Book ideas to gift everyone on the holidays
December is a month that requires a lot of creativity from people. Finding the right gift to friends and family might be tricky. You are either overwhelmed by the many possibilities, or completely clueless in what to give to that distant relative who you only see during the holidays.
No matter which group you identify with the most, the safest bet, in our opinion, is to gift books! So we got you covered! Here is a list of suggestions to make all loved ones happy.
Books for new vegans/vegetarians
Food for Thought
A science-based analysis of the social and environmental impacts of eating animals, written by food engineer Camila Perusello. This is a book that debunks the meat and dairy industry, including the so-called “humaine” practices. The readers will also find a guide on how to live vegan inside.
Where to buy: https://lanternpm.org/book/food-for-thought/
Sistah Vegan & Brotha Vegan
These sibling books gather a series of narratives written by North American black-identified vegans. Collectively, these activists are de-colonizing their bodies and minds via whole foods veganism.
Where to buy: https://lanternpm.org/book/sistah-vegan/
Vegan Voices
Why are you vegan? That is a question every vegan person heard at least once in their lives. Vegan Voices is a collection of testimonials about how our food choices are deeply connected to the issues of our time.
Where to buy: https://lanternpm.org/book/vegan-voices/
Books for kids
Children’s Loving Library
Gabriel, Cluck, and Pickle follow the lives of farm animals seeking refuge. It is a great trilogy to introduce the theme of veganism for kids, especially if they are starting to compare their diets with those of their friends. All books were written by Cheryl Moss and illustrated by Irene Blasco.
Where to buy: https://lanternpm.org/book/the-childrens-loving-library/
The Be Kind Alphabet
For children who are learning their first letters, The Be Kind Alphabet helps them learn with empathy. Each letter gets its own poem, inspired by a different animal. Written and illustrated by Anouk Frolic, this book is a great addition to your child’s library.
Where to buy: https://lanternpm.org/book/the-be-kind-alphabet/
Hope, the Hopeful Piglet
Hope is a baby piglet born on a factory farm. The book follows Hope’s journey as she expects the day she will be taken to a new place, dreaming about the woods, the beach, and the park. A story that should be shared with the next generation.
Where to buy: https://lanternpm.org/book/hope-the-hopeful-piglet/
Claude & Medea
A book for older kids, Claude & Medea tells the story of two adventurous middle school students who find themselves facing Manhattan criminals. With their odd substitute teacher, Ms. Rattlebee, on their side, the two kids begin to view the world differently.
Where to buy: https://lanternpm.org/book/claude-medea/
Books to start the new year with hope
The Farm Animal Movement
The way we treat animals in the United States is about to change. In this book, Jeff Thomas shares a constellation of stories from people who are working hard to end factory farms. A perfect book to start the year feeling hopeful!
Where to buy: https://lanternpm.org/book/the-farm-animal-movement/
The World Peace Diet
Our food choices tell us about our relationship with the world we live in. Since it was first published, in 2005, The World Peace Diet presents the outlines of a more empowering understanding of our world. Will Tuttle shows how we can move our consciousness forward as a species.
Where to buy: https://lanternpm.org/book/the-world-peace-diet/
Recovery Writing
Author James Ryan calls himself and addict in recovery. After over twenty years sober, he shares his own and others’ experiences with writing as a healing tool.
Where to buy: https://lanternpm.org/book/recovery-writing/
Books for your coffee table
Jo-Anne McArthur’s photo books
Jo-Anne McArthur’s photos speak directly to the reader’s heart. As powerful as her images are the stories that accompany them. The Animals are Leaving Us, Captive, Hidden, and We Animals are great additions sure to spark important conversations in the living room.
Check all of the author’s books here: https://lanternpm.org/book-authors/jo-anne-mcarthur/
Pit Bull Flower Power
Pit Bulls suffer with the misplaced fame of being hellhounds. In this photo book, Sophie Gamand composed lovely images of those friendly dogs in flower accessories. All of the photos’ stars were in shelters, waiting for rescue, when the pictures were taken.
Where to buy: https://lanternpm.org/book/pit-bull-flower-power/
Books for the critical thinker
Aphro-ism
This collection brings forward new theoretical frames on race, advocacy for nonhuman animals, and feminism. From pop-culture elements, the authors engage in a groundbreaking analysis of the compartmentalized nature of contemporary social movements.
Where to buy: https://lanternpm.org/book/aphro-ism/
Racism as zoological witchcraft
Author Aph-Ko takes the 2017 movie Get Out as a starting point to show the many ways that white supremacist notions of animality and race exist through the consumption and exploitation of flesh. It is a book that aims to provide the pathway to genuine liberation.
Where to buy: https://lanternpm.org/book/racism-as-zoological-witchcraft/
Aftershock
Aftershock is about the struggle for a world in which nobody lives in fear of atrocities perpetrated by human beings. It is a book that explores the culture of trauma that people have created through our violent exploitation of the Earth, other animals, and one another.
Where to buy: https://lanternpm.org/book/aftershock/
Books for the animal activist
Entangled Empathy
What if, instead of focusing on animal rights, we empathetically responded to their needs? Author Lori Gruen presents the concept of entangled empathy, a type of caring perception focused on attending to another’s experience of well-being.
Where to buy: https://lanternpm.org/book/entangled-empathy/
SALT
This graphic novel by Coyote Jacobs is, unfortunately, inspired by true events. With bright colored images and an impactful story, this is a book about two men and their mission to free a monkey from a vivisection lab.
Where to buy: https://lanternpm.org/book/salt/
How to create a vegan world
Author Tobias Leenaert approaches the idea of a vegan world in a pragmatic manner. How to Create a Vegan World brings forward strategies that can help animal rights activists and vegan activists to communicate effectively.
Where to buy: https://lanternpm.org/book/how-to-create-a-vegan-world/