(2) K-3 Illustrated by Jenni Desmond. Today in the wild expanses of Yellowstone National Park, wolves roam freely. This was not the case for most of the twentieth century, as wolves there were hunted out of existence by 1926. In 1995, through the efforts of scientists (opposed by some ranchers and hunters), fourteen wolves were reintroduced, and they survived to produce today's flourishing population. Barr splits her informative tale into two parts: first, the conservation story of how the wolves were brought from Canada, including details about wolf life cycles throughout the seasons. As the wolf population increased, the packs gradually spread out through the park and established hunting grounds in their territories. Desmond's graceful watercolors of the animals in summer and winter landscapes give a sense of the breadth and diversity of nature in the protected spaces of the American West. In the second half, Barr illustrates the effects of the wolves return on the entire ecosystem (a graphic in the endpapers compactly diagrams this concept of trophic cascade). Barr includes not just the main food chains but the full range of ecological impacts: insects, grasses, trees, even the water levels and paths of rivers change in response. The final pages include profiles of the fourteen original wolves and examples of other human interventions to reintroduce species affected by human activity.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2022

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Jeet Zdung. Nguyen's graphic novel "based on a true adventure" tells the story of a girl named Chang, who is an aspiring wildlife conservationist, and her efforts to protect Vietnam's native species and natural environments. Accompanying Chang is Sorya, a sun bear rescued in Laos, who must learn survival skills before she can be safely returned to the forest. Zdung's expressive, expansive comics-style panels depict Sorya's many playful antics moment by moment, as well as the fast-paced tension in more dangerous interactions in the wild. Clever picture-within-picture illustrations from Chang's field-notebook sketches incorporate information on topics ranging from bear species to the many ways humans exploit wild animals for profit. The warmth of the characters' relationship is conveyed with a minimum of anthropomorphism. The conversational narrative is occasionally paused by gorgeous interspersed partial-to-full spreads of Vietnamese rainforest landscapes filled with the heat, moisture, and density of tropical plant and animal life. Sorya eventually returns to the wild, while Chang continues her lifelong efforts to protect the forests and their inhabitants from human exploitation done through development, farming, dams, and the illegal animal trade. Brief author and illustrator notes are appended.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2022

(3) 4-6 Scientists in the Field series. Photographs by Tianne Strombeck. Veteran science writer Montgomery provides insight into the work of saving the California condor. This book focuses on Dr. Estelle Sandhaus, director of conservation science at the Santa Barbara Zoo, and her team of wildlife biologists, who have successfully reintroduced the species into the wild. With characteristic enthusiasm for her subject, Montgomery discusses how the zoo cares for condors in captivity, meticulously tracks birds in the wild, and learns from successes and mistakes. Both the passionate text and well-captioned color photos encourage respect for these impressive birds. "What You Can Do" suggestions are appended, as are a timeline, bibliography, related websites, and index.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) 4-6 True Tales of Rescue series. Photographs by Shelly Ross. The rescue stories of four orphaned raccoon kits and an injured anteater pup are used to spotlight the work of two animal sanctuaries in these series entries. Accessible text, engaging photographs, and frequent informational sidebars allow readers to shadow the volunteer caregivers as they work toward the ultimate goal: releasing the animals back into the wild. One of the young creatures "narrates" part of each book. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these True Tales of Rescue titles: Anteater Adventure and Racoon Rescue.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) 4-6 True Tales of Rescue series. Photographs by Ella Baron. The rescue stories of four orphaned raccoon kits and an injured anteater pup are used to spotlight the work of two animal sanctuaries in these series entries. Accessible text, engaging photographs, and frequent informational sidebars allow readers to shadow the volunteer caregivers as they work toward the ultimate goal: releasing the animals back into the wild. One of the young creatures "narrates" part of each book. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these True Tales of Rescue titles: Anteater Adventure and Racoon Rescue.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) 4-6 In an engaging and balanced narrative, Thimmesh describes Chinese conservation researchers' groundbreaking efforts to reintroduce pandas to the wild and the challenges this vulnerable species faces given their small numbers and vanishing habitats. Numerous photographs show adorable pandas and their human caregivers--innovatively dressed in panda suits to shield developing pandas from human contact. "What Can You Do?" section included. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) K-3 Wildlife photographer Eszterhas recounts her experience in Kenya fostering an orphaned serval kitten (spotted wildcat) named Moto. Striking photographs and useful captions enhance the chronicle of Eszterhas's journey from her first days learning to care for Moto to his bittersweet return to the wild. Brief sections and a table of contents make up for the lack of an index. Important facts about servals appended.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Shennen Bersani. A monk seal got a fishhook caught in her mouth and almost starved. Rehabilitated by a team of scientists, "Honey Girl" was released back into Hawaiian waters. Readers will cheer Honey Girl's recovery and birth of healthy pups into the endangered population. Unfortunately, no photos are included, but the realistic illustrations are somewhat appealing. Four pages of additional information and activities are appended. Bib.

Reviewer: Janet Dawson

(4) 4-6 With Brenda Z. Guiberson. Naturalist Hutto finds abandoned wild turkey eggs and raises the flock, ever-mindful of his responsibility to keep the turkeys both safe and wild. For two years Joe is "mother," learning of turkeys' intelligence and curiosity, mourning when some die, and adjusting when they become independent. A third-person narrative feels at odds with the personal, intimate true story. Hutto's sketches and photos are included. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) K-3 Anna Merz, a conservationist working to save wildlife in Kenya, raised abandoned baby rhino Samia at her home. Samia behaved rather pet-like, but Anna also taught her skills for living in the wild when fully grown. Earth-toned pencil and Photoshop illustrations accentuate Samia's affection for Anna and effectively depict the setting of this warm story. An author's note explains more about the unlikely pair. Bib.

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(3) 4-6 Science Comics series. With lighthearted graphic-novel presentations, this series continues to educate readers about science topics. As a little brown bat narrator recovers in a wildlife rehabilitation center, he meets--and introduces readers to--bats from around the globe. The basic comic-book layout and style make the book easy to read, while facts about types of bats, their habitats, diets, etc., are engagingly relayed. Reading list. Glos.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Susan Meyer. "Spirit Child" for rebel fighters in the Congo, scarred Imara knows not to show weakness. When the rebels capture a baby gorilla for the exotic pet trade, it falls to Imara and fellow child Bobo--captured while searching for his missing park-ranger father--to keep it alive. An overwrought ending slightly mars this gripping look at the environmental and human costs of war.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Bistra Masseva. Based on a true story of elephant friendship, two wild elephants are taken into captivity and endure hardships at circuses and zoos. Precious and Baba are eventually reunited at an elephant sanctuary. The moving story, told in spare, poetic text and emotive, colorful illustrations, will surely tug animal lovers' heartstrings. Includes a note on elephant conservation and circus mistreatment. Websites. Bib.

Reviewer: Kristine Caldwell

(4) 1-3 Animal Rescue Center series. Illustrated by Artful Doodlers. Each UK-import chapter book opens with a mock website for Animal Magic Rescue Center, owned by Ella Harrison's family. In Foal, the shelter's first ponies join the cats, dogs, rabbits, and goats. Fox describes the tricky balance between healing an injured animal and preserving its ability to return to the wild. A bit saccharine, but with obvious appeal for animal-loving young readers. Review covers these Animal Rescue Center titles: The Homeless Foal and The Injured Fox Kit.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) 4-6 Citizen Kid series. Illustrated by Pedro Covo. Written in an engaging storylike style, this account of an orphaned elephant also includes photos and facts about elephant rescue in southern Africa. When teenager Aaron pulls baby elephant Zambezi out of a swimming pool, he becomes Zambezi's keeper and only human caregiver at an elephant nursery. Atmospheric mixed-media paintings accompany the moving story. "How You Can Help" section appended. Glos.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) K-3 Photographs by Gerry Ellis. Natumi, a baby African elephant, is brought to a wildlife orphanage with seven other parentless pachyderms and eventually grows into a confident leader for her new family. This story of successful wildlife reintroduction is enhanced by Ellis's dynamic (but unlabeled) photographs of the elephants. Back matter includes additional information about elephants and conservation efforts and a detailed habitat map. Reading list, websites.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(3) 4-6 Dramatic color photographs enhance this poignant, engaging account of the Liuwa Plain National Park and its tumultuous history. After exploring the Zambian preserve's ecosystem and rapid decline, the text follows Lady, Liuwa's last lion, whose plight spurred a massive conservation movement. Discussion of the park's slow restoration, through stewardship and species reintroduction, highlights the intricate balance of nature while avoiding hyperbole. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(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

(3) 4-6 Once nearly extinct in the wild due to deforestation, golden lion tamarins have made a comeback in their native Brazilian rainforest through zoos reintroducing captive-born monkeys and people planting "living bridges" of trees to help the tamarins travel from one forest patch to another. Excellent photos, interesting text, and an inspiring message will engage readers. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Grace Worcester Greene

(2) 4-6 In early-twentieth-century Russia, Feodora and her mother teach aristrocrats' abandoned pet wolves how to survive in the wild, despite the tsar's orders to destroy them. When Feo's mother is arrested for treason, Feo, young soldier Ilya, and three wolf companions travel to Saint Petersburg to orchestrate an escape. Folkloric elements make the tale's more implausible events feel like part of a grander tapestry.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2015