Coyote: North America's Dog

From Library Journal
Grade 5-7-As a naturalist and former national park ranger, Swinburne has been able to observe coyotes in a number of environments. In a balanced, readable text, he describes the lifestyle of this supremely adaptable canine, its place in Native American folklore, the conflict between ranchers/farmers and this elusive predator, and the problems the animal faces as it struggles to thrive in pristine wilderness areas and in congested suburbs. Many fine color photos, some large and dramatic, keep proper pace with the text. Informative sidebars are liberally sprinkled throughout. A range map and index complete the attractive whole. Make a place in your collection for this handsome volume even if you already own Cherie Winner's more detailed and less personal Coyotes (Carolrhoda, 1995). Team the pair with a variety of Native American coyote tales and you will give youngsters a long-range view of North America's dog and its relationship with its habitat and with humans.Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Parents' Choice®
Naturalist Stephen Swinburne shares his lifelong research of and love for coyotes through well-written, unbiased observations that encourage readers to form their own opinions about man's relationship with the coyote. Color photographs, maps, fact-filled sidebars and Native American legends add to the understanding and enjoyment of the subject matter. A 2000 Parents' Choice® Approved winner.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

From the Arctic Circle to Costa Rica, from Maine to the tip of Baja California, the coyote thrives like no other animal in North America. It roams the Canadian wilderness and prowls the Arizona deserts and beyond. This highly intelligent animal has learned to adapt to big cities, such as Los Angeles. It has even been sighted in Bronx, New York. In this fascinating book, Steve Swinburne draws the reader into the secretive world of the coyote. His balanced and thought-provoking text, illustrated with dramatic full-color photographs, examines how the coyote behaves and survives. He considers the past and present history of the coyote and what the future may hold in store for North America's native dog.

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Greg M. Romaneck

The coyote is one of the most wide-ranging and adaptable animals in North America. This creature's ability to cope with changing environments has allowed it to spread across both urban and rural settings. In this beautifully illustrated book, the lifestyle of the coyote is presented in a fascinating manner. Each short chapter touches upon a different aspect of the world of coyotes. The factors, which have led ranchers and farmers to fear the damage coyotes can do to their livestock, are presented. The images of coyotes in Native American myth and legend are touched upon. In another chapter, the competition between coyotes and wolves in Yellowstone National Park is described. Finally, the hunting and family life of coyotes are presented. Throughout this intriguing book, the intelligence, craftiness, and cunning of the coyote is evident. The text combined with vivid wildlife photographs provides a wonderful look at an engaging fellow creature. A book that is appropriate for elementary through middle school science or environmental units.

Library Journal