Stories about Animals: with Pictures to Match   By: Francis C. Woodworth (1812-1859)

In "Stories about Animals: with Pictures to Match" by Francis C. Woodworth, readers are taken on an enchanting journey into the incredible world of animals. This delightful collection of short stories explores various species and their unique characteristics, providing both educational insights and captivating storytelling.

Woodworth introduces readers to a wide variety of animals, ranging from the familiar like dogs and cats to the more exotic creatures like lions, tigers, and elephants. Each story is filled with lively descriptions that effortlessly transport readers into the animals' habitats, allowing them to visualize the surroundings and develop a deeper understanding of the featured creatures.

One of the book's main strengths lies in Woodworth's ability to balance facts with vibrant storytelling. The author employs a child-friendly writing style that makes learning about animals enjoyable and easily accessible. The stories cleverly weave in informative details, presenting interesting facts about their behaviors, habitats, and adaptations without overwhelming the readers. This balance between education and entertainment makes it an ideal read for young readers who are curious about the natural world.

Furthermore, the inclusion of vivid illustrations throughout the book adds an extra layer of charm and engagement. The pictures, perfectly complementing the stories, capture the essence of each animal, making them come to life on the pages. The combination of the detailed descriptions and the visual imagery creates a truly immersive reading experience, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the book.

Woodworth's passion for animals is evident throughout the stories. His genuine love for these creatures shines through his writing, making it contagious for the readers. The author effectively communicates the importance of respecting and appreciating the animal kingdom, gently instilling a sense of responsibility and empathy within young readers.

While "Stories about Animals" mainly focuses on familiar animals, some readers might find themselves craving more stories about lesser-known species or animals from different regions. However, this is a minor drawback when considering the book's intended audience and the scope of its content.

In conclusion, "Stories about Animals: with Pictures to Match" is a beautifully crafted collection of stories that educates, entertains, and fosters a love for animals. Francis C. Woodworth's engaging writing style, combined with the captivating illustrations, brings the animal kingdom to life in a way that will captivate the imaginations of young readers. This book is an excellent addition to any child's library and serves as a stepping stone for fostering a lifelong appreciation for the natural world.

First Page:

In the following pages are grouped together anecdotes illustrative of the peculiarities of different animals mostly quadrupeds their habits, dispositions, intelligence, and affection. Nothing like a scientific treatise of any of these animals has been attempted. I do not even give a generic or specific history of one of them, except so far as they are all casually and incidentally described in these anecdotes. Their natural history, in detail, I leave for others, as the historian or biographer of men, bent only on a record of the thoughts, words, and acts of men, passes by the abstract details, however interesting they may be, of human physiology, and the general characteristics of the species. I have not aimed to introduce to the reader, in this volume, all the animals belonging to the race of quadrupeds, who have a claim to such a distinction. I have preferred rather to make a selection from the great multitude, and to present such facts and anecdotes respecting those selected as shall, while they interest and entertain the young reader, tend to make him familiar with this branch of useful knowledge... Continue reading book >>