How Do Children Read About Animals, Death and War?

This paper attempts to question the flawed animal representation in classic children’s novels due to the heavy usage of anthropocentrism, anthropomorphism and speciesism, while questioning the need for allegorical works. Using examples from Anna Sewells, Jack London, Dr. Seuss, as well as Sara Pennypacker, this works analyses old and new children’s literature from an eco-pedagogical perspective, while challenging the way children become serious partners of conversation in eco-focused discussions.