Animal Books

An excellent book that starts with the basics and progresses in a clear and easy to understand manner. It has good exercises to build your skills and covers the broad spectrum of tracking (humans, animals, stalking, tracker dogs, etc). I have bought several tracking books over the years and I think this is the best to get started with. "Tracking: A Blueprint for Learning How" by Jack Kearney is also excellent. Tom Brown's "Science and Art of Tracking" provides a different perspective to round out your tracking skills, but some people find his spiritual style a bit heavy-going. If you're into tracking humans, "Tracking-Signs of Man, Signs of Hope" by David Diaz is good, and "Tactical Tracking" by David Scott-Donelan is good if you're already fairly competent as a tracker. An excellent book for any tracker is "Tracking and The Art of Seeing" by Paul Rezendes. It will greatly hone your powers of observation and deduction. But, if you're just getting started and only want one book, I highly recommend The SAS Guide To Tracking (along with a readiness to practice lots!).

This book is great for someone interested in tracking, the author goes beyond just the basic skills and givs key examples of training and techniques to improve skill.

Well worth a Read!

This is a very interesting book to read and has lots of great illustrations.

Note that this book is not about the SAS, just great tracking skills and it is well worth reading.

Exciting book to read. The information offered in this book is very convincing, and it gives the reader an insight in what it takes to track humans or animals. I haven't practised everything I learnt from reading, but that's the other attractive aspect of this book: it is exciting and interesting just to read as a pastime and learn something more about human and animal behaviour.

This book is an extensive source of material for tracking humans, but also covers material on all facets of tracking and related skills (stalking, observation and navigation skills). This book has its flaws; some that would make animal tracking experts and Tom Brown "Brownies" cringe; for example mistakes and statements made by Carss about determining the sex of deer. Overall this is very minor mistakes to me. As far as the Human (mantracking) and military tracking portions, I think most of the information is right on, seeing as most was gleamed from military sources like the New Zealand and Australian Special Air Service. One of most interesting topics covered in this book not found in other works is the Track Pursuit Drill (known in U.S. circles as the Track Following Drill), which is a methodical procedure of following sign/spoor that falls somewhere between the step-by-step method and the aggressive speed-tracking. The TPD was adopted for heavily vegetated areas but is suited for all terrain. Also of note is to please be aware that this title was originally published (1st edition) as "The Complete Guide to Tracking" which is identical in everyway other then the cover and size, the 2nd edition being slightly larger and squarer in shape. This book is to be revised and updated for 2008, so keep your eyes open for it! As a professional military tracker I can not recommend this book more. Anyone who wishes to learn a broad base of information on tracking this is the book to start with no matter if you track humans or animals.

Excellent choice of subjects (small living creatures) and excellent photography. The editing, printing, and text are very good. Makes an interesting and attractive coffee table book that becomes a content book when you pick it up. And, a reasonable price. Highly recommended.

Dr. Naskrecki's photography and the reproduction of it has created a book full of rare jewels! He is an entomologist with an eye for beauty and humor...all in the persuit of science. This book should be shared with children that they may learn what magic can be found behind a leaf or under a stone. His writing is concise and informative. This book is for everyone who appreciates what we have been given on this planet!

I bought one for my nephew's birthday. After looking at it, I had to buy another for a different nephew. The photos are MAGNIFICENT!!! Very enjoyable.

I want to join all other reviewers in praising this book as one of the most beautiful books on animals, period! Simply put, this book defines the word "magnificence". A must have for all nature lovers. Get this book along and "Rainforest" by Thomas Marent and you'll be amazed of the wonderfull creatures that inhabit this world. This awesome book is well worth the few bucks it costs. Save the rainforests, before it is too late!!!

This book is outstanding... Period! The work that went into this book results in a standard that will be incredibly hard to beat. Even though this is a serious work in natural history I certainly WOULD recommend this as a gift for a younger child, because they would be thrilled with the photographs all by themselves. Fun to read, this book is primarily a book of nature photography. And Oh, what photographs... the book would be worth every penny just for the photos of these small animals. If nothing else have your local library obtain this book.

This story is about a mouse who wants to go to a far off land. While he is traveling , he is named jumping mouse, he gets better legs to jump with, he stays with an old mouse,he gives a buffalo his sight,and he gives a fox his smell. Jumping Mouse gets to the far off land and is named Eagle by Magic Frog.Jumping Mouse then turns into an eagle.
I loved this book!

This lovely Caldecott honoree related the Native American legend of a mouse that morphed into an eagle by magic, determination, and force of character. A mouse listens to tales told by older mice that include visions of a far off land. He determines to visit the far off land even though he doesn't know much about traveling and is sure to encounter dangers. Shortly after setting out he meets the Magic Frog, who kindly transports him across the river. The Magic Frog also confers the gift of jumping legs on the mouse, which will serve him well the rest of the journey.

Along the way he meets an Old Mouse, whose pessimistic attitude of ever reaching the far off land is rewarded when the Snake comes along and eats him. "Poor old friend," thought Jumping Mouse. "He lost hope of finding his dream and now his life is over." Subtle this tale is not.

After giving up his sight for a blind bison and his sense of smell to a smell-disabled wolf, Jumping Mouse proves that he is unselfish and worthy of good things. Magic Frog turns up when Jumping Mouse's hope of seeing the far off land is fading. He magically turns Jumping Mouse into an eagle.

The illustrations are more compelling than the story, drawn with charcoal pencil (I am guessing). They are lifelike and vivid, adding charm to the simple tale. The standard animal figures of buffalo, wolf, and eagle seem to turn up in most Native American literature.

This is a great book. THe artwork is worth the Caldacott medal and the story is a good one for all ages. It is about a mouse trying to reach a far land which is supposed to be beautiful and about learning to keep hope and selfishness alive in you and you will be rewarded. It is a great story that people now a days need to consider more often the world would be a better place.

John Steptoe's 40-page illustrated version of The Story of Jumping Mouse is a Native American legend of a Magic Frog who gives his jumping legs to a discouraged young mouse that had recently set out on a quest -- a journey to a far-off land. The frog also tells Jumping Mouse to remember three words -- "never lose hope." Rejuvenated and able to travel much more quickly, Jumping Mouse continues on his journey. On the way he encounters a fat mouse who invites him to stay with him the rest of his life in a safe haven. But Jumping Mouse is determined to continue his quest and later discovers his acquaintance is eaten by a snake. When his journey brings him to a vast prairie Jumping Mouse is surprised to meet a lonely buffalo just standing there. Upon inquiry, he learns that the buffalo is blind, so Jumping Mouse imitates Magic Frog by giving his eyes sight to a blind buffalo and the buffalo leads him across the prairie on his back. At the end of the prairie the buffalo can go no further and Jumping Mouse recalls Magic Frog's words, "never lose hope" and thus journeys animal that identifies himself as a fox that can't smell. Jumping Mouse tries his magic once more and is able to give the fox his nose. The fox, delighted at his cure, accompanies Jumping Mouse through the forest. But as the forest ends at the foot of a mountain and the fox can not go any further, Jumping Mouse goes to sleep in despair in the face of this seemingly hopeless barrier to his goal. Suddenly Magic Frog appears again and tells Jumping Mouse to jump as high as he can and remember his words, "never lose hope." He gathers his courage, leaps as high as he can, and discovers himself soaring over the mountain as Magic Frog below shouts out Jumping Mouse's new name -- "Eagle." This is a wonderful story to teach children about Hope, Determination, Sacrifice, Hardship, and Compassion.

This book tells a Native American story about a small mouse who must endure great hardships in order to reach his dreams. I purchase it over and over to give to children experiencing grief and loss in my work as a school social worker. The ending has a "never give up" message for the reader and the animals (mouse, frog, buffalo, wolf, eagle) are especially meaningful to Indian children. The black and white illustrations are beautiful. Written for elementary aged children, but a book to be cherished by teens and adults, too.

My wife read it from cover to cover in two days, what more can I say. Too bad I'm not a murder mystery fan...

The Tale of Cuckoo Brow Wood covering 24th of April 1907 to May 1st, is the third of the Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter by Susan Wittig Albert. Miss Felicia Frummety is not keeping the rat population down at Hill Top Farm and the village cats have issued an ultimatum. Ridley Rattail has had it with the rowdy rats that have moved into the attic so he posts an ad for cats to rid himself of these undesirables. Of course the humans have their share of problems, Major Kittridge has returned to Sawrey with a wife, dashing the hope of Dimity Woodcock. The village is invited to meet the new lady of the manor but rumors are rampant when it's learned she was an actress. There's also the rumor that the Major is planning to develop his shoreline property. The Vicar's cousin and his wife have moved in and the Vicar is far too kind to toss them even after they've outstayed his patience. Jeremy Crosfield, who is an excellent student, has to leave school and start his apprenticeship since he can't afford to continue his schooling -- the animals and humans are concerned about this event. And Beatrice arrives once again to spend some time at her farm.

Okay, up front I have to say I'm really enjoying these books. The interweaving of the various threads balancing the point of view of the humans and the animals is seamless. With each book, I gain more respect for Albert's ability to slip her stories into the undocumented bits of the Beatrix Potter timeline. She also maintains that playful seriousness that I also found in the Potter's little books. The characters are fully developed and while the mysteries are light they are ones that would have serious impact on the people of the story and their environment.

In this story, the small folk of the woods, fairies play a part. Are they real? Well I think that's for each of us to decide, and the author plays the story with a light hand to give us all a chance to believe as we will. After all if you can accept talking animals then are fairies that much of a stretch?

These are perfect books for when you are feeling a bit down. They are just the thing to help restore your believe in the inherent goodness of humankind and to help you see the world around in a different light. No, I don't think the author has a message to hit us with; she just tells a good story with a light touch that leaves us feeling more upbeat and in this summer's heat that's a wonder in itself.

These are just wonderful stories - for children, for fans of Beatix Potter, for anyone who enjoys mystery and fantasy. I picked up these books quite by accident, and found them reminiscent of my old favorite classics like "A Secret Garden." Very interesting stories - both as stand alone books and as part of the series.

This third book in the Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter is just as much fun and as charming as the first two. It makes you want to find the Potter illustrations from her "little books," so that the faces and personalities of the people involved in the stories become even more familiar.
With the world as it is now, it's a joy (and a relief) to immerse oneself in the world of a century ago with the friends one met in childhood.

If the village of Near Sawrey put out its weekly newspaper about the fortnight during which this story takes place, some of the headlines would read: "Major Christopher Kittredge returns to Raven Hall with his Lovely New Bride" and "Rat Explosion at Hill Top Farm Threatens Village" and "Village Plans May Day Celebration" and perhaps "Stay Clear of the Cuckoo Brow Wood on May Eve." The society column might feature: "Miss Beatrix Potter Returns to Hill Top Farm" and "Local Society Attends Grand Reception at Raven Hall." As salacious as these headlines might be, the devil is in the details.

The third in Susan Wittig Albert's Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter series continues to enchant both grownups and young women edging toward adulthood. How lovely it is to curl up with a book about an old-fashioned, out-of-the-way English Lake Country village, complete with sheep birthing lambs and delectable smells coming from the village bakery, with dogs, cats, rats, and other four-legged animals conversing so sensibly. With just that, however, the tale could become dull in no time. So throw in a few wicked, scheming adults, some rowdy, shameless rats, a few mercenary cats, a bit of romance, some children who need a bit of help, and, of course, Miss Potter, and you have a rousing tale.

Albert builds the tale and weaves multiple plots with skill and charm. And all is resolved satisfactorily, except for the question of whether or not there are really fairies in Cuckoo Brow Wood. To find out what the story is behind each headline, you must read and revel in The Tale of Cuckoo Brow Wood.

by Judith Helburn
for Story Circle Book Reviews
www.storycirclebookreviews.org
reviewing books by, for, and about women

My whole family loves this book. We catch ourselves saying the chant all the time!

My 5 year old son loves everything about this book, the pictures, the rhyme, the information about the fish at the end. It's very unique and educational, and fun at the same time.

We are a nature center that teaches fishing classes. This is a fantastic book. Even though the fish are fun and cartoonish; they have very good features!

I grew up on a lake and love fish- so the BEAUTIFUL illustrations, and cute chant is wonderful. It's creative and fun. I have spent a lot of time reading it to my nephew!I think even if you don't like fish it's still a cute, cute book. Even as an adult I still adore great kids books, and beautiful artwork!

The illustrations are humerous and entertaining! Any fish lover would appreciate this book. My 15-month old daughter even likes it (her dad reads it to her more like a cheer and she thinks that's GREAT!!!) Grandpa will be getting a copy for Father's Day. The variety of fish in here is unlike any other book I've seen (besides my fish identification book from college). If you do not know what all the fish are, there is a section in the back with an informative write-up on each of the fish in the book. I wish that Trip Park would come out with cards and stationary...or another book, maybe a child story book on fish life cycles or natural salmon runs? (I'm hoping he'll read this! Fish people are left hungry for more!!!) It's AWESOME.

I loved this book!It is a beautiful story with gorgeous illustrations. Having kept pet rats for years, I was thrilled to find such a lovely tale with a rat as an endearing creature.So often they are portrayed as evil,dirty animals. Refreshing and brilliant!

Long before a gourmet rodent named Remy stole our hearts in "Ratatouille", a bookish rat named Walter scampered into existence courtesy of author Barbara Wersba and Donna Diamond. Walter is special because - unlike any of his friends or relatives - he discovered at a young age that he knows how to read. And as any of us who truly love books can easily attest, once you start reading, it is impossible to ever stop. Fortunately, Walter has taken up residence in the Long Island house of Miss Pomeroy, a lonely woman who just happens to be an author. Over the course of 60 pages - combined with a smattering of priceless pen and ink drawings - the author weaves a gentle tale of friendship in which these two unique souls come to be aware of one another. I started reading this enchanting tale myself one evening at the dining room table while my husband was cooking dinner and I kept interrupting him so often with the charming turns of phrase that he finally suggested I read it out loud to him. To date, it remains a favorite story to both of us and I have subsequently bought many copies for young people - and adults! - who would appreciate Walter's honesty, simplicity, curiosity and kindness.

Christina Hamlett
Author of "Movie Girl"

This book is lovely and deeper then one would think for such a small book. I find that I would like to know more about their relationship and wished that this sweet tale would continue...

So simple, yet not. This lovely story presents a one of a kind opportunity to share many important topics with a child in an way that he/she can be easily relate. There are so many themes and underlying nuances. What a wonderful way to explore the fragile nature of human insecurities and prejudices - this book should be on every 5th grade teacher's reading list. I can't wait to share it with my niece Allison.

A beautifully written story about a very special friendship between two lonely souls that will touch your heart. Barbara Wersba proves little words can express deep emotions.
Wonderful illustrations!

I didn't like this book. I'm sure it's supposed to be inspiring and happy by the end, but I didn't have that reaction. The beginning was so sad, that when the "change" comes in the middle, instead of rooting for the mouse, all I could think was "That would never happen!" -For me to be reading "a children's book about a mouse" and think that something was "unrealistic" means that something was missing in this book for me. Maybe the change from despair to Utopic was too abrupt for me to be able to make that leap. Clearly other people (reviewers here) made that leap without any difficulty, but for me, this book left me feeling sad.

A clever funny and warm little story that reads quicky. Bright, simple and charming drawings highlight the adventures of a small mouse who triumphs over troubles to bring his family together. A very satisfying ending and a book that kids will want to hear again, and again, and again...

A MOUSE LOOSES HIS FAMILY MEMBERS & THEN FINDS THEM. IT'S JUST AN OK BOOK, VERY UNDERSERVING OF ALL THE 5-STAR REVIEWS. A BETTER MOUSE BOOK WOULD BE- IF YOU GIVE A MOUSE A COOKIE.

My favorite illustration is the one where the mother mouse is feeding her son (or daughter?) an impossibly large cheese banquet, much to his/her great delight. A wonderful book!

This was my daughters very very favorite book. She had all the words memorized by the time she was barely 3. I would ask the questions from the book and she would respond with the answers. I still ask her Whose Mouse Are You ? sometimes and her own baby will be born in October. By the way, until we find out the sex of the baby we are calling him/her mouse. Your kids will love this book too!

I took "Why I'd Rather Date My Dog" to the park this morning and sat near the dog run reading. After seeing the cover, seven women stopped to tell me of their experiences dating men. As they recalled their dates in detail, I would flip through the book and show them where the author had that situation covered. Much unexpected fun was had this morning praising our dogs (one woman had a cat) as wonderful dates. This may be the book you need for your next party as an ice breaker.

I thought this book was really cute and I read it in a short period of time. If you have dogs or have had dogs (and not much luck in the dating world) you will enjoy this and find it humorous. I also loved the fact that Nancy encourages people to rescue unwanted pets from rescues and shelters. I thought that was just super!

All the reviews here are right on the money. The book is fun, funny and written by someone who can make you smile with just a few pages of delightful insights. And as someone who knows Nancy, let me share with you that she is a true animal lover and rescuer of dogs and rabbits. She not only writes well, she lives her life for the betterment of animal treatment. So read her book, enjoy the fabulous illustrations and buy a copy or two for your friends. You won't regret it!

Read this book if you like dogs as much as you like people. This "tongue in jowl" book if full of enjoyable quips about the beauty of dogs.

In this dog-eat-dog world, it is nice to have a light, quick read, which is very funny. Wonderful for the coffee table or bedroom. I find myself continually flipping it open to read about something a dog will do to charm and amuse you.

The author has rescued many animals from awful conditions and has given them a wonderful home. Pleae support someone who supports animals.

This book is a real delight! The humor is charming and entertains with most-of-us-have 'been there!' truth. It will put a smile on your face and love in your heart in appreciating and encouraging happy hours and 'unconditional' love shared with one's own companion animal(s). The illustrations are wonderful, too. I highly recommend spending some time with one of your furry best friends by your side for a perfectly fun-filled read.

I read this book when I was in elementary school (going on 43 here!) and until a year ago, I had this book in my collection to pass on to my kids, but sadly it has disappeared. I used to love this book and I love reading books about animals and believe it or not this book made me cry as did the book Snow Dog and Old Yeller. I even did a report on Yellow Eyes when I read it for school.

Picked this up at a Scholastic bookmobile at school, when I was a but a wee tot -- relatively speaking. STill one of my favorite books, and it held up when I re-read it decades later!

I read this book when I was a kid and remember it as one of my favorites. Recently I found it in a box of old books at my mother's house and brought it out to read to my kids. They where just as spell bound as I was. It is one of the most successful books at seeing life through the eyes of a wild animal without huminizing the animal. It does harken back to a time when the govermant paid people to kill animals rather then preserve them. That is a little confussing to kids but is a valuable history lesson.

"Yellow Eyes" is the first book that I can remember picking out from my school library, back when I was in 2nd grade at Des Moines Christian School. I remember this distinctly--I had to give them my last name in the library and I did not know how to spell it! Like other reviewers here, I can remember feeling for this cougar as it made its way. It imparted in me a deep respect for nature. To this day, the cougar is my "favorite animal", no doubt largely due to the influence of this tale. I bought a copy for my own son to read.

This is a book that I heard about when I was young and never read until just recently. Yellow Eyes is a cougar, and has adventures growing up. I used it as summer reading for my children. We sat together and I read the book to them, chapter by chapter. We then discussed all that we read. Reading this book is truly a moving experience as Yellow Eyes faced many dangers and some unexpected twists and turns. The writing is superb and the story development is excellent. If you are a fan of Avi and Poppy and Rye or Ereth books, this is for you!

Like many people who are new to living with a Yorkie, I purchased lots of Yorkshire Terrier guides. Lord knows, there are a ton of them out there, so its very confusing to choose the right one. I considered myself very lucky when I came upon this book. I had questions that I could not find an answer for anywhere. If only I had purchased this book in the beginning, I could have saved a lot of money and frustration, as it helped me with every question I had, supplying me with valuable advice found in no other book. It is the only book that I still reach for time and again, and it never lets me down. Mrs. Lamire does not tiptoe around, being oh so careful to say just the right thing to appease to people. She has the guts to tell it like it is. I really appreciate her expert advice and candor, as it saved me from making terrible mistakes. Thank you so much for putting Yorkies first, above all else, when you embarked upon this excellent guide.

This is a superlative content of personal experience, incredible data and delightful observations! The concepts and practical knowledge is exceptional. This is a mandatory volume for anyone wanting the best care and ultimate ensuing health and happiness for their canine companion, regardless of size or breed! The principals and examples are invaluable and written in a pleasurable manner. Very much recommended!

I would have given this book 5 stars were it not for all the "doom and gloom" sidebars about the numerous horrible things that happened to various Yorkies--usually at the hand of their owners. I am researching this breed in the hopes of buying a puppy and I found this book very intimidating and discouraging at times due to all these gloomy references. Having talked to many Yorkie owners/breeders, I don't get the impression that these dogs are as fragile and picky as portrayed in this book. Negatives aside, this book seems to outline very clearly the most important details and caveats that really set the Yorkies apart from other breeds. For that, I am thankful.

Like other folks who have been "yorked", I buy every thing I can get my hands on about yorkies. I think this is the best of them. It is the most practical and inclusive. I like the cautionary aspect of this book; too many gloss over the fact that these are tiny dogs and with that goes some degree of delicacy. This is the one book I give friends who get yorkies. I highly recommend it.

THIS BOOK IS THE ONLY BOOK I HAVE EVER READ THAT CAPTURES THE TRUE CHARACTER OF THE YORKIE. BESIDES BEING PACKED WITH PRACTICAL INFORMATION, IT REALLY GETS INTO THE MIND SET OF THIS MARVELOUS LITTLE DOG. I HAVE OFTEN WONDERED IF OTHER PEOPLE HAVE SEEN WHAT I HAVE SEEN WITH THESE LITTLE WONDERS, NOW I KNOW THAT THEY HAVE.
THE LITTLE STORIES ENCLOSED ARE EXPERIENCES WE, AS OWNERS OF A YORKIE, HAVE ALL GONE THROUGH AT ONE TIME OR ANOTHER. THEY MAY MAKE YOU CRY, BUT THEY REMIND YOU OF ONE OF YOUR "BABIES".
AFTER WRITING THIS REVIEW I AM IMMEDIATELY GOING ON TO ORDER THREE MORE COPIES FOR THREE OF MY FRIENDS. IN MY OPINION I COULDN'T GIVE THEM A BETTER GIFT.