The RSPCA is opposed to any degree of con-finement likely to cause an animal dist-ress and suffering. This includes the popular practice of keeping animals in nursery class-rooms or pre-school playgroups.

Animal Care is based on the belief that children should be taught at an early age how to treat animals with kindness and respect.

Colourful illust-rations decorate the alphabet frieze andpicture and number cards feature animals most likely to be found in parks, gardens, the street or at home. Pets are the main topic but the pack also encourages children to observe wildlife in its natural habitat.

There are lots of good ideas for activities and projects involving sorting, comparison, matching shape and colour, as well as alphabet and number games.

Colour photo-graphs would have worked better in bringing the animals to life, but this pack should offer an interesting and enjoyable starting point.