The Deer in the Wood

Review By JACQUELINE BODNAR

If you are familiar with the Laura Ingalls Wilder stories, then you know the setting of this book, which focuses on the Little House family. In this story, Pa sets out to go deer hunting so that the family will have meat to eat for dinner. However, something unexpected happens on his journey.

The great thing about this story is that Pa ends up seeing the deer differently on this hunting trip, and he finds he can no longer shoot them. His hunter’s mentality shifts to one of compassion for the animals he is admiring.

Upon Pa’s return, he explains to his daughters why there is no meat for supper. The girls tell him they are happy he didn’t kill the deer. They do mention that meat was eaten the prior spring and after learning that they will not have it anymore, they suggest eating bread and butter.

This is a good book for vegetarian parents wanting to teach their child about having compassion for animals, and it presents a positive image in regard to boys/men not participating in hunting.

Ages 4-8.