FROM OUR EDITORS

The Barnes & Noble Review
In this deeply felt call to action, Jane Goodall and her coauthor, the animal behaviorist Marc Bekoff (Minding Animals), use a series of maxims -- the Ten Trusts -- as a guide for relating to the natural world. Renowned for her groundbreaking chimpanzee studies, Goodall has shown, first with Reason for Hope and now with this book, a growing determination not only to understand the extraordinary creatures who share our planet but also to gain our help in saving them.

The simple but eloquent precepts enunciated in this book -- from rejoicing in our own place in the animal kingdom to approaching nature with respect, humility, and wisdom -- are designed to help us think about how we conduct our lives on the planet. While issues such as animal experimentation and human overpopulation are noted, the authors maintain a tone of purposeful optimism and argue for persistence, courage, and hope. One of the great strengths of the book lies in its ability to make the authors' goals seem achievable on a human scale, with numerous stories of ordinary individuals who have contributed in some small way to relieving animal suffering. The authors emphasize how children, too, can play an active part, highlighting Goodall's own Roots and Shoots program. These encouraging examples will resonate with kids, parents, and teachers. While many of the ideas in this volume have been have been expressed elsewhere, they probably can't be repeated often enough, and the stature and generous vision of these authors makes their work especially poignant, accessible, and inspiring. Deirdre Mullane

FROM THE PUBLISHER

World-renowned behavioral scientists Jane Goodall and Marc Bekoff have set forth ten trusts that we must honor as custodians of the planet. They argue passionately and persuasively that if we put these trusts to work in our lives, the earth and all its inhabitants will be able to live together harmoniously. The Ten Trusts expands the concept of our obligation to live in close relationship with animals - for, of course, we humans are part of the animal kingdom - challenging us to respect the interconnection between all living beings as we learn to care about and appreciate all species.

SYNOPSIS

Jane Goodall and Marc Bekoff (biology, U. of Colorado, Boulder) have formulated a list of ten trusts, each described here with numerous examples, which, if adopted, they believe would transform humankind's relation with nature. In the process, they address many issues, including animal research, ecotourism, zoo management, wearing fur, and the importance of an attitude of activism rather than passivity. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

Goodall (My Life with Chimpanzees; Reason for Hope) and Bekoff, a biology professor at the Univ. of Colorado, offer a prescriptive conservation plan designed to protect animals as well as help educate people about the importance of saving both animals and the environment. The authors, who have also worked on Roots & Shoots, an international service program for young people, explain their position by including personal recollections and statistical evidence. Their position that people have chosen to destroy both animals and habitats and will continue to do so unless they radically change their behavior is stressed throughout the book: "It is sad to have to put a monetary value on the wilderness and on animal species. But until the wealthy nations can agree to pay an annual `rent' on huge areas of land, it seems likely that governments in the developing world will exploit their natural resources in any way they can...." The steps to action, including "Praise and Help Those Who Work For Animals and the Natural World" and "Value and Help Preserve the Sounds of Nature," are sound. For example, having children work with animal protection programs has already been successfully tried. Suggesting that kids "adopt" animal programs by making monetary donations is also practical. The book is particularly likely to interest people already active in environmental causes. (Oct.) Forecast: Given Goodall's reputation along with the 75,000 first printing, national advertising, a 15-city NPR tour along with lectures, initial sales are likely to be strong. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

Library Journal

This inspiring book brings together two notables of the animal welfare movement-primatologist Goodall and animal behaviorist Bekoff, who coedited the Encyclopedia of Animal Rights and Animal Welfare-for the first and, one hopes, not the last time. The result of their labor is a gift to those who care about the environment, animals, and people. How many readers have thought, "I care about environmental issues, but what can I do? My contribution would be a drop in the bucket." The authors answer that questions with their ten trusts, e.g., "Teach our children to respect and love nature" and "Praise and help those who work for animals and the natural world," which one can use as a personal action plan. For instance, in their discussion of the trust "Respect all life," the authors point out that while it was once necessary for humans to wear furs to survive, today it is a needless and thoughtless act perpetuated by fashion designers. Readers are encouraged to examine the facts in such cases and make some life choices. This book will be popular wherever there is an interest in animals and the environment.-Peggie Partello, Keene State Coll. Lib., NH Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

School Library Journal