The Wolf-Birds

June 22, 2015
Dawson (Avis Dolphin) investigates the interaction between hunting wolves and carrion-eating ravens—a symbiotic relationship she describes in an author’s note with the biological term “mutualism.” Set in the “wild winter wood,” the events center around the hunt for prey. The pace is fast and the consequences are, literally, a matter of life and death. In the first few pages, one of four wolves is kicked by its prey, a bison, and dies: “Three wolves must say goodbye.” Later, with help from ravens (“Two birds dip their wings and cry out”), the three bring down a deer: “one animal’s life helps many others live,” Dawson explains. Her graceful artwork borrows its forms and rhythms from Native American artwork. The creatures of the forest are heavily outlined in sinuous curves and colored with the hues of stone and soil. When the wolves corner the deer, she shows them at the moment of capture, fangs bared; it’s like a Greek frieze, a frozen moment. This is a fine resource for demonstrating how the hunt depends on cooperation both within species and between them. Ages 5–8.

June 1, 2015
A pair of hungry ravens helps wolves hunt during the winter starving time. Dawson's first picture book is based on observers' reports of ravens alerting hunters-both humans and wolves-to potential prey. Her words and pictures reveal the stark circumstances of late winter. The ravens watch a wolf pack chase a buffalo; the buffalo gets away but not without delivering a fatal kick to one of the wolves. The hunt continues until the birds see an injured deer and summon the wolves. This second chase is more successful. "One animal's life helps many others live." The spare text is set on acrylic paintings with a vintage look. These stylized images are full of the curves and bold outlines of graffiti art yet at the same time are reminiscent of the work of Dahlov Ipcar. Their abstraction offsets the story's harsh realism, which may still disturb a sensitive youngster. The colors, shades of brown, red-brown, and gray, suggest the drabness of winter; the action is shown both from a distance and up close in vignettes, full-page scenes, and double-page spreads. Dawson uses body language rather than visible blood to denote the dead. The thoughtful pacing of these illustrations demonstrates this artist's experience with graphic storytelling. The text is less successful, with elevated, sometimes-awkward language that relies heavily on ellipses and works too hard to tell the story in a lyrical fashion. An interesting, contemplative addition to the nature shelf. (author's note) (Informational picture book. 4-8)

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Starred review from August 1, 2015

K-Gr 2-This attractive picture book portrays the relationship between wolves and ravens, explaining how these birds often lead wolves to prey that both creatures can then eat. Having lost the chase of an evasive bison, the cold, wandering wolves follow a familiar cry, "the sound of hungry ravens!" Working together, wolves and "wolf-birds" track and hunt prey to keep starvation at bay during the long, northern winter. Readers meet ravens huddling in the snowy trees, gliding through treetops, "filling bellies and beaks." Wolves are presented not only hunting but playing, stretching, and "trundling over a snowy hill, down to a warm den." Graphic novelist Dawson's acrylic-on-cardboard illustrations suggest an archetypal, cave painting style, at times whimsical but nonetheless dynamic and intimate. Muted, earthy colors reflect the winter season. An author's note at the end of the book explains the relationship between ravens and wolves in the context of ecological mutualism. Despite the straightforward treatment of the "cycle of life," some sensitive readers may find elements of the story disturbing. Wolves chase down a hungry and injured deer, and "one animal's life helps many others live." A few illustrations depict wolves and ravens carrying away bones and chunks of flesh. Sources are amply documented on the copyright page. A full bibliography and list of recommended books is available on the publisher's website. VERDICT A stellar introduction to forest ecology.-Bob Hassett, Luther Jackson Middle School, Falls Church, VA

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