WHEN I EAT PLANTS

Animals celebrate as children extol the benefits of a plant-based diet in this picture book.

Through the pages of this earnest picture book about how a vegan diet can help the planet and the creatures on it, children hold fruits, grains, and vegetables as they describe how animals react “when I eat plants.” Pigs kick back in lounge chairs, chickens dance, a cow chills in a hammock, and deer skip through the woods. And when “we” eat a plant-based diet, the story concludes, “Mother Earth wraps her arms around us in a great, big hug.” Parkinson and illustrator Dumas (co-authors: Green Picks 5 Beans, 2019, etc.) shape their timely message with a light touch. Dumas’ illustrations, done with childlike awkwardness in what appears to be pen and watercolor, portray comical animals and diverse boys and girls with dark and light hair and different shades of skin. The book ends with four, tasty-sounding, plant-based recipes and a plea to adults “to be honest with children” about how the farming and eating of animals and animal products adversely affects the health of the Earth and all living things. This is followed by information aimed at adults listing ways that eating animal protein affects economics, poverty, the climate, and human health. Regrettably, the author does not include sources for most of the information listed (that the meat industry contributes to greenhouse gases, for example).

A serious but age-appropriate and playfully delivered message.