Children's Books About Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation

 

Adopted By an Owl: The True Story of Jackson the Owl. Written by Robbyn Smith van Frankenhuyzen. Illustrated by Gijsbert Van Frankenhuyzen. Sleeping Bear Press, 2001. 48 pages. Recounts the rehabilitation of a great horned owl who was stolen from his nest by a boy when he was an owlet. Although Jackson the owl has learned how to survive on his own, he chooses to remain with the family who rehabilitated him. Teacher's Guide available on publisher's web site. KIND Children's Honor Book. A Michigan Notable Book. Nonfiction picture book. Interest level: Grades 1-6.

Fly, Little Bird. Written and illustrated by Tina Burke. Kane Miller Book Publishers, Inc., 2006, 2005. 32 pages. A little girl finds a baby parrot who has fallen out of his nest in this simple wordless book. Once fledged, the young bird flies away to rejoin his family. KIND Children's Honor book. Fiction picture book. Interest level: Gr. Pre S-K.

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, the pigeon heals and is able to return to the sky. A simple yet deeply humane book. Fiction picture book. Interest level: Grades Pre S-2. To learn more about pigeons, read ASPCA's Animal Lessons Newsletter In Praise of Pigeons which also provides activities for grades K-8. PIGEONS IN THE CITY from UFT's Humane Education Committee, the ASPCA and HEART is a lesson for Grades: PreK - 1.

Interrupted Journey: Saving Endangered Sea Turtles. Written by Kathryn Lasky and photographed by Christopher G. Knight. Candlewick Press, 2001. 48 pages. A ten-year-old boy on patrol for endangered sea turtles with his mother finds a stranded and nearly frozen juvenile Kemp Ridley. The boy and his mother, trained volunteers, know exactly what to do and after veterinary care and rehabilitation, the turtle is ready for release five months later. The risky life cycle of Kemp Ridley turtles is chronicled in detail including an explanation of how they sometimes end up in the wrong place. ASPCA Henry Bergh Children's Book, Nonfiction: Environment and Ecology Award. Nonfiction photo essay. Interest level Gr. 3-6.

Itsy Bitsy & Teeny Weeny. Written by Robbyn Smith van Frankenhuyzen. Illustrated by Gijsbert Van Frankenhuyzen. Sleeping Bear Press, 2009. 48 pages. A wonderful addition to the Hazel Ridge Farm Story Series about a lamb and an orphaned fawn whose lives are saved by a dedicated wildlife rehabilitator. The pair, raised together as siblings develop a strong bond. This passionately told story about love and letting go is complemented by the realistic illustrations. The author and illustrator have once again created an enchanting and inspiring book. Nonfiction picture book. Interest level: Gr. 1-6.

The Least of These Wild Baby Bird Rescue Stories. Written and illustrated by Joan Harris. West Winds Press, 2005. 64 pages. This skillfully written and illustrated book features amazing stories from thirteen different US wildlife rehabilitation centers. ASPCA Henry Bergh Children’s Book Award: Humane Heroes Award. Nonfiction story collection. Interest level: Gr. 3 and up.

One Day at Wood Green Animal Shelter. Written and illustrated by Patricia Casey. Candlewick Press, 2001. 32 pages. Publisher's summary: It is a very busy day at Wood Green Animal Shelter and veterinary clinic, where the workers take care of a variety of domestic and wild animals that need their help. Although out of print, this title may be found in many libraries. Recommended by Humane Society Youth. Fiction picture book. Interest level: Gr. K-3.

The Orphan Seal. Written by Fran Hodgkins. Illustrated by Dawn Peterson. Down East Books, 2000. 32 pages. Chronicles in detail the rescue and rehabilitation of a seal pup by the New England Aquarium. Nonfiction picture book. Interest level: Grades 1-6.

Saving Samantha : a True Story. Written by Robbyn Smith van Frankenhuyzen. Illustrated by Gijsbert Van Frankenhuyzen. Sleeping Bear Press, 2004. 48 pages. The rescue and rehabilitation of a fox pup who was caught in a leg-hold trap near her den is told in diary form. Exquisite illustrations compliment the story in this book created by the wildlife rehabilitators who saved the pup's life. A Teacher's Guide is available on the publisher's Web site.A KIND Children's Honor Book. Nonfiction picture book. Interest level: Grades 1-6.

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"The more we learn of the true nature of non-human animals, especially those with complex brains and corresponding complex social behavior, the more ethical concerns are raised regarding their use in the service of man -- whether this be in entertainment, as "pets," for food, in research laboratories, or any of the other uses to which we subject them." ~ Jane Goodall

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