Santa, holiday music, a 50/50 raffle, “to programs and services. Follow the HSTC on Facebook at
go” orders from food trucks, and more. https://www.facebook.com/humanesocietyTC and Twitter
Admission for this splash fest is $10 per dog. Online at https://www.twitter.com/hstc1. For more information,
pre-registration is required by going to www.hstc1.org/ visit https://www.hstc1.org or call (772) 223-8822.