Louise van der Merwe is deeply honoured to have been awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics in recognition of her contribution to the cause of animal protection.
In announcing the award, Revd Professor Andrew Linzey said:
“This is the highest award that the Centre can bestow and is only given to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the Centre and/or the cause of animal protection. I am delighted to report that, after careful consideration, it is the unanimous decision of the Selection Committee to invite you to become our thirteenth Honorary Fellow.”
For more information, visit the
BOOK REVIEWS
by 8-year-old LOUKAS MAVROGORDATO
The Great Cage Escape —
“I like the way that Louise uses figurative language and the way you can infer lots of things from the story like you think Mrs Rat is dead but in the end you find out that Mr O didn’t actually kill her. I also like the way that you can learn to know that animals shouldn’t be kept in cages.”
Heroes and Lionhearts —
“This thoughtful collection shows the reader how animals or humans can risk their lives for other animals or people. My favourite one was where a horse helped her foal and a man from almost certain death which shows courage and kindness inside her.”
Magnificent Boy and the Spirit of the Grey Hare —
“This story is really touching as you feel the emotions of Boy throughout his adventures. Boy would be dead if it wasn’t for the hare who taught him to always run fast and never give up.”
Goosie's Story —
“It is an astonishing story told through Goosie’s eyes. The reader can feel all Goosie’s emotions. One day, Gabrielle picks her up and takes her home and thereafter she feels happy and free.”
BOOK REVIEWS
"For the Love of Kin" is a heart-warming and thought-provoking tale that will captivate readers of all ages, especially children. Written from the perspective of Pecorino, a rescued sheep living at a farm sanctuary, this beautifully crafted story explores the lives of farm animals and challenges our perceptions of their sentience. Through Pecorino's narrative, we learn about his extraordinary experience of being part of a cutting-edge innovation that produced lab-grown meat without harming him. This fascinating aspect of the story seamlessly weaves into the larger tapestry of life on the farm sanctuary. As Pecorino shares stories about his friends – a hen, pigs, a donkey, and a goat – the author masterfully brings out their unique personalities, thoughts, and emotions. This endearing portrayal of farm animals as individuals deserving of love and respect is a valuable lesson for young readers. The narrative concludes on a hopeful note, envisioning a future where industrialised factory farming is a relic of the past. This uplifting vision, set in 2050, inspires readers to imagine a kinder world for all beings.
Overall, "For the Love of Kin" is a delightful and educational read that will resonate with children and parents alike, promoting empathy, compassion, and a deeper understanding of our fellow creatures.”
— Michelle Taberer (Stop Live Export SA)
"I think this is a book for Senior Phase learners, and what I have taken from it is this: we all carry emotional hurt around with us every day, and mostly it comes from experiencing disrespect, one way or another. Yet almost none of us stop to consider the disrespect we impose on animals. They have feelings too, and we owe them our respect. As we read from chapter to chapter we see how animal welfare matters, as much for them as for ourselves."
— Vivienne Rutgers, humane education specialist teacher
“I LOVED Pecorino. The stories of each of the ‘kin’ are heart-warming, and I shed a tear and also had a smile. So relevant and cutting-edge. The suffering of farmed animals is woven in without being heavy-handed.”
— Rosemary Miller
“I have read every page with much interest. Surely these stories will touch the hearts of all the scholars who read your book. I wish it could reach all the corners of the earth and awaken young minds to the horrible and unnecessary cruelty we subject so many of our kin to. 2050 and the History of Food museum cannot come soon enough!”
— Eileen Chapman
“I have now had a chance to read your delightful book, For the Love of Kin. Congratulations. It’s an engaging story, with beautiful illustrations. I hope that many children get to read it.”
— Professor David Benatar