New and Forthcoming Titles

Buffalo Music. Written by Tracey E. Fern. Illustrated by Lauren Castillo. Clarion Books, 2008. Inspired by the true story of Mary Ann Goodnight who saved the buffalo after they had nearly been hunted to extinction. A wonderfully told story accompanied by exceptional illustrations. Members of Yellowstone's current buffalo herd are descendants of Goodnight's herd. Today buffalo who roam outside of Yellowstone are trapped and killed as they search for food during the harsh winter months. Earthjustice has a campaign to help end this cruel government funded practice. Click here to take action.

Here, There and Everywhere: The Story of Sreeeeeeeet the Lorikeet. Written by Mira Tweti. Illustrated by Lisa Brady. With a foreward by Jane Goodall. Parrot Press, 2008. 47 pages. A young Lorikeet is snatched away from his family and brought to America where he is sold in a pet shop. The Lorikeet's guardians, a boy and his parents, soon realize the bird does not belong in captivity so they they return the bird to his native New Guinea where he is reunited with his family. This captivating story, based on actual events, will help bring much needed awareness to the plight of caged/imprisoned birds. Fiction picture book. Interest level: Grades 2 and up.

How to Heal a Broken Wing. Written and illustrated by Bob Graham. Candlewick Press, 2008. 40 pages. A pigeon lays injured on a city sidewalk and only one boy notices the bird and stops to help. With tender loving care provided by the boy, the pigeon heals and is able to return to the sky. Fiction picture book. Interest level: Gr. pre S-2.

A Home for Dakota. Written by Jan Zita Grover. Illustrated by Nancy Lane. Gryphon House, 2008. 24 pages. Based on actual events and told in the rescued dog’s voice, Dakota, once known as Dog No. 241, learns how to love and trust humans despite her tragic beginning in a puppy mill. This timely and empathy-provoking story about an endearing dog will bring greater awareness to an important issue and should compel readers to help dogs like Dakota. An afterward provides background information for adults as well as sources for additional information about advocacy. Fiction picture book. Interest level: Grades K-3.

It's Raining Cats and Cats! Written by Jeanne Prevost. Illustrated by Amelia Hansen. The Gryphon Press, 2008. Provides an excellent lesson in an engaging way about the importance of sterilizing cats. Fiction picture book. Interest level: Grades 2-4.

The Monarch's Progress: Poems with Wings. Written and illustrated by Avis Harley. Boyds Mills Press, 2008. 32 pages. Creatively imparts, through skillful poetry and art, the many fascinating facts about this amazing creature. Nonfiction picture book. Interest level: Gr. 3-6.

Ookpik: The Travels of a Snowy Owl. Written and illustrated by Bruce Hiscock. Boyds Mills Press, 2008. 32 pages. The detailed and fascinating story about a male Snowy Owl which begins as he hatches and follows him through a long migratory journey as he struggles to survive. Informative and well told. Fiction picture book. Interest level: Gr. 3-6.

The Shelter Dog Written and illustrated by Christine Davis. Lighthearted Press, 2008. Hero, an angel dog wants to go to earth to experience the joy of adoption. And so he is sent to a shelter where he waits to be adopted, but nobody wants him. Hero's heart is broken and his time is up. But just in the nick of time, a special woman takes him home. A poignant story that will help many loving animals waiting in animal shelters find their forever families. Fiction picture book. Interest level: Gr. K-adult.

Sparrows. Written by Hans Post & Kees Heij and illustrated by Irene Goede. Lemniscaat, 2008. 32 pages. This beautifully illustrated book will bring greater appreciation for these familiar backyard birds while imparting many fascinating facts. Nonfiction picture book. Interest level: Grades K-3.

Turtle Girl. Written by Carole Crowe. Illustrated by Jim Postier. Boyds Mills Press, 2008. 30 pages. Magdalena continues to protect the tiny sea turtle hatchlings after her grandmother dies and in doing so is comforted. Fiction picture book. Interest level: Grades 2-4.

Next Topic: Overpopulation, companion animal>

©2007-2008 Humane Education Teacher