Bset Books About Vegetarianism for Kids

I am vegetarian, but my three-year-old daughter currently chooses not to be. (She may very well change her mind next week.) While I don't force vegetarianism on my daughter, I do teach her my reasons for making the choices I make. Just as I explain why I vote, give to charity, and donate blood, I explain why I choose not to eat meat-- and I let her know that I'd be very proud if she made the same decisions.

But hearing a "why veggie is better" lecture from Mom isn't nearly as good as seeing vegetarianism explained in a fun, colorful children's book. I've found three books about vegetarianism for kids that we've both enjoyed reading. If you are vegetarian, or simply want to teach your child about vegetarianism, consider these three lovely picture books.

1. Herb the Vegetarian Dragon (Debbie Harter)

This is probably the least preachy of books about vegetarianism for kids. In vivid illustrations, this book tells the story of Herb, a vegetarian dragon who ultimately saves his species through leadership by example. In the book, Herb explains that he never forces vegetarianism on his peers, but that he makes the deliberate and conscious choice to abstain from meat. His fellow dragons continue eating meat, but stop eating humans. For parents who are very serious about vegetarianism, and view it as a moral imperative rather than a free choice, this book probably won't be satisfying. However, for parents who view vegetarianism as an honorable, but not mandatory, lifestyle choice, it is perfect.

2. That's Why We Don't Eat Animals (Ruby Roth)

In beautiful, almost surreal illustrations, "That's Why We Don't Eat Animals" gives factual accounts of factory farms and the benefits of a vegetarian diet. The story opens with an almost magical description: a flower pushing through concrete to feel the sun, animals migrating to find food, living things caring tenderly for their young. It notes, "we are all earthlings." Although it gives factual information-- like that free chicks call to their mothers before they hatch, and that wild turkeys roost in the treetops at night-- it refrains from anthropomorphizing animals or giving unrealistic descriptions of them. While a few parents might find the book's core message a little too preachy, I found it beautiful, factual, and perfect for my little family.

3. Hubert the Pudge (Henrik Drescher)

"Hubert the Pudge" certainly commits the sin of anthropomorphization-- like so many other children's books, it operates under the assumption the animals are sentient and humanoid. Nevertheless, given the frequency with which parents willingly read books with human-like animal characters, I find it essentially harmless to do the same in a book encouraging vegetarianism. "Hubert the Pudge" focuses more on the need for humane livestock treatment than on the need for universal vegetarianism. The overall tone of the book is humorous and light-hearted, although it deals with a serious issue. I laughed through this book with my daughter and highly recommend it to other vegetarian parents.