An-Animal-a-Month: Wolves
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Wolves for Halloween!
AahhRROOoooo!
Click on the book covers to find more information about each title.
Hot off the press! Wolves saved the day! In her newest release, Mary Kay Carson uses the fun and reinforcing structure of the nursery rhyme The House That Jack Built to reveal the surprising connections between wolves and healthy rivers. The wolves are at the top of a trophic cascade in which as wolf numbers increase, elk decrease, willow trees increase, and beavers return, along with birds, insects, and fish. As tree roots stabilize the river banks, the river slows and changes shape. This true story unfolded as wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park in 1995 after expiration in the early 1900s. The lyrical main text and the second layer of expository text clearly and succinctly explain the cascade in an accessible and memorable way. The vibrant, detailed illustrations include all the animals, plus two observant park visitors. An outstanding read-aloud for storytimes, bedtimes, and lessons. Ages 4-8.
Kind of nonfiction: Expository Literature. With its narrow focus on a specific trophic cascade and its carefully crafted structure and language, The River That Wolves Moved: A True Tale from Yellowstone is an excellent example of expository literature. (My categorization using Melissa Stewart’s 5 Kinds of Nonfiction.)
Ties to Next Generation Science Standards:
K-LS1-1 (Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals need to survive.) While this book doesn’t describe how plants need sun, water, carbon dioxide, and minerals to survive, it does explain how overgrazing can weaken and kill plants like willow trees. In order to survive, plants mustn’t be overgrazed. This is a subtler point not addressed in many books. Pair this book with others to cover the full range of plant needs. The book also emphasizes how each animal in the trophic cascade depends on other animals or plants for food.
1-LS1-2 (Read texts and use media to determine patterns of behavior of parents and offspring that help offspring survive.) The story shows how the Yellowstone Park elk became more vigilant and kept on the move more after the wolves returned. Wariness and not lingering too long in one place are strategies used by herbivores to avoid predation. Additionally, you can add that wolves generally prey on young, weak, or sick elk, so these strategies are particularly helpful for offspring survival.
2-LS4-1 (Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats.) Open to the second to the last spread. It shows the same stretch of river both with and without wolves. Students will see the much greater diversity of life in the habitat with wolves, including, a goose, cutthroat bass, and a beaver, compared to only elk in the river habitat lacking wolves.
3-LS4-4 (Make a claim about the merit of a solution to a problem caused when the environment changes and the types of plants and animals may change.) The problem – decreased biodiversity due to overgrazing by elk. The solution – the reintroduction of wolves. Students can discuss the merits and detractions of this controversial solution. While the book shows the merits of this solution, students can also research detractions, such as the predation of nearby farm animals by wolves.
Worth the wait! Back in the spring, I caught wind of this upcoming title and decided to wait to feature wolves until this book was published. I’m happy I waited, for while there are several recent children’s books about the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone, there aren’t any about the wolves and the longest-running predator-prey study occurring on Isle Royale. Writing in a narrative style, author Nany F. Castaldo takes us along as she explores the island, participates in data collection, and talks to the scientists. Morgan Heim’s stunning photographs add to the feeling that we are there on the island with them. We see, firsthand, how challenging it is to work on this wild remote island. We learn about the effects of climate change on animals there. Nancy fully explains the rationale for a controversial genetic rescue (moving more wolves to the island from the mainland) and the alternatives that were considered. The wolves are beginning to have a positive impact on the island’s ecosystem and this study can help shed light on how to restore other ecosystems. A fascinating introduction to wildlife biology and predator-prey relationship for students ages 8-12.
Kind of nonfiction: Narrative main text with expository sidebars. The narrative shares the experience of researching on the island and includes real characters – the scientists and interns. (My categorization using Melissa Stewart’s 5 Kinds of Nonfiction.)
Two more in-depth wolf books:
Journey: Based on the True Story of OR7 THE MOST FAMOUS WOLF IN THE WEST is an example of informational fiction. It’s full of facts and has a wonderful , slightly fictionalized narrative story that draws readers in. Ages 5-9.
Bringing Back the Wolves: How a Predator Restored an Ecosystem is a detailed look at the results of reintroducing wolves to Yellowstone for ages 8-12.
