(4) K-3 Illustrated by Robin James. This is a somewhat forced fictional story about a real gray wolf's journey from Oregon to California. Abby eagerly follows news stories about the wolf's odyssey; she enters a naming contest, and her entry--Journey--is the winner. Realistic watercolors reflect alternating narratives: Abby's focus on Journey's travels and those travels from the wolf's perspective. A note about how biologists tracked Journey is appended. Timeline, websites.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Robin James. Gill relates fourteen stories of real-life Alaskan dogs noted for their courage, strength, endurance, intelligence, and loyalty. The single-page vignettes include heroes such as world-famous Balto; Stickeen, naturalist explorer John Muir's companion in 1880; and Tekla, owned by Susan Butcher, four-time Iditarod winner. The accompanying full-page pup portraits are often static. Teacher suggestions for group and individual activities are included.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg