Wolves: Life in the Pack

Children's Literature

Although attractively designed with numerous full-page photographs, this slight book presents only the most basic information about wolves. Each double-page spread covers report topics such as "Wolves Are Mammals," "A Wolf's Habitat," "Mating and Birth" and "Enemies." The information given is limited. For example, the reader learns that wolves "make their homes in forest, mountains, or deserts." No mention is made of the continents on which wolves exist, and no maps are given to show the range of the animal. Instead of giving specific dates when wolves were on the endangered species list, the author states that "For many years, all wolves were endangered animals." A simple game, glossary, bibliography and index are appended. Of the three Internet sites included, two present more in-depth information, but at a much higher reading level than that of this title. A third website gives little factual information about wolves, but presents poorly-written "adventures" that feature a wolf. Young researchers deserve better than this. Not recommended. 2001, Bridgestone Books/Capstone, $18.60. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer:Cherri Jones