RSPCA Bumper Book of Pets and other Animals

RSPCA Bumper Book of Pets and other Animals (Random House Australia)
PB RRP $19.95
ISBN 9781742757117
Reviewed by Marian McGuinness

The thought of a Bumper Book of anything brings expectations of a cornucopia of fascinating information bound with trivia, jokes, activities, checklists and heart-tugging photos. This is exactly what you find in the RSPCA Bumper Book of Pets and other Animals.

This is the book to read if you are considering owning a pet. Being fully endorsed by the RSPCA this Bumper Book perfectly balances the fun side of pet ownership with the responsibilities. There’s even a checklist to see if you are mature enough to own a pet as well as other criteria such as the pet-friendliness of your home.

With its colourful layout, reader-friendly pages and bright breakout boxes of tips and trivia, this book urges you to sit and read about all creatures, scaly, slimy, furry and feathery.

As well as a substantial section on PETS, there are sections on FARMYARD ANIMALS and WILDLIFE.

The largest section is about dogs, and as with most other sections, there’s information about: diet, health, lifespan, exercise, grooming, personality, training, breeds and lots of tips.

There are fascinating facets sprinkled throughout. You find out that guinea pigs can’t make their own Vitamin C. They need to eat oranges, lemons and kiwi fruit, that’s after they eat their yummiest meals of brussels sprouts, broccoli and bok choy!

If you’re contemplating becoming a horse owner, learn what they mean when they neigh, nicker and snort. And if a pet rat is more your thing, learn how to make them an adventure playground in their cage, as rats love to explore.

Are you a bit of a bird fan? This book will help you find the right breed to suit your family. Canaries live for about 7 years whereas cockatoos live for about 80!

Do snakes, turtles or frogs take your fancy? How about an axolotl or a ferret?

For those who live on or visit farms, there are lots of interesting insights into sheep, goats and poultry. Did you know that cows have best friends within their herds? And then there’s the wildlife section with many more intriguing gems of information.

The RSPCA Bumper Book of Pets and other Animals is not just about reading. There are quizzes, word jumbles and jokes and a glossary for the tricky words like amphibian and terrarium.

Why are fish so smart? They live in schools! And if you’re old enough to read, this book is purr-fect for you.