Thank you NetGalley, Storey Publishing as well as the author for providing me with an ARC of this book.

When I saw the cover of “The Gift of Animals” I was enchanted immediately. The premise of being able to discover poems on the relationship between animals and humans is a topic incredibly close to my heart as I am of the opinion that there is so much to learn from our furry and not-furry companions.

…and the collection did not disappoint. Not only are the illustrations, the layout, the editing and the color choices stunning, the foreword as well as the poems themselves are beautiful. The concept of an “antidote to species loneliness” is so enthralling. The topics included in this book are so apropos in our dying world marked by climate change and species extinction. Connecting with animals and the natural world is something that this civilization needs to come to recognize as highly important as this connection with also connect us to each other. This anthology is a great resource to learn about this connection as well as about commonly not very regularly mentioned animals like the octopus or a scene like the death of an elk.

Another great element present in this anthropology is the connection of the present and the past by for instance including poems/pieces of literature passed on from generation to generation. The tenderness with which the animals are regarded, with which they are described touched me deeply. This is an inspired book of which I will definitely be buying a hard copy once it has been released.

This is a stunning collection of poetry, beautifully illustrated throughout and a must have for lovers of poetry.

I love that this anthology exists and that animals are paid the respect they deserve.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC