Author Jean Craighead George and artist Wendell Minor have teamed up to bring us the beautifully illustrated tale in The Wolves Are Back. Using the story of a male wolf and his pup to trace the re-introduction of wolves in Yellowstone, they also have provided a chance to explore the backstory of their eradication and discuss the role of this apex carnivore in balancing the ecosystem.
This book has much to recommend it: it is filled with interesting facts about Yellowstone and the creatures that live there, told in a child-friendly but unsentimental way. Parents should know that there is straightforward mention of carnivores’ elk and bison kills as well as a brief discussion of the wolf hunts that killed off the animals. I love the way the author has woven in the return of other plants and animals to the area to highlight the interrelated nature of the ecosystem. A wonderful read for ages 4 and up.