Book Description

Mutiny on the Ark!

When Noah builds the Ark, he never anticipates that the animals might get just a bit restless after forty days and forty nights....But just as the monkeys are squealing, the tiny animals are growing tearful, the tigers are getting bad-tempered, and Noah is fearing a mutiny of Biblical proportions, the sun breaks through!

A delightfully raucous look at the Noah's Ark story, from the animals' point of view, told with relish by children's poet extraordinaire, Karla Kuskin. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Wonderfully colorful and inventive!
My three year old loves this book--a true find at our last bookstore outing. The pictures are colorful and fun, and the rhyme is never forced. The editors' reviews above immediately siezed on the fact that God is not mentioned in this storybook, yet that's not something that I even noticed when I first read it. I actually liked that this biblical story was told so whimsically, making it fun for my children to learn about our Christian history.

Noah and his sons build this great ark, and Noah looks for a place to park. They gather the animals, load them up, and then it begins to pour, pour, and pour some more. The animals get bored on the boat and get annoyed with each other and their cramped space. Kuskin's poetry comes fast and furious as the rain falls and tension builds on the ark, then suddenly the sun breaks through (and the animals go home).

I think the book is fun and educational. My daughter LOVES the bright, watercolored, rumply pictures and makes up her own prose as each of the animals takes the ramp into the ark. I recommend it to anyone with small children. It's captivating! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

I love this book!
I think this book is an excellent book for kids of all ages. It teaches you about animals and how to care for them. It also tells you about real life problems. This book is a great book and should be read! Kids can put themselves in Mandy's spot, and love it! I would rate this book five stars. This book is a great read.

Excellent Book
Mandy and James meet a new goat in Welford named Houdini. The only problem is, is that Houdini keeps escaping and eating all of Mr. Western's prize-winning plants. Will Mandy and James find Houdini before Mr. Western does something drastic.

This is an excellent addition to any library.

Goat in the Garden
I thought it was real good. I loved the part when the goat ran away from the special fence that they had made. I recommend it to anyone who reads this series or likes animals.

I liked it alot.
Houdini the goat is escaping from his owner and eating Sam Western's prize plants. I liked the book because it is very funny and interesting. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Wildlife Rescue Mystery
Catherine M. The book centers around Animal Ark hospital. The main characters are an elementary school girl and boy. They find a baby badger without a mother and raise him in the basement of the Animal Ark hospital. Together they solve the mystery of who is killing the badgers in their wild habitat.

I recommend this book to someone who likes mysteries and cares about wild animals. It is a good book for both boys and girls.

Great Book
Mandy and James rescue a baby badger when they find it has been separated from it's mother. They then find out that there are a group of people in Welford hunting badgers. Mandy and James have to catch the badger hunters before they set the baby badger free into the wild or he could get hurt.

This is one of the best Animal Ark books and a must read for all animal lovers.

badger in the basement
an angrey mr.bonser shows up with a dog claiming its his but has no name, the dog is in very bad shape and half starved. soon after, the wellford wild lifers went to a badger set in pipers wood to find the badgers were gone! when james tells mandy about what happend mandy says "show me where the set is" james has no clue why. when they get to that set in pipers wood they find raged old tire tracks and an orfend badger cub thinking the set has been dug along with the fact they found raged old tire tracks. the next day mandy and james make plaster casts of the tire tracks. when mr.bonser cheks on the dog siman the nurse gets casts of mr.bonsers tire tracks. the qustein was: is it going to match or no?

Baglio does a great job!
The book, A badger in the basement, by Ben M. Baglio is a great book and filled with action. When James and Mandy find an orphan baby badger and try to take care of it; things get interesting. Mandy's parents and their friends try to find the people that are chasing badgers out of Pipers Wood and Darley Wood. Will they find them?

Badger in the Basement
Badger in the Basement is a great book. I've read all 9 of the Animal Ark books, and all of the Animal Ark Pets books, but Badger in the Basement was my favorite. In this book, Mandy and James find a badger nest, but when they go back to the nest to check on the badgers, the nest has been deliberately destroyed. All that is left is an orphaned badger cub. James and Mandy have to find out who did it. I think that people should read this book, because it's a great book, and a great series. ... Read more

Book Description

Mandy is delighted to help her parents care for Polly, a friend¹s daughter, and the girl¹s beautiful Shetland pony at Animal Ark. She is surprised, however, to find that Polly has a deep-rooted fear of horses. Mandy and her friends set out to help Polly get over her fear. Can they do it in time for her to ride her pony in the spring medieval pageant? ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Oh my gosh!
I love this book so much, I could kiss it! This book is a bout a pony named Shona and her owner, Polly. After a car accident in which her dad is hurt, Polly is convinced that it is her pony's fault. Mandy knows that deep down, Polly loves Shona, but she doesn't know how to get her to show it. In the end, Polly rides Shona in a parade. I LOVE THIS BOOK!! ... Read more

Book Description

This is the story of a life and spirit guided by animals. Brenda Peterson was raised in the High Sierras on a national forest lookout station, and wildlife had a daily, defining influence on her life. Peterson explores her deep connection with animals, from watching grizzlies in Montana's Rockies, to keeping Siberian huskies as pets in New York City, to her work for the restoration of wild wolves. Her lively storytelling bridges the worlds of human and animal, as she fascinates us with intimate stories of her studies of wild dolphins, whales, and orcas. Peterson reveals how animal bonds have enriched her life and led her toward a wider epiphany: As a species we cannot live without other animals. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Worth reading, but leaves room for improvement.
This book contains a series of vignettes that form author Brenda Peterson's memoir. She takes us from her early childhood to present day through stories of her interactions with animals, beginning with her father's hunting trophies - her first animal "companions," and ending with the story of a sea lion that visited her beachfront property the day before she finished writing the book. Intermediate topics include Smokey the Bear, wild wolves, her pet dogs and cats, both captive and wild whales, her struggle to reconcile the world of animals and religion, and others.

The first third of the book turned me off a little. The stories of her childhood seem overly embellished with an abundance of flowery adjectives that strain the writing. These early stories don't have the same impact as the vignettes describing Peterson's experiences as an adult. The stories from her adulthood show more understanding of the world and are easier to relate to. My two favorites where the tale of a captive beluga female who exhibited profound mourning behavior after the death of her newborn calf, and the painful account of the effects of Navy sonar experiments on wild whales. The latter of these was quite heart-wrenching.

The book is dragged down, however, by poor editting. In addition to the superflous writing style that permeates the first several chapters, the entire work is riddled with typos (i.e. "Alaksa") and spelling errors (i.e. "decibals"). There are also a few punctuations errors. In addition, Peterson displays a lack of scientific background. She is a journalist, not a biologist. While she refers to the work of biologist acquaintances and is by no means ignorant, the impact of her writing would be enhanced if she herself had a more thorough scientific understanding.

On the whole, however, this memoir is worth reading, though I'd recommend borrowing it from the library or a friend that already has it rather than purchasing it for yourself. It does bring awareness to some critical environmental issues - aerial wolf killings, the detrimental effects of pollution and sonar testing on marine animals, the general public's misconceptions about certain wild species, etc. Hopefully it will inspire readers to do further research on these subjects for themselves and make them more conscious of the effects human lifestyles have on the environment.

Fascinating Life Between the Worlds of Animals and Humans
When you read Brenda Peterson's memoir or any of her books, be prepared to abandon your human assumptions and pre-conceived notions of how animals and the natural world "really are." If you are willing, Peterson will lead you down long forgotten paths that still connect the human and the natural worlds. Through her own stories, you will re-member and discover your own life stories with animals, both wild and domesticated, and the essential joy of a shared world.

This memoir is a pleasure to read, written by an informed nature writer who also knows how to write engaging, lyrical prose that often reads like poetry or a novel. Peterson also is a witty observer of life's ironies and odd, often contradictory human behavior. Rare is the nature writer who can skillfully weave together the talent of a seasoned storyteller, the reportage of an informed environmentalist, the visionary perspective of a literary writer, and the honesty to admit passionate feelings for animals. Brenda Peterson does all of this consistently.

In her memoir, Peterson admits, "My first people and family were animals," and then tells us numerous stories from the first 50 years of her life living "in between the worlds of animals and humans." There were times while reading this book when I would have to pause, put the book down, and simply savor the story at hand. I could easily spend days reflecting on a story, digesting its impact, feeling full and satisfied. Warning: This is rich, gourmet reading!

Peterson also tells of the many disillusionments and the grief she has had over how humans treat animals. In particular, she writes about Smokey the Bear, Peterson's childhood animal hero and an American icon dubbed the Protector of the Forest, who, in reality was a depressed and isolated bear living in Washington National Zoo. When Peterson was 13, she and her father, a Forest Service executive who would one day head up the National Forest Service, visited Smokey the Bear at the zoo. "Any child could see that it was this bear who himself needed protection," observed Peterson. "...we stood watching Smokey huddled in a corner, eyes lowered, turning away Goldie Bear [a potential mate]...."

Every chapter reveals a life with animals, whether they are animal companions or whales, wolves and bears. Peterson writes with emotional honesty that is refreshing. It is Peterson's willingness to talk about her own feelings in relationship to the natural world that makes her so appealing as a nature writer. She is not afraid to admit such things as emotions...a courageous act in a modern world filled with scientists and "objective writers" who purport to be beyond such sentimental or "anthropomorphic" notions. In truth, ancient peoples worldwide have always known that animals have spirits and feelings and an integral purpose on Earth beyond serving human needs. There was a time when humans respected and blessed and thanked the animals for their partnership---even when they became our food and clothing. Sadly, most humans have bought the civilized lies about the "wild and nature and animals," and dismiss any serious discussion of spiritual connections and animal families and animal cultures. "Unscientific," declare the naysayers and skeptics.

However, Brenda Peterson is a contemporary nature writer who remembers many of those ancient ties and truths about animals and the natural world, and unabashedly writes about them. I do believe that Peterson is on the cutting edge of the paradigm shift in which humans will once again acknowledge and accept that we are in partnership with animals and the natural world---NOT in dominion over.

This memoir helped me remember and gives me hope. I am grateful to Brenda Peterson for writing it!

a good read which lacks accuracy
Although I did enjoy this book, little niggling errors cropped up here and there to irk. Poor editing (numerous misspellings) and bad information here and there result in a 4 star rating rather than a 5. For example, the author 'tried out' Siberian Huskies at one point and even produced a mixed breed litter (gasp), but some of her assumptions were patently untrue. For example, the author claims that "Siberian huskies (sic) were the last canine breed to be domesticated". In fact, the Siberian Husky originated over 2000 years ago with the Siberian Chukchi tribe (see Demidoff/Jennings "The Complete Siberian Husky"). The author dabbles in various wild critter commitments:Tursiops in Florida, belugas in Tacoma and eastern Canada, wolves across the US, humpback whales and spinner dolphins in Hawaii but I kept wondering how much more she could have understood if she had taken the path of biology rather than journalism. She claims to have taken up the mantle of wild critter advocacy but to be honest, I think she falls into the category of 'talk is cheap'-type advocacy. But then, we have real biologists like Ken Balcomb to fight against Navy sonar experiments etc. All in all, an interesting read....but remember the salt shaker (take with a grain of salt).

My favorite Brenda Peterson book so far...
I didn't think it possible I could love a Brenda Peterson book more than Living By Water, but Build Me an Ark has become my new favorite. This book, even more than any of her others, positively SINGS with her lovely spirit and knowledge about the animals around us. She has woven animals and people together with honesty and tenderness, and her father! I LOVE the stories involving her father! It is soothing to have my concerns about the health and welfare of this earth and all her creatures addressed with compassion, hope, and a quiet power. Write ON, Brenda Peterson.

An Important Work of Prose from a Modern Day St. Francis
I sit here quietly at my desk having just completed Brenda Peterson's "Build Me an Ark". My fingers fan the pages repeatedly as if refusing to believe that the last and final chapter of this book is over. I am rendered speechless and my thoughts turn inward as I hear the voice of the author over and over again in my head unlocking those childhood mysteries that I long ago safeguarded in the back recesses of my mind.

I have been instantly reminded that at my entry into this world some forty years ago I was born remembering a universal responsibility to protect those kindred spirits whose voices cannot be heard or understood. In this book, Peterson acutely finds that place in the reader's heart that unlocks those forgotten memories and reminds us of our contract with the earth to serve and protect, with uncompromising compassion, all of its noble creatures that walk on this planet. If the planet earth is in fact a classroom - "Build Me an Ark" should be required reading for the human race.

Peterson writes from two distinct places: She is first and foremost a visionary healer connecting our souls and our memories with the rest of the animal kingdom and in the same moment she is an incredible writer - every paragraph, every page each in its own right beautiful prose and lilting poetry. From whales and dolphins to cats and dogs, through her eyes, we find the connection to God in all living creatures and are reminded that our souls are all connected by this same source. Peterson asks us to remember, realize and understand our connection to other species, through compassion. "This is the best of all possible worlds," she writes. "This is embracing more than our own kind and assuring that more than we alone survive. For if humans only survive without the company of other animals, then we will be more alone than any of our ancestors could ever have imagined. To one day find ourselves on this ocean planet alone with only our own kind would be perhaps the beginning of the end of our species."

With a soft voice and deft hand, she takes the reader down the path of transformation from sympathetic observer to fierce protector. I would have to caution anyone wanting to read this book to be prepared to face your failure at not having done enough for our animal planet. Be prepared to endure incredible rage at the abject carelessness by the hand of man and be prepared to have your life changed as your own memories are unlocked and as that quiet voice in your throat rises now to a load roar. We finish the book and we know in an instant that we have not done enough to protect nature. We know that there is much more work to do for the conservation of the planet. The author dares you to remember that contract you made with self and God and the planet upon birth and reach out now to make a difference.

Brenda Peterson is a modern-day Moses and the St. Francis of our times. Thank you for reaching out to my hand and bringing me back to the path I was meant to walk on. Maybe life does start at 40. I hope to see you out there on the front line, sleeves rolled up, check book in hand, ready to work at building an ark, saving our planet-ourselves. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Cub in the cupboard
I read Cub in the Cupboard for a project in the Library at Waukazoo Elementary. I thought it was good because it was an Animal story. I think boys and girls aged 8 years old would enjoy this book. This story is about a Fox cub who is a orphan if you like foxes then you will want to read this book.

Great Book
Mandy and James find a mother fox and her cubs, but only one cub is still alive. The others have died since the mother fox was caught in a trap. Mandy and James have to raise the cub and it's mother and then set them free in the wild.

cub in the cuboard
james and mandy were rideing there bikes when mandy herd an animal in pain.they soon found it was a fox in a trap, the fox had cubs early because of the trap. 3 died 1 lived each only about 1 hour old.who set this alful trap? is there another one? will this person set more? and will the fox and cub live... ...or die???

excellent! my daughter loves these books. she's reading
my daughter came home from school very excited about this book. she is reading voraciously and these books keep her going. thanks so much to mr baglio for a rewarding reading experience that keeps the young reader hungry for more. this is a great gift item for 10 year olds! buy them

My second best Lucy Daniels book
This is my second best Animal Ark book. I like it because it feels so realistic.I like how she writes about Lucky the fox-cub. Lucy Daniels and Gerald Durrell are my favourite writers. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (1)

Excellent Book
This is my favorite Animal Ark Pets book ever. Mandy and James meet a new boy who is deaf, his mother doesn't like him going anywhere because she thinks he will get hurt. Mandy and James come up with an idea to train a stray dog, who they've found, to be a hearing ear dog for him. Will their plan work? ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great educational tool for dog owners
If you own a dog this book will help with the day to day care of your best friend. Even long time pet owners will find useful information in this book. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

What a Good book
I thought this book was good!i loved the part when she writes the Diary!

Hollys book review.
I think Kitten Crowd is brilliant.I espesially like thepart when one of the kittens gets stuck up a tree and nobodycan get it but then the fireman come... Read it to find outif they save the kitten or not

Kitten Crowd is brilliant
It's about this little girl -- her parents died in a car crash -- but it didn't say that in the book. I learned it earlier. It's also about six kittens. Their owner is moving and they only have till Saturday to find homes for the kittens or else they'll be put down to sleep. I think if you're reading Animal Ark books, that's a good start.

Aoife Mulligan

I think it is fantastic!
Iwould recommend it for animal lovers.Ilove animal Ark but this is my favourite along with Rabbit Race! READ IT! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Excellent Book
Mandy volunteers to watch Frisky the hamster while her friend is on vacation, but his cage is mistaken for an item that is going to be sold at the rummage sale. Will Mandy and James find Frisky before it's too late?

This is a great addition to the Animal Ark Pets book series.

HAMSTER HOTEL
Mandy's grandparents are watching a friends hamster. They don't know how to take care of the little animal. Mandy knows all about hamsters and agrees to stay with her grandparents to help out. But Mandy isn't sure what to do when the hamster disappears! Will Mandy find him in time?

Hardly a hotel......
When I read this I thought It was really un-realstic andboring. I like all Animal ark books and I have got them all includingthe Wildlife ways collection. I was surprised that Lucy Daniels wrote this. Okay in places,boring in most

hamster hotel
Great book for children and adults! The young animal lover in your family will love the adventures of this young girl and her best friend James. Each book teaches your child about a different animal and their environment. Once you get hooked on this book you'll enjoy over 12 other Animal Ark adventures! ... Read more

Book Description

Mandy and her friends who have guinea pigs have started a new club - the Guinea Pig Gang. They're concerned about Lisa, who doesn't want to join. Could something be wrong with Lisa's guinea pig? ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Sweet guinea pig story!
I totally agree with that one review, it doesn't matter how old you are if you love guinea pigs, or just pets in general you must read this book! I wanted the book for Christmas, I love guinea pigs and I'm 26 years old. The cover is too precious! I just had to have it! This story introduces to people to what wonderful pets guinea pigs really are. This is a wonderful story about friends who have a passion for guinea pigs. I highly reccomend this story for any age. Kristy-guinea pig owner for almost 20 years!

Animal ark pets books
Animal ark books are amazingly brilliant. Although I've only read one I'm eager to read more. When I bought this book my mum thought I was too old for it, she said it was for younger children but I think not matter how old or young you may be if you love animals you'll love animal ark books!

Absolutely Amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!
Guinea pig gang is absolutely amazing,at least that's what I think. I love animals and this book was just the thing for me to read at the poolside on holiday or in my bed in fact,anywhere. I totally loved that's why I deciced to review it for my school essay it was so brilliant! I just want to say the author did a wonderful job,well done! It definately deserved the 5 stars I gave it!

Great Book
Mandy and James meet a girl in their class named Lisa, who says she has a guinea pig, but she won't join the guinea pig gang. Mandy and James find out that the guinea pig isn't Lisa's, it's her sister Jenny's, but Jenny doesn't take care of her guinea pig. Will Lisa be able to get Jenny to give her her guinea pig, and join the guinea pig gang?

Guinea Pigs Deserve the Best
This is a good story with lots of good lessons. I learned that you must take careful care of your pets. Jennifer only wants her pet if its pretty and thats not fair to her guinea pig. Her sister loves the guinea pig more. I think a guinea pig club is a good idea. ... Read more

Book Description

Now you can populate your own ark with sprightly wooden animals from Africa, two by two. Noah himself will be there to supervise. David Sabol brings this best-known nautical odyssey to life with a series of vividly carved and painted animal andbiblical characters.

David instructs his readers in the use of traditional carving and realistic painting techniques which give his carvings a distinctive design, personality, and charm all their own. A combination of clear explanation and color photos makes each stage of the process a pleasure. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

What fun!
I was forced to read this book for a children's literature class. Boy was I glad I had to read it!

First, it is not as cheesy as the cover makes it look. It is very fun, and kids will love it. The characters are smart, and they inspire kids to be smart, too.

I also liked how the book showed positive morals and that people need to love each other and promote positivity instead of negative attitudes.

What a GREAT book!

The best Animal Ark there is
This book has all the normal Animal Ark characters, animals in distress etc., but there is also a superb castle/dungeon type plot that all kids will love.
The characters in this book are well done.
My kids couldn't put it down. ... Read more