Review of Wolves

BIBLIOGRAPHY


Simon, Seymour. 1993. WOLVES. New York, NY: Harper Collins. ISBN 0060225319





PLOT SUMMARY


People throughout history have demonized the wolf for many reasons. Fear of the carnivore may stem from the characterization the wolf has received in fairy tales, or the fear of the unknown about a creature that avoids human interaction. Either way, Seymour Simon has attempted to dispell the myths surrounding wolves in this volume with information about wolves that may surprise some young readers. He tells about the hierarchy of the pack and family dynamics, territories, and habits, including howling. Photographs from wildlife photographers add visual impact.



CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In this 32 page volume, Simon tells about the daily lives of wolves and asks the reader why wolves have been so maligned historically. Challenging the reader and then presenting the evidence is a nice, yet subtle way to get young readers interested in such a complex animal. His text reads more like a novel than an informational text. Using photographs from photographers Joe McDonald (wildlife photographer), Tom and Pat Leeson (wildlife and stock photograpers), Lynn M. Stone (stock photographer whose images appear on many informational books), Bob Winsett (stock photographer), Thomas Kitchin (stock photographer), Rolf Peterson (professor of Wildlife Ecology at Michigan Technological University, wildlife biologist, and photographer), and Art Wolfe (wildlife and world photographer) Simon weaves a story about loving, intelligent animals that are worthy of a deeper understanding.

The book does not offer an index, glossary or chapters separating information into categories, but is sure to be a treat for young readers as it encourages a respect for the wolf and further conservation. Published prior to the wolf reintroduction program in Yellowstone National Park, there is the expression of hope for such a conservation effort. It would be a treat to have Simon write a follow-up to this engaging text.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S):
Booklist: "The facts and the glorious photographs support Simon's plea for the animals' conservation. They debunk the big-bad-wolf horror stories without in any waydetracting from the fiercebeauty of the wolves' wild nature."

School Library Journal: " An introduction uses imagery to conjure up the spirit of the wolf; the conclusion touches on the animal's past and questionable future. An attractive and simple introduction, Candace Savage's Wolves (Sierra, 1989) has more to offer."

CONNECTIONS:

• Have students adopt a wolf and raise finds to support that animal through World Wildlife Fund.

http://www.worldwildlifefund.org

• Hold a mock trial debating the wolf reintroduction program in Yellowstone National Park or a trial debating the issues of the Bush Administration's announcement that killing wolves in the states surrounding the park would be allowed even though it violates the Endangered Species Act.
• Other texts to consider for information:

London, Jonathon. RED WOLF COUNTRY. ISBN 0525451919.
Paulsen, Gary. WOODSONG. ISBN 0689852509
Heinz, Brian J. THE WOLVES. ISBN 0803717369
Gibbons, Gail. WOLVES. ISBN 0823411273

• Text to consider to illustrate fiction:

Gaiman, Neil. THE WOLVES IN THE WALLS. ISBN 038097827X