Inspired by classroom time and television programming devoted to wildlife, conservation, and environmental issues, today"s children have a zest for the outdoors and an ardent appreciation of the creatures with which they share the planet. This collection offers a caliber of stories and extracts several notches above the expected fare in a compilation. The list of renowned contributors includes such luminaries as John Steinbeck (The Red Pony), Michael Morpurgo (Waiting for Anya), and Jack London (The Call of the Wild). With such stories as Rudyard Kipling"s The Cat that Walked by Himself, through favorites such as Paul Gallico"s The Snow Goose, and contemporary tales such as Ted Hughes" powerful Iron Woman, Animal Stories is a terrific introduction to classic literature and nature writing for children and young adults.