Tag Archives: conservation and environment

Snowy Owl Rescue

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Written by Heidi E.Y. Stemple and Illustrated by Natasha Donovan

Michael is on his way to the soccer field for some solo practice, when he is nearly hit by something. Jet, the “bird nerd” sister of a fellow soccer player, is nearby and explains that it is a snowy owl. They have a wealth of knowledge about birds and shares with Michael, who finds himself growing interested in this magnificent creature. When he goes back to the field the next day, the field is overrun by birders, who want to see this bird themselves. Jet gets his attention and asks for help to take the owl, who is now looking very ill in a cardboard box, to a bird rehab center some distance away. They sneak past the crowds and enlist the help of another young bird enthusiast, who loans them a motorized bike. Through a snow storm and dark woods, they manage to deliver the sick owl to the vet at the rehab center. Their parents find them there and the owl is saved. The story ends with the owl release and Jet and Michael successfully reaching out to the school principal about the dangers of rat poison, which poisoned the rat that the owl ate and was, in turn, poisoned as well.

This satisfying story packs a lot into 135 pages and does so very seamlessly. Characters are realistic and their interactions make sense. Jet comes through as younger, stubborn and passionate about birds and conservation while Michael is focused on soccer and following the rules, struggling at times with their trajectory but slowly building a great deal of empathy and respect for Jet’s ideals and gaining an insight into the world around him. The writing moves us through the story at a good pace and the black and white illustrations are a nice addition without overpowering the words. Add this to your collection for those readers that enjoy animal stories with a good dose of adventure along the way.

Epic: On the Hunt (six book set)

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by Roxanne Troup

Accessible books about hunting for kids are rare and when a good series comes along, it’s time to buy! Epic’s On the Hunt series introduces six different animals that are typically hunted, discussing gear, safety, laws and preparation. Each book is visually appealing and well-organized and should be high on your library wish list.

Nonfiction text features are abundant in these books, starting with a clear table of contents and ending with a glossary, index and a page of print and web resources for further exploration. Spare text with bold words pairs nicely with the clean, crisp photos. Headings help with organization. Diagrams and maps are clearly labeled and sidebars impart interesting tidbits of knowledge to enrich the more basic text on the pages. Students will love the information and teachers will appreciate the nonfiction text features so clearly presented.

Books include hunting of the following animals: ducks, deer, elk, pheasant, turkey and wild hog. All these animals are hunted somewhere in North America, giving the series a wider appeal. The range of each animal is presented on maps and a favorite spot is highlighted. Hunters are portrayed as young and old, male and female. One hunter (Pheasant Hunting) is in a wheelchair, which is an encouraging and appropriate inclusion.

This highly engaging series is a definite purchase option, especially in areas where hunting is part of the culture. It is also a useful introduction to those that may not have any experience or prior knowledge, because of its very accessible text and highly visual presentation. Highly recommended.

Cold

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written by Tim McCanna and illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki

What is “cold”? It is many things – a desert at night, a bat-filled cave, a deep ocean or a meadow with snowflakes falling. it is a feeling and a promise. And, it is a place where animals and humans live and can thrive.

Told in eloquent rhyming prose and accompanied by gorgeous illustrations, the concept of “cold” is described in a way that draws in the reader, who can imagine the feeling of being cold as they turn the pages. The story is calm and the detailed illustrations convey that gentleness in a beautiful manner.

Explanations of cold and climate change are added to the end, giving some good scientific information in short, accessible paragraphs. Why we have winter and how animals are adapted to the cold weather is clearly noted. The notes on climate change are concise and factual and the empowering suggestions for helping to fight it are realistic for kids and their adults.

This book will be a great addition to your library as a sweet wintertime read aloud as well as a start to a winter weather or climate change lesson. Highly recommended.

Tide Pool Troubles by Ashlyn Anstee

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Shelby and Watts are “Planetary Investigators”, aka detectives with an environmental focus in this first book of a new graphic novel series. Shelby, a fox with a notebook, is a budding detective while her friend, Watts, loves facts and encyclopedias. They are called upon to investigate the disappearance of shells on the beach. Fred, a hermit crab in a very tight shell, is frantic. He needs a new shell for a home and protection, but there are aren’t any to be found. His pals are in the same “pickle” (“in a difficult situation” as defined by Watts).

So, Shelby get to work tracking down the shell thief. They follow several clues, all of which are noted in Shelby’s notebook. And, Watts adds in relevant facts about the beach and its inhabitants. They discover the missing shells and the so-called thief – Arty, the rhino, who was collecting beach shells and didn’t know the havoc he was creating in the hermit crab world. Shelby and Watts give some great tips about saving the beach at the end of the story, like “leave the beach cleaner than when you found it”.

This simple nine chapter graphic novel is a nice transition story. It is much shorter than its 94 pages appear, with several single panel pages. Color is vibrant and text is accessible. Interesting facts about ocean creatures are interspersed throughout and do not interrupt the flow of the story. Recommended.