• Age: 9 to 12
• Grade: 4 to 7

The wild, wary gray wolf.

The largest wild member of the dog family, the gray wolf stalks much larger mammals, such as the elk, caribou and moose. How does it succeed? Built to run, the long-legged wolf on the hunt uses its powerful sight, hearing, smell and physical strength. But, like the domestic dog, the wolf is a social animal: it lives in a pack.

In this fully illustrated introduction, young readers will learn how group living makes sense for the wolf, allowing it to form strong bonds and share tasks like rearing its young, finding food and communicating over long distances. They'll also find out how habitat destruction, poisoning campaigns and hunting have reduced gray wolf populations in much of North America.

Full-color photographs provide close-ups and action shots, while the engaging text, sidebars and captions tell the life history of an animal that researchers agree has one of nature's most engaging personalities.

Firefly Books' Exploring the World of... nature series was created for younger readers who are eager to learn more about the wild creatures of North America. Each title contains beautiful photographs that depict the animals in their natural habitats, while the highly readable text explores their daily lives -- where and how they make their homes, what they eat, how they hunt, how they communicate and how they raise their young.

Tracy C. Read is an editor and writer who has a special interest in nature and the environment. She lives in Kingston, Ontario.

Tracy C. Read's profile page

Each book examines the featured animal's anatomy, senses, mating and family behaviors, communication, diet and distribution.... Wolves covers hierarchy, tracking by smell, vocalizations, hunting and prey. The texts are arranged in columns opposite full-page photos for the most part. Facts and supporting photos are displayed as overlays in bubbles. Pages are glossy and visually rich.... The writing is lean and might appeal to reluctant readers dogged by report assignments.

School Library Journal

A very clear and informative book...This series has a different approach than typical animal books and goes beyond a basic introduction. The books provide the reader with another perspective and focus on different forms of survival tactics. Diagrams of the animals are presented describing different body parts and their functions. Another chapter discusses the natural talents of the animal. This information is presented in an engaging voice and the pictures include many close-ups of the animals, their habitats and interactions. An extensive index is included. Recommended.

Library Media Connection

Wolves (Exploring the World of…)