Coyotes

Children's Literature

The “Backyard Animals” series includes nine titles about animals that can be found in cities and towns around the country. Butterflies, coyotes, deer, opossums, rabbits, raccoons, skunks, sparrows, and squirrels are featured in the series. Each animal is introduced with a large photo and information about where they live and a few characteristics that make them special. A brief history provides information about the development of the species worldwide. A large photograph of the animal provides information about their specific body parts and how they help it survive in nature. The animal’s life cycle and what it eats are illustrated with photographs. Details about where humans are most likely to interact with the featured animal and myths from various cultures make the information more relevant and interesting to young readers. The word coyote comes from the Aztec word “coyotl.” Coyotes are about the size of a German shepherd, but they weight much less. They live in areas where there are not any wolves, because the two species compete for the same food supply. Coyotes adapt well and are found all over North America. Coyotes are nocturnal hunters who eat both plants and animals. A coyote is considered an adult at one year and will either leave the pack or stay with the parents and help with the new litter. Large photographs and sidebars with factoids make this a nice way to learn about common animals children might see in their neighborhood. Reviewer: Kristin Harris