2 minute read
Four books reviewed
THE BOOK SHELF ‘JEN - A Border
Collie’s Tale’
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By Peter Kerr
Narrated by Jen herself, an old farm dog looks back on her life in this light-hearted story of a ‘working’ Border collie with a frm conviction that work is for creatures of a lesser intellect than her own. For Jen, ‘freedom’ is what it’s all about. Fun-flled, occasionally sad, yet doggedly down-to-earth (and just a wee bit sweary!), this is an entertaining, easy read that should appeal in equal measure to folks already familiar with the crafty quirks and endearing eccentricities of Border collies and to those yet to have the pleasure.
220 pages. Paperback (£7.99) E-book (£2.99) available online from Amazon.
Milly cow gives milk
By Deborah Chancellor & Julia Groves Published by Scallywag Press
First in a topical collection of four titles to show children where their food comes from and how precious it is.
A child follows a day in the life of Milly the cow, as she munches grass with her friends, drinks gallons of water, makes cow pats in the feld, and visits the milking parlour with her farmer. Milly’s milk is made into butter, cheese and yoghurt.
Shows animals with respect, having their own personalities and lives.
Encourages children to be environmentally aware, and understand the hard work involved in producing food.
Full of information that has been fact checked, yet presented in a simple and stylish way to spark the interest of both young children and adults.
Hardback, £10.99, For ages 3+
Defending Beef (Second Edition)
The Ecological and Nutritional Case for Meat By Nicolette Hahn Niman
‘Nicolette Hahn Niman sets out to debunk just about everything you think you know [about beef] . . . She’s not trying to change your mind; she’s trying to save your world.’ - LA Times
As the meat industry responds to COVID-19, the climate threat, and the rise of plantbased meats, Defending Beef delivers a passionate argument for sustainable meat production and consumption
We’ve all heard the narrative that red meat (and beef in particular) is killing the environment. The public has been led to believe that cattle erode soils, pollute, damage wetland ecosystems, and decimate wildlife populations.
Yet, in Defending Beef, environmental lawyer turned rancher Nicolette Hahn Niman argues that it’s not so simple. That actually raising animals for meat can have a profoundly positive impact on nature and our health. With new studies and strong scientifc evidence, she shows: • How ruminants are benefcial to biodiversity and restoring the environment • How regenerative agriculture can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and replenish soils • Why animal fats and proteins
are nutritious, providing vital nutrients for optimal health • How farmers can lead the effort to healing ecosystems and human health
This book is at once a defense of cattle and an indictment of industrial agriculture, substandard animal welfare and poor diets. Done with care, cattle husbandry enriches our human experience and enhances the natural world. Nicolette argues that we must move beyond simplistic solutions like banishing cattle from our landscapes and replacing beef with lab-grown (highly refned) meat. It’s time to focus on improving how we raise animals and turn them into benefcial, nutrient-rich food. Only then can we tap into the full ecological and nourishment potential these remarkable creatures provide.
