The Inner World of Farm Animals: Their Amazing Social, Emotional, and Intellectual Capacities

I've always wondered what animals are thinking--and how much might be similar to our perceptions. Common sense says their perceptions are less complex, and the author partly confirms that, but describes their own dimensions of "thinking."Four stars b/w author addresses goats and sheep together, and the chapter is very short--yet goats are extremely perceptive and learn very quickly. I expected much more on them

This is a really good book for those of us who are pretty compassionate for all animals, including those that sometimes end up on the dinner table. It gives a much deeper understanding of how we are really not that different. This review is coming from a vegan, and a long time animal right advocate, and I was still able to learn a few things from this book. It is nice sized and full of really well done photographs. It never gets preachy, just gives the information on the interactions of the animal, their offspring and the family units. If you are looking for a book more on raising farm animals, there are better books out there that are more informative, but I for one just soaked this one up. I would highly recommend this book to any beginning farmer, 4H student, Hobby Farmer, or anyone who just wants to understand these amazing animals a little better.

I'm tired. I mean I'm bone tired. After throwing myself into the thick of the animal right's literature and websites and books and movies and, youtube videos, I just couldn't take another "honest look at the factory farming industry." Not because I want to stay in denial, but because, let's face it: this stuff is harsh and I'm 'this close' to burnout.And along comes this book; this little gem of a book. An oasis in the desert of our cold cruel world. Pretty pictures of prettier animals. Stories to melt your heart. Happy endings. Remember happy endings? I'm not above saying I love happy endings.I'll go 'Out There' again in due time. But for now, let me rest a bit in this idyllic, pastoral world. Let me dream of having a little piglet of my own and conversing with a turkey. Just for a while, because 'Out There' isn't going anywhere fast.

What a great book. Makes for a quick read, and most certainly uplifting, especially in these days where people are less "out and about". Grab yourself a favorite beverage, grab your favorite throw blanket, and curl up with this sweet book filled with some science, mostly expressed with/through stories about very specific animals - which is what makes this so wonderful and touching. Not abstract concepts, but real-life experienced witnessing of recordable and repeatable behavior.

This amazingly simple, yet profound, book with stunning photos is a book for all ages. I wish I had the resources to place this book in every library on the planet! Some people throughout the ages have understood that there is more to animals than we have been led to believe by a society that treats them with such disrespect. Our understanding of who animals are is changing and the remarkable stories in The Inner World of Farm Animals makes it clear that we have erred greatly in our judgments of them. Peace is a universal desire but peace cannot be just for humans but must also include the animals and the planet itself. For those of us who care about animals this is the perfect gift to give to those who do do not yet understand. I personally believe this book was divinely inspired. Amy Hatkoff is my new hero. She also wrote You Are My World: How a Parent's Love Shapes a Baby's Mind, another book with the power to change the world.

The Inner World of Farm Animals is a beautifully written book, with gorgeous photographs. It describes the family structures and relationships that farm animals have with each other -- assuming, of course, that they are not in factory or traditional farms. The animals described here are the far too few, out of the billions who suffer every year in appalling conditions, who live in animal sanctuaries. Reading this book I wonder once again, how can people possibly consider these beings to be mere food and sources of clothing? The book devotes specific chapters to chickens; geese, ducks, and turkeys; cows; pigs; and sheep and goats. The Inner World ends with useful sections on what we can do, and a listing of animal sanctuaries. It also lists resources for further reading on this most important subject.

This book points out the many facets of animals that most of us see but for whatever reason don't see. Love is universal. Animals have the capacity to love unconditionally, a trait that a lot of humans lack. They do not put rules and regulations on their love and acceptance of us. We do that to ourselves.I recommend this wonderful book to all animal lovers and those that want to be animal lovers. You will not be disappointed - the photos are exceptional.

I HAVE BEEN TRYING FOR YEARS TO BE A VEGETARIAN WITH 60-70% SUCCESS. AFTER READING THIS BOOK I HAVE NOT EATEN ANY CHICKEN , TURKEY OR FISH( WITH THE EXCEPTION OF SHRIMP). THE EMOTIONAL BOND BETWEEN ANIMALS IS DETAILED IN THIS BOOK AND IT TOUCHED MY HEART. THEY ARE THE FORGOTTEN ONES. EVEN IF YOU DO NOT INTEND TO BECOME A VEGETARIAN THE BOOK IS SO COMPELLING THAT IT WILL GIVE YOU A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF FARM ANIMALS. IT WAS A PAGE TURNER AND CHANGED MY LIFE. HOPE IT CHANGES YOURS.

As this was a gift for a 9 year old niece who is into farm animals, cows in particular, I've not had the chance to look at it as properly as I otherwise would an item I review, but my initial impression browsing through it is that it is a lovely book with nice photos and interesting information and anecdotes, and I know my niece loved it.So, I can only conclude that for anyone interested in farm animals, this is an interesting read as well as a lovely book to browse looking at the nice pictures, something you can pick up again and again and not have to read from cover to cover. It's just this kind of book that often become someone's favourite, and a book that is likely to stay in a prominent position on their bookshelves throughout their lives.It may not be the most scientific or in-depth, but to inspire someone to further their interest, I cannot conceive of anything more perfect.

This book is a most wonderful and inspiring visit with a variety of farm animals. Fantastic photos, moving stories, latest studies and much more make it an incredible read for young and old.

Excellent