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Kids’ Nonfiction Picture Book Review – Becoming a Good Creature
BECOMING A GOOD CREATURE
Written by Sy Montgomery
Illustrated by Rebecca Green
(HMH BYR; $17.99, Ages 4-7)
★Starred Reviews – Kirkus, School Library Journal
Sy Montgomery’s New York Times best-selling memoir, How to Be a Good Creature: A Memoir in Thirteen Animals, inspired the picture book, Becoming a Good Creature. Herein she conveys her beliefs that we can—and should—learn from animals. Montgomery’s fundamental messages include “respect others,” “find good teachers,” and “see for yourself.” She encourages us to take a closer look at the world and everything inhabiting it. In doing so, we are bound to “love little lives” and find ways to nurture them because we’re all in this together.

While naturalist and adventurer Montgomery has led an extraordinary life, traveling the world and living with animals, we don’t have to fly far away to find something worth exploring.

During the pandemic, my family has discovered and interacted with previously overlooked insects in our garden. Becoming a Good Creature reinforces such behavior. It also shows that women can make their own families and forge their own paths.

Rebecca Green’s paintings, full of delightful animals, depict Montgomery from girl through woman and showcase how curiosity inspired her positive interactions with animals around the globe. For example, alongside the beautifully poignant illustrations of an octopus, a young Montgomery wonders what could we possibly have in common with them; the answer is playing! This uplifting book stresses the importance of communication and caring—much-needed actions for successful coexistence on our planet.
- Click here then scroll down the page to learn more about Rebecca Green’s artwork.
- Read a review of another picture book about animals here.
- Reviewed by Christine Van Zandt (www.ChristineVanZandt.com), Write for Success (www.Write-for-Success.com), @ChristineVZ and @WFSediting, Christine@Write-for-Success.com
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I love Sy! All her books are amazing. I am lucky that she is often featured on our local public radio station and I get to hear her stories first hand!
Lucky! I imagine she is a captivating storyteller. I used to love hearing Bailey White on NPR.
Wow! What an experience with the Silverbacks! These illustrations are gorgeous. Adding this book to my list. Thanks for the rec!
You are always so welcome. We all need to read Sy’s book, especially now, and add it to our home library.