Animals
Andi's Life with
I have met so many people who think things are disgusting or dirty or dangerous when they are nothing of the sort, but miraculous pieces of creation. - Gerald Durrell
Andi’s Life with Animals promotes the wonder and value of all creatures— wild, domestic, or exotic – and our responsibility to care for them. With decades of experience teaching, Andi offers over thirty-five interactive educational programs featuring live reptiles, birds, mammals, insects, and an arachnid.
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Presentations have a minimum of 60 minutes of content, including an engaging PowerPoint. Programs may be tailored to any topic or curricula for PK to HS students and/or adults.
All programs include age-appropriate handouts and close-up encounters with Andi’s education animal partners. Some also feature songs, puppets, book readings, or games with prizes.
Andi speaks at libraries, schools, churches, children’s clubs, retirement centers, nursing homes, birthday parties, private events, outdoor festivals, and service organizations.
By providing entertaining programs, Andi hopes to encourage children and adults to care about all animals and each other.
Most Popular Programs
The ten programs listed below are supported by engaging and entertaining PowerPoints and are appropriate for any age group from five to adult. Presentations can be tailored to fit specific curricula, STEM/STEAM objectives, or rubrics by grade for public, private, and home school groups. For additional titles (36 available to date) and specific program options, please email AndiLehman@yahoo.com.
The Art of Animals ©
Written for the 2025 National Summer Library Reading Program, this unique presentation considers the nature of art and its definition. We look at the artistic portrayal of animals by several children's book authors and consider their different styles of illustrating or painting. We meet a veiled chameleon, a Pueblan milk snake, two geckos, a rabbit, a red-footed tortoise, and others while we explore what their “art” means to each species. Fun and educational!
Around the World with Animals/Celebration Safari ©
Take a close-up look at several species of animals and their unique habitats on six of our seven continents. First, we prepare for our journey with proper equipment. Using a map, we define and locate the earth’s biomes and meet some creatures who live in them. One of ALWA’s most popular programs, this geography-based presentation includes 10-12 live education animals and their stories. Titled Celebration Safari for birthdays and special events, it’s always a hit!
The Truth About Snakes: The Only Good Snake is a Live Snake! ©
Learn how Andi Lehman, a confirmed snake-fearer, met a snake who changed her mind, turned her into the “Snake Lady,” and inspired her children’s book, Saving Schmiddy. We identify the 12 most common snakes in the Midsouth and meet several species of snakes, both indigenous and exotic. We learn how to recognize venomous species in the Southeastern US. At festivals, fairs, and reptile shows, this program includes a fun game with prizes. In the springtime, it is also offered as They’re Back! Let’s Spring Into Snakes.
Amazing Animals Who Serve: Way More Than You Think! ©
This popular program about service animals was developed for the First Regional public libraries in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing and features Poco, who is in training to be a therapy dog, plus several surprise animals. So many species do (or have done) so much to benefit us! Includes a brief history of The Seeing Eye, the organization that launched the service animal concept.
The Queen’s Critters: How the Victorian Era Changed Your “Life with Animals” ©
Few people realize the huge influence of the Victorian Age and Queen Victoria on our view and treatment of animals in Mississippi. We learn how the Victorians ushered in a new way of looking at animals as companions and not just as beasts of burden or commodities. Andi introduces several animals from the era who figured prominently in the domestic destination of their species. We also hear the stories of five or six live animals including a giant rabbit, a common rat, a therapy dog, a bird, and a reptile or two. (A full grant for this program is available to non-profits through the MS Humanities Council.)
Who Lives in your Backyard? Reptiles and Mammals and Birds, Oh, My! ©
We learn to identify the 12 most common birds, reptiles/amphibians, or mammals in the Mid-South, and we meet some cool animals from each classification. An arachnid or insect may also be included! Fun and educational for the whole family, this program includes an interactive identification game—a perfect complement to fairs and festivals. (We provide prizes and awards). Who Lives in your Backyard? is often split into three separate programs and rotated at outdoor or multi-group events.
Ready, Set, Rescue! ©
We identify the four groups of animals that might need rescuing in Mississippi. We learn how rescue organizations provide rehabilitation and what a good rehabber does to assist injured or orphaned animals. By dispelling popular myths about birds, rabbits, and white-tailed deer, Andi explains how to best help those species in the wild. We meet several rescued animals, both wild and domestic, and hear their compelling stories. This program includes a list of local rehabilitation groups and the top ten things a rehabilitator loves to hear. Andi also explains how to get involved in animal rescue for those who are interested.
Some (Not-So) Scary Animals: How We Can Learn to Like Them ©
This program considers several animals who often frighten people, and Andi shares how she overcame her own fear of snakes. We examine why certain creatures frighten us more than others, and we demystify them by considering their skeletons, their voices, or their habits. Facts are friendly! You’ll learn to identify four indigenous MS owls and you’ll meet roaches, lizards, snakes, a rat, a spider and a mystery guest who is not what she seems. A popular education song makes this one extra fun and a great choice for fall festivals or Halloween-based school events and parties.
Reptile Round-Up ©
For those who love reptiles best, we focus on lizards, snakes, skinks, chameleons, geckos, and turtles. This program is perfect for an interactive birthday party to delight reptile and herp fans. We meet over a dozen unusual cold-blooded critters, hear their stories, and learn some fun facts and natural history about each species. We also discuss the special care that reptiles require in captivity and discover which ones make the best first-time pets.
Here now, Gone tomorrow: Celebrating Dinosaurs & Preventing Extinction ©
Learning about threatened animals in Mississippi and how we can help them.
NOTE: Holiday programs and Christian faith-based programs are available upon request for church groups, Sunday School classes, and VBS or Fall Harvest events. Programs may be tailored to fit specific topics or Scripture verses. Recommendations and references for Andi Lehman and Andi’s LIfe with Animals programs are happily shared upon request. AndiLehman@yahoo.com.
Upcoming Programs
Times are provided for programs/events which are open to the public.
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April 2026