Handle with Care: Making Friends with Animals

by Dr Paul McGreevy, illustrated by Tom Jellett

A disclaimer — I edited this book for small Sydney independent publisher Halstead Press, so this review will not be dispassionate! I met Dr Paul McGreevy some years ago, shortly after he moved to Australia from England, and encouraged him to send some of his articles about animal behaviour and welfare to The School Magazine. Paul eventually developed his articles into a book for children, which was at one stage contracted by a major Australian children's publisher. Unfortunately, Paul's book was one of several dropped after the publisher was subject to a take over. Shortly after that, I began doing freelance work for Halstead Press, and recommended Paul's book for publication.

Paul is on the Faculty of Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney, and the faculty's Vet Science Foundation contributed towards the costs of publication, on the condition that a copy of the book be distributed free to each NSW public school library. After a long and at times frustrating gestation, Paul's book was published to a great reception and terrific sales.

But what is Handle with Care all about? Its purpose is to explain the evolutionary reasons for animal behaviour, how animals communicate with each other and with humans, and how children can safely approach and handle (or not!) animals. Handle with Care covers a variety of domestic, farm and wild animals and is intended for families to share. It includes a Note to Parents, and is endorsed by the University of Sydney Vet Science Foundation, Kidsafe and the RSPCA.

Dr Paul McGreevy and Wally the Wonder Dog!

Illustrator Tom Jellett