Wolf Island
Grade 1–4—Although the text remains unchanged from the 1993 edition (Freeman), larger page size and improved formatting make the story easier to share with groups. Instead of fading into the illustrations, the text blocks are highlighted and framed. The pictures themselves are brighter and more sharply focused versions of the originals. Pages are fewer in number, necessitating some shifts of text and the elimination of a few images. Overall, the revisions add to the book's visual appeal. The story follows changes that occur on an island after the departure of a family of wolves to the mainland. Without predators, the deer population swells. The deer eat so much vegetation that rabbits and mice have fewer babies, resulting in less food for foxes and owls. After the wolves return in winter by crossing the ice, the relationships among the various species begin to be restored. Godkin's simple example of how easily the natural balance can be upset should help foster ecological awareness. Libraries without the original book should definitely consider purchasing this one, and collections with an older copy may want to substitute this more readable version.—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, MankatoCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.