Wolf Island

February 1, 2017
The lives of wolves on an island in the Great Bear Rainforest, with photos from a renowned conservationist.McAllister's on-location photos of wolves prowling, howling, and, occasionally, chowing down in verdant surroundings add suitably wild notes to the even-toned, only slightly fictionalized commentary. Noting that the Great Bear's wolves spend so much time in the water that they could be thought of as marine mammals, the text follows one lone wolf that comes ashore on an unnamed island, finds food and, later, a mate, and raises a "proper family." Though there's an anthropomorphic tinge to concluding lines about how the wolf "had the satisfaction of knowing he'd done everything he set out to do," and "knew the island was a place of wonder," the animals here aren't endowed with names, specific experiences, or other invented trappings; the story is really told by the big, bright, pictures--which glow with the rhythms and beauties of this remote habitat. Readers who want to know more after this about the Great Bear's distinctive wolf clans will find the same authors' Sea Wolves (2010) a treasure. Enthralling fare for budding naturalists. (Informational picture book. 6-8)

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March 1, 2017

Gr 2-4-Striking photographs chronicle the life span of a male wolf in the Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia, Canada. Starting with the wolf's departure from his home to a neighboring island, the book follows him as he acclimates to his new environment. Careful and varied page layouts include concise, vivid language that describes his journey and images that bring readers up close-all that is missing is the feeling of misty air on skin. The wolf is ultimately joined by another, a female-and the cycle begins again. This well-made title offers great visual detail supported by age-appropriate text. VERDICT Consider for elementary collections with an interest in wildlife, especially those near the Great Bear Rainforest or wolf populations.-Dorcas Hand, formerly at Annunciation Orthodox School, Houston

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