I am very happy to see that my son has inherited my animal loving personality. Growing up, my siblings and I were surrounded by a menagerie of animals, birds and reptiles. Our home was also a refuge for the various wounded and lost animals we would find around our neighborhood and our friend’s neighborhoods. Most parents would shudder at the thought of their child bringing home a flea infested kitten found in a dumpster. But – not our parents, our mother would try to hide her smile as an animal lover herself and prepare an empty cage or bath for the helpless critter. My dad on the other hand would feign outrage and proclaim it wasn’t coming through the door, until he saw our earnest faces and gave in…always.
Growing up, I came to value and respect all creatures both tame and wild. I learned how to properly care for them and knew the responsibility of keeping them fed and clean at a very young age. Knowing that I would be responsible for whatever creature I brought home was a very important lesson for me. It helped me develop what I believe are my most important attributes as an adult.
Responsibility, empathy and sensitivity.

Saving the worms.
I knew each day that the animals relied on me to care for them. I also learned a lot about non-verbal communication and how to be sensitive to other’s needs. All of these traits directly carried over to my adult life, I apply them to all of my “human” interactions. Seeing so much of myself in my son is a pretty amazing thing. I think it’s one of the greatest gifts of motherhood, seeing little glimmers of yourself in your children.
My son marvels at all creatures belonging in the kingdom Animalia. I find absolute joy reading his animal books with him, drawing his latest favorite animal and watching Animal Planet. One of our most favorite books is Curious Critters by David Fitzsimmons. We have read it countless times and it has a permanent space in our family library. When we were given the chance to review Curious Critters Volume Two, I was just as thrilled as my son.

Relaxing with some Curious Critters.
Curious Critters Volume Two by David Fitzsimmons is nothing short of amazing. The creatures looks as though they might climb,crawl, hop or fly right off the pages. Each time we read this book we discover a new and interesting animal fact that we missed! There is always something amazing to learn in this book and we pick a “new” favorite critter each time we open Volume Two.
If you have a Curious Critter Lover in your family we highly recommend this beautifully photographed book. You will find your child and yourself reaching for it over and over again! If you would like to win one of these incredible books for your child, or someone your know – please enter the contest below!
Thanks for reading,
Daniele
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