Beyond Words

Starred review from March 1, 2020
Following on the heels of Beyond Words: What Elephants and Whales Think and Feel (2019), this second adaptation of Safina's adult bestseller Beyond Words: What Animals Think and Feel (2015) provides strong evidence for the author's assertion that "A wolf is not an 'it.' A wolf is a 'who.' " The conversational text begins with a short prologue about the author's decision to research wolves in the wild to better understand his own dogs, Jude and Chula. Off he goes to the Lamar Valley of Yellowstone National Park, where scientists have been collaring and tracking wolves since their reintroduction in 1995. The last of the indigenous wolves had been killed by a dutiful park ranger in 1926--before most people understood that without wolves, that particular ecosystem was doomed. Indeed, only a few years after reintroduction, the system had rebalanced. In 2012, gray wolves were removed from the federal endangered species list, and Wyoming ended its moratorium on wolf-killing. Used to moving beyond the confines of the national park during winter, wolves who had never feared humans were easy prey for hunters. Safina makes it heartbreakingly clear that each dead wolf represents a huge disturbance to each discrete wolf pack. Readers learn the personal histories, behaviors, and personalities of several specific wolves. There is some humor to soften the overall alarming wake-up call, and vivid descriptions allow readers to join treks across wintry landscapes. Later in the book, attention turns to the author's dogs, domestication, and even theory of mind, all conveyed clearly and succinctly. A fascinating and foreboding call to action. (Nonfiction. 10-14)

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April 1, 2020

Gr 4-8-This young reader's adaptation of Safina's 2015 title describes the communication and interactions of wolves and dogs. The first 11 chapters are an account of the author's time studying wolves in Yellowstone National Park; Safina shares what he learned about the animals, both from his own observations and from his conversations with scientists who study wolves full time. In the remaining six chapters, the focus shifts to domesticated dogs, detailing how they evolved alongside humans and how they retain some of the same characteristics as immature wild wolves. While the chapters about domesticated dogs are somewhat less interesting, the stories of the Yellowstone wolves are extremely compelling, showing the strong personalities of individual wolves and the sophisticated way in which they interact with one another. Readers will find themselves captivated by the wolves' storylines, choosing their favorites and rooting for individual animals. They will also absorb the wealth of scientific information that Safina sneaks into the narrative. Back matter includes a selected bibliography. VERDICT This volume provides fascinating reading for middle grade animal lovers, especially those who love dogs.-Sarah Reid, Four County Library System, NY

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