First, I'll start with the book I'm reading - Dreambirds by Rob Nixon. This book was really popular back in the late nineties/early 2000s. You can tell by how many cheap used copies you can find on Amazon : ). Dreambirds chronicles the effect ostriches have had on fashion and culture throughout the centuries, along with stories of the "Plume Boom" and "Feather Mansions" in South Africa. Nixon also uses the history of ostriches to share some of his autobiography about growing up with an immigrant family in South Africa. This really is one of the best books I've read in quite a while!
Also, I am loving these photographs from The Animal Print Shop! I'm usually adoring the baby animal prints for the nursery of the kid we will probably have some day, but this buffalo print just blows me away. I think it would look so stunning above a bed or couch. Also, they have a nice little Holiday Sale going on!
And next on the reading list, which I also think would make a great gift, is a book called The Elephant Whisperer: My Life with the Herd in the African Wild by Lawrence Anthony. Lawrence Anthony rescued and rehabilitated elephants on his wildlife preserve in South Africa. He and the animals were so in tune. When he passed away this year, multiple herds of elephants could sense the loss and they traveled miles across the preserve to Anthony's home where they remained for days to mourn. Aren't animals amazing?
Another great gift would be a donation to Heifer International. Buying a goat or heifer for a family in need helps a family be more self-reliant by providing food and milk for years. I wholeheartedly agree this company's view on sustainability and charity. I'm sure any animal lover would appreciate this gift of giving!
