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Welcome to the World of Wolves

by Diane Swanson

Welcome to the World of Whales

by Diane Swanson

Award-winning author Diane Swanson and Whitecap Books have recently released the first two in a new series of wildlife books for seven- to nine-year-olds. In Welcome to the World of Wolves, young readers will find out how wolves live and hunt in family packs, how they communicate with howls and body language, and what it’s like to be a pup growing up in the wild. There’s even a whole chapter on how wolves play. Similar topics are covered in Welcome to the World of Whales. Both books offer a good introduction to the animals and will be welcome resources for projects in the early grades. Swanson helps children visualize the animals by using familiar comparisons: for instance, a blue whale is longer than a basketball court, and the average male wolf stands higher at the shoulder than a kitchen table. Although the author mentions population declines of both whales and wolves, she provides no explanation of why there are fewer of these magnificent animals than there used to be. It is unfortunate that this information is lacking, since children should know about the problems affecting these animals in the wild, even if it’s at a very simplified level.

Colourful glossy cover photos will attract young readers and the beautiful photos inside will keep children flipping through the pages. Each book is divided into seven short chapters, followed by an index. The clear, simple text is in large easy-to-read type and the books are well designed, with photo captions and sidebars, which allow for a less detailed read. Libraries will want copies to add to their wildlife section for young readers. The next two books in the series, about bears and otters, are planned for spring ’97 publication.

 

Reviewer: Pamela Hickman

Publisher: Whitecap Books

DETAILS

Price: $6.95

Page Count: 32 pp

Format: Paper

ISBN: 1-55110-491-1

Released: Oct.

Issue Date: 1996-12

Categories:

Age Range: ages 7-9

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Reviewer: Pamela Hickman

Publisher: Whitecap Books/Quarry Press

DETAILS

Price: $6.95

Page Count: 32 pp

Format: Paper

ISBN: 1-55110-490-3

Released: Oct.

Issue Date: December 1, 1996

Categories:

Age Range: ages 7-9