Journey of the Red Wolf [Hardcover]

Roland Smith (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up

The story of the red wolf's journey from the brink of extinction to its reintroduction to the wild follows the endeavors of the Red Wolf Recovery Program, from the 1971 capture of seventeen endangered wolves to their joyful release.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8?This interesting look at the red wolf traces the animal's journey from near extinction in the mid-1960s to its reintroduction into the wild in the late 1980s. Smith's straightforward style conveys his firsthand knowledge of the habits of the red wolf, the problems encountered in caring for captured animals, and the many obstacles met in re-establishing the species in the wild. Numerous full-color photos elucidate the text. A minor flaw occurs in the section, "Red Wolf Captive Management," in which the author states that "the dogs we keep...are actually wolves." This is a gross oversimplification of a current taxonomic and medical controversy. In light of this, Smith needed to explain that wolves and dogs are very close relatives, sharing many of the same basic requirements for care and management. In spite of this statement, Journey of the Red Wolf, with its current data, nicely complements Dorothy Hinshaw Patent's Gray Wolf, Red Wolf (Clarion, 1990).?Barbara B. Murphy, Shaler Area School District Libraries, Pittsburgh
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 4^-8. Although it once flourished throughout North America, the red wolf was prey to ranchers, farmers, and natural enemies until it became nearly extinct. In 1971 the last 17 red wolves were taken into captivity in an attempt to preserve the species. Smith compares this cinnamon-colored wolf with other wolves and coyotes, explains how it came to the brink of extinction, and describes the systematic work of biologists and conservationists to nurture the red wolves. Long actively involved in the breeding and re-introduction of red wolves into the wild, Smith delivers behind-the-scenes details about the species-saving effort, generously illustrating his fascinating account with intimate color photographs of newborn pups and views of the facilities designed to safely handle and house the wolves. Ellen Mandel

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 60 pages
• Publisher: Dutton Juvenile (April 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0525651624
• ISBN-13: 978-0525651628
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 7.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,473,377 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Roland Smith is a former zookeeper and leading expert on red wolves as well as an author. He lives on a small farm near Portland, Oregon.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Even adults will enjoy this book!, June 18, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Journey of the Red Wolf (Hardcover)

This book should be in every upper elementary and junior highschool library within the red wolf's former range. Smith does anexcellent job of explaining all aspects of saving an endangered species and getting it back into the wild. The book is filled with beautiful photos, and the text is informative and readable. His use of dialog at the beginning of each chapter draws in the reader. A truly wonderful book!