• Age: 0 to 7
• Grade: p to 2
• Reading age: 4 to 8

In this fictionalized story about a piece of British Columbia history, Cameron and his father travel as packers with twenty-one camels on the long trip to the gold fields. On the way, they must deal with all the camel characteristics that make the animals poorly suited to the job. When the camelsí feet are injured on the rocks, Cameron knows what to do. When they become so stinky that townspeople will not put up with them, Cameron knows what to do. In the end, though, doing what must be done is not so easy.

Pamela McDowell’s first career was in education, teaching junior high and high school. She began writing when she left teaching and has now written more than twenty nonfiction books for children. Pamela grew up in Alberta and enjoys writing about the diverse animals and habitats of her home province. Ospreys in Danger is her first work of fiction. Pamela lives in Calgary, Alberta, with her husband, two kids and an Australian shepherd. For more information, visit www.pamelamcdowell.ca.

Kasia Charko's profile page

Lynn Manuel was born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario. The daughter of a steel-worker, she graduated from McMaster University with a degree in history and went on to receive a Bachelor of Education degree from the Ontario Teacher Education College. After moving to British Columbia in 1976, she began her writing career while raising her two children, Jennifer and David. Her first four books were mysteries, written for Gage Educational publishers. When her children were older, she returned to school to complete a Masters degree in creative writing at the University of British Columbia. She now lives in White Rock, British Columbia, with her husband, Ken, where she enjoys giving readings in the schools and libraries, and spending time with her grandchildren—Ben, Emma, and Maddy.

Lynn Manuel's profile page

". . . Lynn Manuel has constructed a delightful tale."

The Globe and Mail

"This is a disarming and charming story about flawed plans that'll crinkle the foreheads of kid and parent while entertaining them with sharp, evocative text and lovely illustrations."

CD Syndicated

"Kasia Charko's bold full-page watercolour and pencil illustrations are beautifully done and compliment the text very well."

". . . will appeal to young children who have an interest in animals and adventure stories. They will enjoy the bright, bold illustrations and the detail they provide."

"This is a fun yet informative picture book."

Resource Links

". . . will be a welcome addition to school as well as classroom libraries."

"Highly Recommended."

CM Magazine

"Young readers will be amused and delighted at the antics of the cantankerous camels . . ."

"Highly recommended."

Canadian Book Review Annual

". . . Kasia Charko has created detailed, glowing paintings that bring the period, place, and characters of the Cariboo to life to enhance the appealing story."

CanLit for Kids