Leopard & Silkie: One Boy's Quest to Save the Seal Pups [Hardcover]

Brenda Peterson (Author), Robin Lindsey (Photographer)

Book Description

Release date: April 24, 2012 | Age Range: 4 - 8 years | Lexile Measure: 700L (What's this?)

In the Pacific Northwest, concerned volunteers become seal sitters, keeping vigil over the vulnerable baby seals that are left on the shore while their mothers hunt for food. Surviving in the animal kingdom is never easy and this informative picture book gives a first-hand look at what baby seals are up against. With its emphasis on human compassion, this true account teaches children to appreciate the natural world by helping in any way they can.  The star of the book is six year old Miles, who organizes his own rescue mission to help the seals survive.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

K-Gr 3-Leopard, a golden, spotted seal pup, was born in the Salish Sea in the Pacific Northwest. Here trained volunteers, including young Miles, a volunteer for Seal Sitters, patrol the area and educate beachcombers about how to enjoy their outing without endangering the wildlife. With sharp, clear full-color photos on every page and a simple text, Lindsey and Peterson explain the dangers to the seal pup that people and their dogs present, the most serious of which is the likelihood that a mother will not attempt to return to her baby if people linger close by, thus dooming her young. They also show the effect baby seals have on one another. Silkie, an older pup, comes on the scene when Leopard is being weaned. An author's note offers more information about the reasons for supporting Seal Sitting and a bibliography of a few titles of interest to slightly older children. Use this book to show a program in which children are actively involved and to encourage volunteerism.-Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CAα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Review

"Vivid and compelling, Leopard and Silkie reads like poetry and will win lifelong friends for seals."

-- Sy Montgomery, original author of the award-winning children's series,

Scientists in the Field

"It's a delight of a book that also delivers plenty of information about the seals and their lives in the Salish Sea in a very readable, kid-friendly page turner.

-- The Seattle Times on Leopard and Silkie

"Young animal lovers will return again and again to this picture book. . . [a] compassionate story. Young readers will find plenty to pore over in Robin Lindsey's close-up photographs of the shore life and plenty to think about how they could make a difference as a volunteer."

-- Sacramento Bee

Leopard and Silkie was a winner of the prestigious 2013 National Science Teachers Association "Outstanding Science Books for K-12"

 “Use this book to show a program in which children are actively involved and to encourage volunteerism.”--School Library Journal

"Lindsey’s excellent photographs show why humans can’t stay away: Leopard’s large, dark eyes and expressive mug seem to be smiling right at the viewer, and his furry, floppy body just calls out for a hug.”--Horn Book Magazine

"Although photos of the adorable seal pups steal this nicely designed picture book, kids will likely find Miles—someone who is much like them—to be inspiring, and his efforts may spark an interest in animal rights."--Booklist

Praise for Duck and Cover:

 

A New York Times Notable Book

 

“Bittersweet and utterly beguiling.” —Publishers Weekly

 

“A hauntingly funny writer . . . the balance she strikes is almost hypnotic.” —Los Angeles Times

 

“A highly original work by an intriguing author.” —Kirkus Reviews

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR); First Edition edition (April 24, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080509167X
• ISBN-13: 978-0805091670
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 10.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #843,419 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Sign up for my blog tour for The Drowning World on the terrific YA website: SCOTT READS IT:
http://scottreadsit.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-drowning-world-blog-tour-sign-ups.html

My new crossover YA novel,THE DROWNING WORLD, is just out in paperback and ebook. Publisher's Weekly feature interview welcomes THE DROWNING WORLD: http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/publisher-news/article/56286-author-turns-to-self-publishing-with-help-from-podmates.html

Carolyn Turgeon, best-selling author of MERMAID, features THE DROWNING WORLD: in her blog, I Am A Mermaid: http://iamamermaid.com/2012/09/04/brenda-petersons-drowning-world/

Our new children's picture book LEOPARD AND SILKIE: ONE BOY'S QUEST TO SAVE THE SEAL PUPS is just out and featured in a national NPR "LIving on Earth" story at this link:

LIVING ON EARTH: http://www.loe.org/shows/segments.html?programID=12-P13-00016&segmentID=6

And please visit our new Leopard and Silkie website: www.leopardandsilkie.com

Leopard and Silkie was a winner of the prestigious 2013 National Science Teachers Association "Outstanding Science Books for K-12"

ABC NEWS welcomes Leopard and Silkie: http://www.katu.com/amnw/segments/Saving-Young-Seals-161579195.html

"TOP TEN BEST NON-FICTION BOOKS OF 2010" BY CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR

AN INDIE NEXT "GREAT READ" BY INDEPENDENT BOOKSELLERS NATIONWIDE

WATCH Brenda's BOOK LUST "You Tube" excerpt on this page below or see the full interview with Nancy Pearl at this link: http://www.seattlechannel.org/schedule/programDetails.asp?title=3031103

Brenda's new website: www.BrendaPetersonBooks.com or www.IWantToBeLeftBehind.com

LISTEN to an audio excerpt from the new book on National Public Radio read by the author at: http://kuow.org/program.php?id=19037

"Unusually affecting and radiant...Peterson seeks a meeting of church and earth in this witty, enrapturing account of a spiritual journey of great relevance to us all." BOOKLIST, starred review

"A tender, lyrical account, Peterson expresses genuine love for her family and gratitude for their gifts. Peterson always seeks common ground." LIBRARY JOURNAL

"Blends her unique autobiography with compassionate and level-headed observations about family, food, religion, life and our relationship with living things. Peterson has a gift for describing her life's many adventures with disarming understatement and narrative poise." KIRKUS REVIEWS

"Brenda Peterson's picaresque memoir is a mesmerizing treat, at turns inspiring and hilarious. Her keen-eyed descriptions of the natural world, and a delicious sense of fun, combine beautifully with tales of protecting seals, whales, hope, and other wild things."
Diane Ackerman, author THE ZOOKEEPER'S WIFE


"A loving, luminous portrait of an irresistibly intriguing family, told by the most fascinating member of all -- the one who doesn't fit in. It's alive with stars over the Grand Canyon, scents of the sea, menus at family gatherings, and singing a descant. The story is told with such truth and tenderness that you can't help loving the whole family."
Sy Montgomery, author of THE GOOD, GOOD PIG


"I've been a fan of Brenda Peterson's novels since the witty DUCK AND COVER. But I can't think of another book at all like this memoir -- it's so odd and wonderful. Peterson writes here of family and conflicting faiths with moving and poignant humor."
Diane Johnson, author of LE DIVORCE


"Brenda Peterson, one of the most eloquent nature writers of our time, takes on human nature. Read this book and share it widely. It is that important."
Marc Bekoff, author of of THE EMOTIONAL LIFE OF ANIMALS

Visit Brenda's website at: www.literati.net/Peterson


Brenda Peterson is the author of 17 books, including a New York Times "Notable Book of the Year," DUCK AND COVER. Her memoir, BUILD ME AN ARK: A Life with Animals was chosen as a "Best Spiritual Book of 2001" and translated into Chinese. Her non-fiction books include the classic LIVING BY WATER and the National Geographic Book SIGHTINGS. Peterson's most recent novel is ANIMAL HEART (Sierra Club Books).

For the past three decades Peterson has written about inter-species relationships and edited several bestselling anthologies, including INTIMATE NATURE and FACE TO FACE. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Christian Science Monitor, Body/Soul magazine, Reader's Digest, Sierra, San Francisco Chronicle, Utne Reader, and Oprah magazine. Since 1993 she has contributed commentary for Seattle's NPR stations.

Peterson's recent book, I WANT TO BE LEFT BEHIND: Finding Rapture Here on Earth is a spiritual memoir, widely acclaimed and named as a "Top Ten Best Book of the Year" by The Christian Science Monitor. Hew new children's book, LEOPARD AND SILKIE: ONE BOY'S QUEST TO SAVE THE SEAL PUPS IS JUST out from Henry Holt for Young Readers.Peterson is the founder of the grassroots citizen naturalists Seal Sitters [www.sealsitters.org] and she is also a devoted singer in a Seattle chorale. Peterson writes and teaches in Seattle, Washington by the Salish Sea.Contact her through her EMAIL: [e-mail]

author photos by: Chris Stuvek and Deb Ching

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic July 5, 2012

By Courtney Peterson

Format:Hardcover

Absolutely beautiful book that both children and adults can appreciate! Leopard & Silkie are sweet characters who make the reading experience even better because they are real! This book will make your children want to find a way to help local animals in need.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars We want to be "seal sitter" mom! May 29, 2012

By Melissa Sack VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

In the Pacific Northwest seal pups are often left on shore alone while their mothers look for food. Humans have seen how dangerous this can be for the seal population and work to watch over the pups. This is the story of a young "Seal Sitter" a six year old volunteer named Miles. The book is filled with information and full color photos of the amazing animals. After reading the book my girls wanted to become "seal sitters" as well, Too bad Seatle is so far way! We would recommend this to kids ages 5-10 that are interested in marine animals.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful and compelling book July 5, 2012

By Nancy Leimbacher

Format:Hardcover

Leopard & Silkie is an extraordinary blend of lyrical photography and words. It gives important factual information about young harbor seals trying to survive in an urban environment. Miles' activism shows other children that humans and seals are connected in the web of life and that it's important that we are compassionate in sharing our shores. This is a beautiful book that belongs in every home, classroom, and library.