Wolves often appear as the bad guys in fairy tales and fables. But did you know that they actually play an indispensable role in maintaining the balance of nature? People learned this fact the hard way, as detailed in Karen Winnick's upcoming book Why Wolves Matter: A Conservation Success Story. Enter to win a signed copy along with an Amazon gift card!
My Review:
With kid-friendly language accompanied by beautiful illustrations, Why Wolves Matter: A Conservation Success Story delivers a vivid recount of a consequential true event in the ecological history of Yellowstone National Park.
Back in the 1920s, grey wolves were deemed as such a threat by people living around Yellowstone National Park that they got exterminated from the area through hunting and poisoning. In the absence of a major predator, elk's population skyrocketed to the point of exhausting the supply of plants and food sources for all the other animals in the park. Would bringing back the wolves help end this unforeseen crisis?
Narrated in a peaceful and affectionate tone, the tale leads us back to the days before and after the loss of grey wolves, as well as the time when they got reintroduced to the park. Reading the book feels like watching a wildlife documentary, through which we get to observe the seasonal activities of wolves and how their presence affects the lives of the other members of the community. The contrasting scenes recreated through both words and pictures make young readers aware of the critical role wolves play in the circle of nature, the ripple effects of human actions on the environment, and how the food chain works in an interconnected and balanced manner.
The visual appeal of the book lies in its realistic and artistic illustrations, which make revisiting history a fascinating learning experience. I'm especially impressed with the author's use of blank outlines to represent disappearing animals alongside the surviving ones. The sharp color contrast alerts us about the devastating consequences of disrupting the balance of nature. Furthermore, the success in the restoration attempts inspires us to learn from our mistakes and to respect the laws of nature as we continue to protect the environment as much as possible.
Educative and thought-provoking, Why Wolves Matter makes a rewarding read for all nature and wildlife lovers who care deeply about conservation and preservation.
About the Book:
Ages: 7-9 | 40 Pages
Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group (2025) | ISBN: 979-8886452846
Where did all the wolves go? The birds, the fish, and the beavers? When the top predator was wiped out, the balance of nature in Yellowstone National Park was disrupted. The circle was broken.
Written in a lyrical style, Why Wolves Matter is an ecological tale that helps children to understand the interconnectedness of all things in the natural world. Once all the wolves were gone, the elk population grew so large that the trees and vegetation on which they fed disappeared, throwing the Park and the remaining wildlife into disarray.
A nonfiction picture book, including a timeline and bibliography, Why Wolves Matter is about the importance of the top predator in nature, how balance was restored in Yellowstone National Park, and how the circle was made whole again—with important historical and scientific relevance for children.
A deeply committed animal person, Karen B. Winnick has created many picture books about animals. She’s a member of an oversight commission for the Los Angeles Zoo, and a member and supporter of many groups working to save animals, including wolves.
Purchase links: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org
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