Humane Education
Napa Humane’s humane education program teaches children and adults alike how to be caring, thoughtful, respectful citizens of the world. Our programs teach people how to cultivate knowledge, responsibility, patience, trustworthiness, compassion, and a positive attitude – lessons that serve us well in every area of our lives.
Classroom Presentations Our free in-school programs are designed to benefit: Animals, by ensuring the next generation treats them with compassion. Children, by helping them develop empathy, character, and a sense of responsibility. Society, by fostering a culture of care and respect for all. Our expert humane educators are available to visit your school and bring engaging, age-appropriate lessons directly to your students. Designed to help kids stay safe at home, in the community, and around unfamiliar animals, this interactive presentation teaches students: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs each year—and half of all children will suffer a dog bite before age 12. Cat bites and scratches are also a concern. This program gives children the tools to protect themselves and interact safely and respectfully with animals. We offer two versions: This presentation introduces students to the basics of compassionate pet care, covering: By helping children understand what animals need to thrive, we nurture both healthier pets and more empathetic, capable kids. Ready to bring humane education to your classroom? We’d love to visit! Please contact us via EMAIL or by calling 707.255.8118 x 206 Let’s inspire the next generation—one classroom at a time. Kind News for Classrooms Originally launched in 1983 by The Humane Society of the United States and now published by RedRover, Kind News is an award-winning classroom newspaper that teaches: Each bi-monthly issue (September through May) is filled with fascinating animal facts, brainteasers, Kind Club projects, inspirational stories, and opportunities for students to contribute their own short stories and ideas. Teachers also receive access to: Kind News is aligned with national teaching standards and designed to be easily integrated into classroom curriculum across subjects. We believe that compassion can be taught—and Kind News helps us do just that. Learn more about Kind News! Humane Reading List Napa Humane has identified several books that teach children to be caring, compassionate individuals delivering messages in kindness, respect, and responsibility. Community Education: Helping People Help Pets At Napa Humane, we believe that informed pet guardianship starts with education. Our Human-Only Classes are designed to give pet parents the knowledge and tools they need to better understand and support their pets—without the distraction of having a dog in tow. Held at the Napa Humane Education Center these engaging sessions cover topics like: These classes offer valuable guidance for anyone looking to build a stronger, safer bond with their dog. To be notified when new sessions are available, email us at dogtraining@napahumane.org.Humane Education Programs
When you teach a child to be kind to animals, you help build a more compassionate world for everyone. At Napa Humane, we believe that humane education shapes the future—instilling respect for all living beings, promoting empathy, and empowering young people to make kind, responsible choices.Free Classroom Presentations
Safe Around Dogs and Cats
Grades K–3 and Grades 4–5 | 45–60 minutes
•How to read animal body language
•Situations to avoid
•Ways to prevent bites and scratches from both dogs and cats
• One tailored to younger children (Kindergarten–3rd grade)
• One for older elementary students (4th–5th grade)Responsible Pet Care
Grades 2–5 | 45–60 minutes
• Daily needs of dogs and cats
• Grooming, exercise, and enrichment
• Veterinary care and pet health
• What it means to be a responsible pet guardianBook a Free Presentation
Napa Humane is proud to provide Kind News magazine subscriptions—free of charge—to every K–5th grade classroom in Napa County.
Inspiring Compassion—One Classroom at a Time
Compassion and empathy are, for the most part, learned behaviors. Humane education helps to awaken empathy. If we can affect children early on in their lives and help them develop strong ethics, then perhaps they will continue to make ethical decisions throughout the rest of their lives.
Title
Author
Book Description
Recommended age
A Home for Nathan
Claudia Roll, Illustrated by Finn Rizer
Follows the story of a cross-eyed kitten who is adopted by a shelter volunteer and goes on to teach kids about responsible pet ownership and the value of caring. Topics included in this book are responsible pet ownership, therapy cats and the purpose of an animal shelter are discussed.
ages 3 and up
Animal Have Feelings, Too! Exploring Emotions from A to Z
Karen Lee Stevens, Illustrated by Teri Rider
This charming and informative book follows the humorous story of Sandy, a lovable Labrador retriever who explores her world of emotions from A to Z. Whimsically illustrated, this book helps children understand that people and animals experience many of the same feelings.
ages 4 and up
Are You Ready for Me?
Claire Buchwald. Illustrated by Amelia Hansen.
A guide to the many responsibilities involved in dog guardianship, which includes loving and protecting your companion. An excellent Humane Education teaching tool as well as an important book for families to read together before considering committing to a dog.
Gr. K-3.
Before You Were Mine
Maribeth Boelts, illustrated by David Walker
This is a gentle story of a young boy who wonders what his loving dog’s life was like before he was adopted from a shelter. Themes of kindness, animal adoption, curiosity and friendship are discussed.
ages 3 and up.
Buddy Unchained
Daisy Bix, llustrated by Joe Hyatt
Happy in a new home, Buddy tells the story of his former life of neglect, abuse, and finally, rescue, to live a good life with a family that cares about him. Information is included for parents and other adults about resources they can readily contact when they encounter a dog being abused. Themes of animal abuse and neglect and responsible pet ownership are discussed. ASPCA Henry Bergh Children’s Book Award.
ages 6 and up
Chewy Louie
Howie Schneider
Almost immediately upon being brought home, puppy Louie sinks his teeth into everything from toy trains to the dining-room table. Louie’s energy and escapades make for a fun and funny tale. Themes of responsible pet ownership, commitment, and dog behaviors are discussed.
ages 2 and up.
Chickens Are Animals, Too! Fannie Goes To Washington
Tracey Winter Glover, Illustrated by Mariella Travis
Fannie, a determined chicken and her newfound friends stage a historic march on Washington seeking justice for chickens. This enchanting tale of friendship, bravery, and advocacy captivates with its blend of whimsy and inspiration. Join Fannie’s crusade as she proves the might of even the smallest voices. Themes of animal appreciation, friendship, respect and animal activism.
ages 8 and up
Each Living Thing
Joanne Ryder, illustrated by Ashley Wolff
This story is about having an awareness and an appreciation for all living things no matter how small. It mentions many different animals and the roles they play in the world. Themes of animal appreciation, respect, and coexisting with wildlife are discussed.
ages 2 and up
Forever Dog
Bill Cochran, illustrated by Dan Andreasen
A young boy named Mike works his way through the grieving process after his beloved dog Cory passes away. This book can help children understand the death of a pet and the feelings that often surround this experience. Themes of friendship and pet loss are discussed.
ages 3 and up
Fred Stays With Me!
Nancy Coffelt. Illustrated by Tricia Tusa.
A small girl’s bond with her beloved pet helps her handle the disruption of her parents’ divorce. She has to sleep in two different beds in two different homes, but wherever she goes, her dog, Fred, stays with her. He does make trouble–barking at the poodle that lives next door to Mom’s house, shaking mud all over her car seats, eating Dad’s socks–but when the grown-ups object, she is adamant that she will never let him go. Fortunately the girl is as loyal as her dog and stands by him as they resolve the conflict with her parents through training and better housekeeping. Loyalty, companionship, divorce, and responsibility are all themes of this book.
Grades PreK-2.
Ginger
Written and illustrated by Charlotte Voake
Ginger is a lucky cat who loves his basket, his little girl and his delicious meals. When the little girl brings a kitten home as a friend for Ginger, the older cat is not happy about sharing his bowl and basket. Ginger hides in protest, letting the girl know that certain steps must be followed for a settled cat to adjust to life with a frisky kitten. Themes of bringing a new animal home, respecting an animals feelings, responsible pet ownership and patience are discussed.
ages 3 and up.
Ginger Finds a Home
Written and illustrated by Charlotte Voake
In this story, a heartwarming friendship grows between a little girl and a stray cat she later names Ginger. In his previous life, Ginger foraged for food wherever and whenever he could, and slept in a patch of weeds. As Ginger learns to trust the little girl, he quickly adjusts to his new life as her companion. Themes of trust and patience in developing a relationship with a cat are discussed.
ages 3 and up
Hachiko: The True Story of a Loyal Dog
Pamela S. Turner, illustrated by Yan Nascimbene
This is a true tale of a loyal dog named Hachiko who walks to the train station with his human companion, Dr. Ueno, every day and then waits patiently for Dr. Ueno to return. A young child takes an interest in Hachiko and brings yummy snacks while he waits, forging a friendship with Hachiko. When Dr. Ueno dies, Hachiko continues to wait diligently for his return, leaving his post only to sleep at Dr. Ueno’s home. Themes of loyalty, death and remembering are discussed.
ages 5 and up.
“Let’s get a Pup!” Said Kate
Bob Graham
Following the death of her cat, Kate is lonesome for a new pet. The family goes to the local animal rescue center for a puppy, and falls for a large, older dog in the process. The book extols both the reasons to adopt from a shelter and the rewards of giving an adult dog a second chance. ASPCA Henry Bergh Children’s Book Award.
ages 4 and up
Nico & Lola
Meggan Hill, photography by Susan M. Graunke
Nico’s aunt asks her nephew if he would be so kind as to watch her pug, Lola, while she’s away. Excited, Nico agrees, but later begins to wonder, “How will I be so kind?” So begins a pleasant story about sharing everyday kindnesses. This book has a wealth of meaningful messages like, “being kind is showing concern for others.” Each message is illustrated by the actions of either Nico or Lola as they spend their time together doing doggy and boy activities. Each new page shows the duo participating in excellent behaviors: cleaning, helping one another, sharing, exercising, and getting along with others.
ages 2 and up.
Not Afraid of Dogs
Susanna Pitzer, illustrated by Larry Day
Although he insists he is “not afraid of anything” Daniel avoids dogs. What happens when Daniel comes home to find his mom has agreed to pet sit for Bandit? After hiding from the small brown-and-white dog all day, he encounters her alone at night cowering from the noise of a thunderstorm. When Daniel sees the dog’s fear his own dissolves; he provides her cuddles. In the course of the story Daniel moves from angry and fearful to kind and open-hearted. Overcoming fears and helping animals are themes discussed in this book.
ages 5 and up.
Pole Dog
Tres Seymour, illustrated by David Soman
How does a dog become a “Pole Dog?” This story follows the life of an older dog in the days after he is left by a pole along the highway until he is spotted by a family driving by. How the dog survives alone and how he feels are poignant themes in this realistic portrayal of the life of an abandoned dog. This book is a reminder of a dog’s unwavering desire for security. Themes of abandoning an animal and a animal’s need for security are discussed.
ages 6 and up
Six-Dinner Sid
Inga Moore
Sid is a cat, who likes to eat six dinners a day, so he lives at numbers 1-6 Aristotle Street (unbeknownst to his owners, who, because they don’t speak to each other, each think he is theirs exclusively). Sid’s life is perfect until he catches a cold and is taken to the vet, who works out Sid’s secret, and, ahem, ‘lets the cat out of the bag’. Unhappy with his new ration of one dinner a day, Sid goes to live at numbers 1-6 Pythagoras Place, where everybody talks to their neighbors, and knows what Sid is up to from the beginning – so they don’t mind. This is a useful book for explaining the importance of community, and the fact that people live differently in different kinds of homes. It is also useful for discussion about the habits of animals.
ages 4 and up
Tails Are Not for Pulling.
Elizabeth Verdick. Illustrated by Marieka Heinlen
Animals may not have words, but they can communicate. Paying attention to an animal’s cues can help a child understand what the animal is “saying” and what an appropriate response might be. That’s part of what this book is about. But mostly it’s about showing children how to love pets gently-because pets are for loving, after all. A special section for adults includes ideas for teaching kindness to animals, activities, and discussion starters. ASPCA Henry Bergh Children’s Book Award. KIND Children’s Honor Book.
Gr. Pre S-K.
The Way I Love You
David Bedford. Illustrated by Ann James
As a smiling girl interacts with her enthusiastic pup, she describes her feelings for the dog: “I love…the way you always care,/the way you’re always there./That’s the way I love you.” The engaging illustrations show the two friends sharing a variety of experiences: wearing crowns and having tea, playing with a tennis ball, snuggling together in a soft chair, and finally cuddled up at bedtime. Friendship and loyalty are themes in this book.
Gr. Pre S-1.
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