A new children book by Ruby Roth has been praised by Jane Goodall, PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk and other best-selling authors. But Roth’s call to action in “That’s Why We Don’t Eat Animals: A Book About Vegans, Vegetarians, and All Living Things” has stirred some controversy, as well. It claims to offers children a look at the emotional lives of animals, their experience on factory farms, and the effect that eating animals has on the environment and endangered species.

The author addresses some of the most frequently raised issues about the book in a prepared release:

Q. Publisher’s Weekly said that the descriptions and images may be “a little overwhelming” for children. How have kids reacted at readings so far?

A. I have never experienced a child who was overwhelmed or freaked out by the book. I’ve found, in fact, the opposite. Children show incredible interest and insight. They ask questions and relate the information to their own lives-their pets, their gardens, their vegetarian relative. One 4th grader told me that factory farms reminded her of what her class was learning about slavery! They enjoy being let in on what seems to have been a “secret” kept from them. They feel empowered by the truth. When they find they can help save animals and the planet simply through their choices, action is not a question, but a conclusion. I’ve received many emails from parents whose kids were inspired to do things in their communities to help animals. I say in the book that each day, we have the freedom to change our lives. I think this is a very important concept for any child or adult to absorb-and one to emphasize when you read the book to a kid: we never have to fear things that we have the power to change. And kids get it!

Q. Some people consider your book “brainwashing” and “propaganda.” Why does introducing children to veganism raise such controversy?

A. From birth, most of us are exposed to programming that normalizes meat-eating, from fast-food commercials to the USDA’s food pyramid. We learn to see meat as a fundamental part of existence, no matter how destructive it is to our health and the planet. People are so deeply and emotionally attached to meat, that they can’t imagine life without it. So for many, a diet that departs from this “norm” seems deprivative and even “abusive,” as one man said. However, there are nations of people thriving on plant-based diets-and loving it, too. I see my book as anti-propaganda-children can’t make choices if they don’t know there are any. That’s Why We Don’t Eat Animals is a supportive resource for families who have gone veg and for the friends and relatives who want to know why.

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