Erin Pavlina

When reviewing this book, the idea that the reviewer should remember that what is commonsense to them may be a revelation to others (and vice versa) is one I have held to. For while I found much of this book to be simple commonsense, I realise that it may be new to others.

Pavlina has written a book to guide parents who have decided to go vegan. This is an important difference to the title of the book, because this book deals with issues to do with veganism that are not necessarily just related to raising children. I will admit that while I thought this was a great book, there was not much 'new' or 'helpful' in it for me. That may say more about the fact that in our household being different than our family and society’s norms is not a big deal. I would imagine that if you are close to your conservative family you would find strength in your convictions when reading this book. Another reason that this book was 'not much new' for me is that we have become vegan while our son is still a toddler. I imagine that if your household changed to veganism when your children were in school, especially if they are teenagers, you would find a lot in this book to help you transition to your new ethical lifestyle.

Pavlina makes some important points about nutrition that all vegans, and especially vegan parents, would do well to remember. This book is less concerned with nutritional/dietary issues, however, than dealing with the social aspects of veganism. Hers is a softer, more 'fuzzy' take on how to handle being a vegan in a non-vegan world than books like 'Vegan Freak' but that does not make it worse or better, only different.

There are very few books on veganism or parenting where I agree with everything, so it was inevitable that a book on vegan parenting has some aspects that don't fit with my view of the world. That said, my differences of opinion with the author would not stop me recommending this book to other vegan, or potential vegan, parents. Veganism is about a lot more than what you eat—it is an ethos and therefore impacts on how you interact with society. Many parents would do well to have a guide to help them through that process.… (más)