Wild Animal Neighbors

October 1, 2013

Gr 4-8-The question, "What does it mean to be 'urban' or 'wild' in the twenty-first century?" is posed in the introduction, and while there is no clear answer to be found, there is plenty here to get kids thinking about and debating these definitions. Seven animals are each given a chapter: raccoons, mountain lions, crows, coyotes, flying foxes, loggerhead sea turtles, and alligators. Within each chapter is a list of facts and a little background or history of the animal and its new urban environment. There is interesting discussion of adaptations the animal has made to survive, the traits that have either created success or failure in an urban environment, and some of the studies that have been done about the creatures. Depending on the animal, they are seen either as pests (crows) or something to be protected (loggerhead sea turtles); material about efforts to change human behavior to save the animals or change animal behavior to save the humans is included. Full-color photographs show the sadness (in the case of the mountain lion that would be put down) and the hope (the loggerhead returning to the ocean) present when animals and humans cohabitate in urban environments. Also included is a brief look at what makes an urban ecosystem unique and the possibilities for building wildlife-friendly cities. Living with wildlife is a fact of our lives, and this successful book is worthy of a spot on any library shelf.-Heather Acerro, Rochester Public Library, MN

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2013
Grades 5-8 This handsome book considers the presence of wild animals in cities, town, and suburbs. Certain species enter populated areas because of climate change and shrinking natural habitats, while others are drawn by carelessly discarded food. Downer leads readers across the country and around the world to observe mountain lions in Los Angeles, crows in Tokyo, coyotes in Chicago, flying foxes in Sydney, loggerhead sea turtles in Sarasota, alligators in Houston, and raccoons throughout the U.S. In some places, the animals jeopardize public safety, while in others, such as coastal areas where sea turtle hatchlings are drawn toward the urban lights, people threaten the survival of animals. Each chapter examines the particular challenges faced by a species as well as the response of a community to the problems that arise. Clearly written, the text is quite readable and informative. Excellent color photos takes readers on location, while fact boxes, sidebars, and captions provide additional information. An attractive presentation of an intriguing topic.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)