Reviews (1)

Information rich book. Perfect for first and second graders!
The detailed illustrations in this book keep my second graders focused. The vocabulary is rich and the scientific information is clear and easy to understand. ... Read more

Book Description

Illustrator Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen and wife Robbyn team up again for another wildlife tale drawn from their encounters with the animal kingdom.Told in journal form and rendered in beautifully detailed artwork, the van Frankenhuyzens give a "day in the life" view as the fox Samantha begins her journey from injured kit to independent adult living on her own. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Wonderful book for any nature loving family!
Saving Samantha is one of Sleeping Bear Press's best books to date. Nick and Robbyn have produced a spectacular and heart warming picture book in their latest joint endeavor. Saving Samantha tells their family's journey in nursing a fox kit back to health while the fox slowly reintroduces herself back into the wild. This is a wonderful book to share with your children. It will help show children how wild animals should be treated with care and respect. It is a nature lover's ideal book! This is a book that both adults and children will enjoy. The journalization is so honest (and humorsome at times- poor Igor) while the illustrations help show you how time passes by while Sam heals. It is simply a marvelous, enjoyable book! My personal favorite part was the relationship that Sam, the fox pup, develops with Myles, the family dog. It just goes to show that even though an animal may be of a different breed, that they can all live together and be friends. This is my new must read for all of my bookstore customers! ... Read more

Amazon.com

"We are watchers. We are travelers. We are listeners. We are hunters. We are family. We are keepers. We are wolves."

Human cubs will love "running" with the wolf cubs as they explore the splendid world the wolves inhabit. Lucia Guarnotta's highly detailed illustrations capture the noble nature of these loving and playful animals. (Ages 5 to 8) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great art, Great story, Must HAVE
Finaly a book that shows wolves in a good light for kids. No more BIG BAD WOLF syndrom. This book shows wolves as they really are. The story and the art are both fantastic. I am glad I stumbled on this book by chance, but I recommend it to everyone, especaily to wolf lovers who have kids and want to share that passion.

An excellent and beautiful book!
“We Are Wolves” combines a fun, insightful story with incredible illustrations. What a joy it was to discover this book! The reader is taken on a wonderful adventure with two wolves cubs as they learn from their uncle how noble it is to be a wolf. The detailed illustrations make the adventure almost touchable. I’m thrilled when I find a book that I enjoy as much as my child. Parents should feel great about sharing this with your kids since the lessons the cubs learn include careful listening, skilled observation, faithfulness and more. ...this book would make a great gift!

A Delightful Book
We Are Wolves, is a beautiful meaningful story. The motherwolf needs to go hunting with the pack and leaves her two young wolveswith Uncle Wolf. The young wolves aren't too sure that spending the day with Uncle Wolf will be fun. But Uncle Wolf comes through for them. He shows them all the wonders of their forest habitat and the young wolves come to appreciate their heritage and destiny.

The story is valuable example of how extended family members can help raise the children. There is also a strong message of the importance of male role models (not just fathers) and male childcare providers. The story also brings environmental issues to foreground with it's explanation for why wolves need to hunt.

The visual effect of the text compliments the breathtaking illustrations. Pre-readers will enjoy looking at this book and making up their own story, beginning readers can read the large print phrases and fluent readers will enjoy the the combinations.

This would be an excellent book to give as a gift from an uncle to neices and nephews. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Foxy
The steel-jawed leghold trap has been outlawed in more than 65 nations as cruel and barbaric, but is still legal in most of the U.S.

The author wrote this true story of her lengthy encounter with a red fox in Deer Isle off the coast of Maine, partly in hopes that the tale would encourage the banning of such traps in the U.S. It had lost a foot to such a trap.

The story first appeared in a shorter version in the August 1988 issue of Cricket. Here, it runs 32 pages, and is accompanied by lavish color sketches of the wild animal, temporarily tamed by both human friend and desperate need.

What ultimately became of the fox in this story, which the author called Vicky, we'll never know. But based on her poetic reporting, readers can hope for the best.

The author engrosses even the youngest of readers in a way that is, well, foxy. Alyssa A. Lappen

A beautifully illustrated, moving story of human and fox
The pictures are beautiful and the story bitter sweet. The trap surviving fox comes to depend on the human and the human on the fox. This book should be in every child's library, and many adults' library , too. ... Read more

Book Description

More than a half-century ago the Canadian Wildlife Service assigned the naturalist Farley Mowat to investigate why wolves were killing arctic caribou. Mowat's account of the summer he lived in the frozen tundra alone-studying the wolf population and developing a deep affection for the wolves (who were of no threat to caribou or man) and for a friendly Inuit tribe known as the Ihalmiut ("People of the Deer")-is a work that has become cherished by generations of readers, an indelible record of the myths and magic of wild wolves. ... Read more

Reviews (51)

A surprisingly great book
The first time I saw,Never Cry Wolf, I thought I would not enjoy reading it. First, because it was an assigned literary book to read: secondly, it was not a book I would normally select to read. However, I was pleasantly surprised with this book, and thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

Farley Mowat, the author, has an incredible vocabulary that he uses to tell the story. But, while he may use some scientific or big words it doesn't distract the reader too much. In his writing, Mowat has a lovable quality, sarcasm. This trait makes the book fun to read and easily relatable to real life and people.

Mowat takes the reader to the world of the Arctic Wolves in the Canadian wilderness. The narrator, a biologist, is sent by the government to explore the life of the wolf, and, more specifically, to find out more information on how the wolf is interacting with the other species of life. What the narrator learns through his study changes his views on the wolf and on the world. He realizes that things aren't always as they seem, and facts are not always simple to understand.

Wolf Juice
I really enjoyed this book. It was well written and kept the reader thinking. I was continually wondering how many other things we, as a society, might have misconceptions about. I loved the style of writing. I could have read the book in one setting. It was funny, egotistical yet humble, and kept me enthralled. After reading Farley Mowat's story, I was ready to head out and live on the Alaskan tundra with wolves and eskimos. Who doesn't need a break from the world once in a while? Luckily, I was able to mentally visit the wolves and enjoy the comfort of my recliner at the same time. It was like Discovery Channel, only the narrator was hilarious. Great book!!!!

wonderful book
All of Farley Mowat`s books are great.You will enjoy them if you are a nature or wildlife lover.

Is it real?
While I can't speak to the veracity of the facts involved, I can say with certainty that I loved this story of a man in the wilderness making friends with a wolf pack. He lovingly dedicates the book to one of his wolf friends.

Mowat goes alone into the Alaskan wilderness to study the wild wolves, who are being exterminated because of a belief that they are eating livestock. Mowat tries as well as humanly possible to live as he sees the wolves living. He drinks gallons of tea so he can pee around his camp to mark his territory. He eats rodents to see if he gets his full complement of dietary needs. He takes "wolf naps" so that he can watch them interact with one another during all hours. He even notes baby-sitting habits.

Unusually, the movie that was made from this book keeps to the story pretty accurately. I would recommend that, also.

Not Just for Naturalists
For me this book was a real page-turner. Mowat's writing has an exquisite simplicity to it. His entire experiences in the Arctic with wolves is facinating. I must admit that I did find some of the events unbelievable, but that could just be due to my preconceptions about wolves in general (the very types he is trying to dispel). However, for me, these unbelievable moments did not detract from the narrative in any way; I still found myself wanting to know what happened next. In my own mind while reading the book, I couldn't help but consider how our negative stereotypes of wolves are very similar to the negative stereotypes people often feel about other groups of people. In both cases, when one begins to truly know the other, he finds that there is really no basis for the negative sterotype. Mowat makes it point not to rely on anecdotal evidence when studying the wolf, and instead only gives merit to the anecdotal evidence after he has observed behavior that would back it up. It would seem that this should apply when judging people as well.

The only improvement I think could be made to this book is for Mowat to include whatever became of his report. I realize he is telling the story to reveal his own experiences with the Arctic Wolves, and not to reveal the post report offical government position; but it woud have been nice to have that included anyway.

Overall, I think this is a great book, and well worth the few hours it takes to read it. ... Read more

Book Description

Born underground in a warm den, a baby wolf soon learns how to howl, how to hunt, and how to live with her wolf pack. And with this Level 2 kids can learn, too--all about a baby wolf!Mary Batten lives in Los Angeles, CA. Jo Ellen McAllister Stammen lives in Camden, ME. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great Book!
I learned a lot about wolves from this book. And the pictures are sooooo cute! It is my favorite! I would get it if I were you!

My Kids Love It!!
This is an intriguing, engaging little tale about a baby wolf who learns how to howl and become part of the pack. The writer, Batten, writes in a lovely, simple way that seems to anticipate the child's next, inevitable question. The story is well augmented by the illustrations which are both pleasing to the eye and informative. A fun, excellent read.

Baby Wolf not just for six year olds
A simply lovely book that both my three year old daughter and I both enjoyed reading. Well thought out illustrations are a credit to the artist with an informative text that can be read even to a little one,without"what does that mean,dad" every five seconds. All in all just anice simple book. ... Read more

Book Description

Wolves have varied reputations-as cowardly thieves, as loyal packmates, as fairy tale villains. See what real characteristics these survivors have in common with the domestic dog-and what traits are uniquely their own.

Zoobooks, the 59-book animal series - the "everything you wanted to know but didn't know who to ask" guide to the world's most fascinating creatures. Each exciting edition of Zoobooks is packed with current scientific facts, striking photography, beautiful illustrations and unique activities that teach children about animals and the habitats in which they live. With innovative publications and products, Wildlife Education, Ltd. has enriched the lives of children, parents, and educators nationwide for 20 years. All titles are offered in library-bound hardcover and soft-cover styles.Zoobooks, ideal for the knowledge-hungry 4-11 year old! ... Read more

Book Description

Gary Paulsen, Newbery Honor author of Hatchet and Dogsong, is no stranger to adventure. He has flown off the back of a dogsled and down a frozen waterfall to near disaster, and waited for a giant bear to seal his fate with one slap of a claw. He has led a team of sled dogs toward the Alaskan Mountain Range in an Iditarod -- a 1,180-mile dogsled race -- hallucinating from lack of sleep, but determined to finish.

Here, in vivid detail, Paulsen recounts several of the remarkable experiences that shaped his life and inspired his writing. ... Read more

Reviews (66)

Woodsong
Gary Paulsen's book "Woodsong" is a rather short, but exciting book that was worth the read. This is a book that will hold your interest the entire time due to the amazing descriptions of wildlife given by Paulsen. The adventures and struggles that Paulsen personally encountered during his life gave me incentive to keep going. His style of writing makes it easy to read while still being compelling.
The primary reason I enjoyed "Woodsong" was the graphic descriptions of nature, events and Paulsen's life as an adventurer. His appreciation for dogs and nature leads him to training dog sled teams and eventually for races. While reading I felt as though I was riding in the sled and experiencing all the adventures along side Paulsen. The opening chapter is a great example of his descriptions when the wolves hunt the deer. I thought I was watching the Discovery Channel, it was so vivid in my mind. He effectively painted a picture in my head that became so real I thought I was part of the hunt. This technique of visualization is prevalent throughout the book.
Another characteristic of this book that was impressive was the way Paulsen showed us his life lessons through nature. Paulsen begins the story thinking he was prepared for any adventure, but realized he was only an amateur. But through the sled dogs, bears and mistakes throughout the story you could see how he matured as a person. Due to these experiences he became very in tune with nature.
The book entailed action, adventure, struggles and hardships between man and nature. Paulsen's detailed descriptions created visualization that captures your interests. I would recommend this book to anyone because it is an inspiring story of one mans life.

Gary Paulsen's Woodsong
I have always found Gary Paulsen book's to be very enjoyable. I have read a few of his books and have enjoyed them. Woodsong was no different than the others. I have always enjoyed books about the outdoors and to stories of other people's adventures. Gary Paulsen's, Woodsong is filled with adventure and real life occurrences.

I felt the book had two main sections. It started off with the training of his dogs and finished with Gary Paulsen's completion of the Iditarod. The first part talked mostly about how a dog sled team works and also the dogs in general. Gary Paulsen went through and talked about each dog. The main dog, Storm, taught him a lot. This dog was the leader of the team.

When the second half of the story started it was in the shape of a journal. It felt like you were there with him running the race. Gary Paulsen wrote Woodsong with such great details. Through out the whole second half of the story it was detail after detail. Everything about his dogs, himself, his surroundings, and his encounters along the way are mentioned somewhere. Many of the people he met were very generous and gave a shelter for the night and food to eat. The environment around him was not always so nice. At one point he crossed a burned area in the trail. The sled was getting stuck on dead logs and he would have to stop to cut the sled out. Paulsen also faced hallucinations through out the whole race. The first one was on day two of his journey due to his lack of sleep.

The story over all I thought was very good. I enjoy reading about real situations and adventures that that person has had and this book definitely fell into the category. The book gave intense details about his experience. To me it sounded like Gary Paulsen had an adventure of a lifetime.

For those who have ever loved dogs!
This is a classic tale for anyone who has ever loved dogs, or, to be more specific, any particular dog. I can say that this is also an icy tale that will actually take your breath away as Paulsen describes some of the conditions he's been in with his sled dogs. This is the true story of how he survives in the Minnesota wilderness, and then takes on the bigtime, The Iditarod in Alaska!

When you read this, there are times when you will probably feel different things. Like the feeling some people have had (I have personally) of losing a pet. Or at times, you laugh at the hilarity of some of the things that pets will indeed do that leave you laughing so hard that it almost brings you to tears. Paulsen brings this to life only in the way that he has always used to tell a story. I love it how he describes his, and every man's greatest fear when in The Iditarod, is to scratch. When Paulsen describes this, he compares it to being a leper! He loves his dogs, and talks about how they are practically insane to run. He slightly haunts us with stories of hallucinations as a result of sleep deprivation! Yet, he also describes his most human side throughout the race, describing a cup of hot chocolate given to him by a beautiful blonde. Or how children from the Shageluk school made a pot of Moose chili especially for the mushers, and how he ate 19 bowls because it tasted so great, and then suffered the wonderful indigestion as a result. It is those stories and more, that make this an easy classic, and a read that you find hard to put down!

I first read this about 10 years ago. It still is easy to pick up, and enjoy it from page 1. Awesome work!

The book woodsong
In woodsong by gary paulsen there were many interasting points.The book woodsong is about a man and his name is manie.
He loves dogs he started falling apart.He gave dogs dry food he would do things wrong.Then he found out that he had a spell on him.When it was time to race in the middle of it he herd his wife screem.He stoped the race and was happy his wife broke the spell.I would recomand it for ages 6-12 because woodsong is a good book that is good for kids to read.And it is good and kids will enjoy that book.

woodsong
In woodsong by gary paulsen ther were many interesting points I really like the dog race I also liked when hide and go peak I would recomend this book to kid everywere. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Beatiful, heart warming story for adults and children.
This book absolutely touched my heart and soul. The true story of foxes living in a cemetary will touch all your emotions. If you love wild life, buy this one. ... Read more

Book Description

Featuring the 1938 match race between two legendary thoroughbreds, Seabiscuit and War Admiral, this historically accurate account is suspenseful, as fast-paced as the horses, and packed with race jargon. Children will experience the greatest horse race in history, when Seabiscuit, the underdog, takes on Triple Crown Champion War Admiral in the 1938 Pimlico Special. They will feel as if they were at the race when the crowd goes wild as one horse breaks for the lead and another speed record is broken at the wire. They will find out who wins the match race of the century and what happens in the final seconds of the race that puts one horse in the winners' circle while the other is left in the dust. To help children better understand horseracing, included are a glossary of more than 60 racing terms and a diagram of a race track. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The greatest horse race of all time retold for young kids
On the front flap of "Seabiscuit vs War Admiral: The Greatest Horse Race in History" there is a note that this book for young readers "is based on a true story." Of course, everybody who has enjoyed Laura Hillenbrand's best selling novel or the Oscar nominated film directed by Gary Ross knows about the race and its outcome. With the story of Seabiscuit on the big screen and Smarty Jones almost pulling off the Triple Crown this year interest in horse racing in this country has been enjoyed more than it has in many a year.

My pet theory is that everybody falls in love with one special horse in their lifetime. For me it was Secretariat, and my favorite part of the Triple Crown each year is when they announce that the records for the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes are still held by Big Red. But I can imagine that for a lot of young kids that Seabiscuit could well be the horse of their dreams, just as "The Black Stallion" and the Pie from "National Velvet" were for earlier generations. It is also appropriate in these times that Seabiscuit was a real horse, even if he lived and raced a long time ago.

Told by Kat Shehata and illustrated by Jo McElwee, "Seabiscuit vs War Admiral" tells the story of the greatest horse race in history. On November 1, 1938 in the Pimlico Special at the famous racetrack in Baltimore, Maryland, it was Seabiscuit, the underdog from the West, racing against the Triple Crown champion, War Admiral. The pastel illustrations on top and the text on the bottom are separated by a banner that recreates the call of the race by sportscaster Clem McCarthy. But the text goes back to the beginning to tell the story of Seabiscuit and it is not until the start of the race that the text catches up with the pictures. Shehata does a good job of capturing the main elements of the story as it relates to the film while providing some more specifics, both on why Seabiscuit was considered such as "funny" looking horse when he ran and the details of the race itself. McElwee also provides realistic drawings of owner Charles Howard, jockey "Red" Pollard, and trainer "Silent" Tom Smith.

Even if kids have not seen the movie before they read this book they can at least tell who they are supposed to be rooting for in this book. Seabiscuit's name is bigger than War Admiral's in the title, he is shown ahead in the cover illustration, and the focus on the book is clearly on the little horse from the West. "Seabiscuit vs War Admiral" actually does a lot to help teach young readers about the sport of horse racing. Before the story begins there is a map of Pmilico explaining the basic segments of the race, which was run over a distance of one mile and three sixteeths. The back of the book has an extensive glossary of dozens of Horse Racing Terms, from "backstretch" to "wire." Consequently, this book is ideal for kids who are interesting in finding out more about the Sport of Kings along with one of the great racehorses of all time.

I love Seabiscuit!!!
This book about the match race between Seabiscuit and War Admiral is wonderful!!! The story is very exciting and has a lot of energy. It's not just a bunch of facts of Seabiscuit and race horses. It is very entertaining. I bought the book for myself, but my kids love it, too. The illustrations are beautiful as well.

Seabiscuit is a winner!!!
This book is wonderful!!! My kids love Seabiscuit now, too!!! The book features the match race between Seabiscuit and War Admiral. It is not just a bunch of facts put together, it is a very exciting story with some of the most beautiful illustrations I have ever seen. This book is an absolute winner. You will not be disappointed with this great book!!! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Very informative, fabulous photos
"To the Top of the World" is essentially a condensed version of Brandenberg's fantastic book, "White Wolf," and is perhaps a better book to acquaint younger readers with wolf-related issues. This brief volume contains information about human-wolf relations, myth-busting, and of course much about wolf behavior and pack relations. It's also a great way for someone of any age to learn about this magnificent, keystone predator.

The wolf has been maligned for centuries, and it's absolutely crucial that we teach our children the importance of the wolf's role in nature; we have only to look to Yellowstone for a direct object lesson in what losing the wolf does to an ecosystem. In 1930, the US Government proudly shot the last wolf in Yellowstone, and that began a 60-year slide into an environmental disaster. Now, with the wolf replaced only seven short years ago, the park is almost completely back in balance again. It's crucial to understand that there are no "extra" animals in nature, and this book is a wonderful way to begin that learning path.

Great information and picture source
The book is written about Jim Brandonbrug's year spent with the artic wolves. He gets to know the wolves personaly and they begin to trust him completly. A great book for doing reports on artic wolves ... Read more

Book Description

Discovering Wolves investigates current research and wolf-human conflicts in addition to the natural history of wolves.It helps dispel myths about wolves as predators while making clear their plight as threatened or endangered species.Discovering Wolves provides 18 FUN, thought-stimulating activities designed to help children exercise critical thinking skills.Information updated with every printing. Now includes a full colored sheet of 34 realistic wolf stickers.

Disney's recent Beauty and the Beast portrays a pack of ravening wolves attacking a healthy horse and an equally healthy rider.Users of this fine workbook, fully equipped with the facts, will be able to dispute that image.In forty short pages, the life cycle of wolves, their relationship to humans and to their environment, and their plight as threatened or endangered species is made clear.Exercises are paired with information, sparking the reader's interest while simultaneously helping him/her learn important facts.For those teaching about wolves, this is an indispensable resource. ... Read more

Book Description

About This Book: There are two kinds of wolves living in North America: gray wolves and red wolves. This book explores the life of the gray wolf, which is also known as the timber wolf or Arctic wolf or tundra wolf. Children will learn many fascinating and fun things, including what a pack is, how many cubs are born at once, when the alpha pair eats, why wolves howl, and much more.
Author Laura Evert expertly uncovers many mysteries of wolves in the easy-to-read text and "Fun Facts." The full-color illustrations and close-up photographs are excellent. The index makes an easy reference. Readers of all ages can also learn more about wolves by referencing the list of internet sites provided.
Our Wild World Series: This brand new children's series includes volumes on animal species from around the world. In a fun way, each book brings to life the natural history and life cycle information kids love to read about-like where the animal lives, what it eats, when it sleeps, how it raises its young, and much more. The up-close photographs and detailed illustrations show the animals in their natural habitats. Also included are "Fun Facts," an index, and a list of internet sites for discovering even more about Our Wild World.
Highlights:

The largest population of wolves live in Canada, Alaska, and Minnesota. There are also significant numbers living in Idaho, Michigan, Montana, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and places like Mexico, Russia, Europe, and China.

Provides the latest research findings in an easy-to-read format.

Wolves are a popular subject in schools, especially because some have been reintroduced into new habitats.

Ideal for children ages 8-12.

Teaches nature conservation and makes learning about animals fun.

Uses a durable softcover format that includes color photos and illustrations.

Includes index and internet site list. ... Read more

Book Description

With powerful and rare photographs by Jim Brandenburg, Once a Wolf explores the long, troubled relationship of humans and wolves. The book traces the persecution of the wolf throughout history and also reveals the role scientists have played in wolf preservation. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Balancing The Scales of Nature
A study in the perserverance and dedication of a group of people to bring the wolf back to its own enviroment in the wildernesses of Yellowstone Montanna. Full of information this book will elate you as well as sadden you, but the winner here of course is the wolf who once more runs free on his land.

Excellent overview of the wolf's history & current issues
Jim Brandenberg always brings the wolf into our homes vividly and with great skill through his photographs, and in this book, these exquisite photos are paired up with the informative writing of Stephen Swinburne. Swinburne covers an excellent range of topics in this short (but highly-informative) book, including the history of the wolf's extermination in this country, early conservationists, wolf behavior and social structure, myth-busting, the Yellowstone project, and the wolf's future prospects.

He brings in quotes and information from Leopold, Mech, Bangs, Askins, and many other notable figures in the wolf conservation movement to give correct facts and information. I wouldn't call this a book for younger children; it's written at perhaps a teenager's level, and younger children might find the statistics and assorted other information boring. However, Swinburne does cover the bittersweet story of wolves Numbers Nine and Ten, which personalizes the struggles wolves today face.

Swinburne manages to succinctly cover most of the important issues in this relatively brief book (about a half hour's read, perhaps 45 minutes,) and it's a great way to educate yourself or someone else on the basics of wolf conservation. Highly-recommended!

What a great book!
I just took a look at this book and was so impressed. The subject is fascinating, of course, but I'm especially taken with the clear, cogent writing, the terrific quotes, and the truly remarkable photographs. I definitely recommend this for any kid (or adult, for that matter) with an interest in wildlife.

a thoroughly moving natural history lesson for all ages
My 7 year old and I read this book together recently and I think that I learned as much as she did.

I knew about reintroduction of wild wolves into Yellowstone but this book told the whole story. Get ready to be impressed with personal sagas of determination and bravery on the part of people who care about wild things.

In 1973, while on a field trip in Jasper Park, Alberta, I saw two wild wolves (a white and a black) bounding and romping in the snow. I will never forget the wildness of that sight. This book is richly illustrated with photographs of wolves that give you a glimpse of that wildness.

Get this book and read it with a child to share what Rachel Carson called that "sense of wonder" that children have. Be prepared to explain why we systematically exterminated the wolf from its range throughout the United States and why we paid people to kill wolf puppies.

This book is a moving, thoughtful lesson in ecology for children of all ages. ... Read more