Book Reviews for Earth Heroes: Champions of Wild Animals

If we want to preserve and protect the wilderness environment and the plants and animals that live there, we need to excite the interest of young students and let them know they can play an important role and become an “Earth hero.” This book belongs to a series of biographies of individuals who have championed wild animals, and it shows how students can play such roles.

The authors remind readers: Bison and birds, chimps and seals, wolves and elephants all owe their lives to the individuals described in these pages. And the personal life of each hero is as unique as the animals they’re protecting.” The book includes eight biographies, each with pictures or drawings of the individual as a child, and describes the events that shaped their careers. Each biography ends with a list of personal facts and their “ripple of influence,” plus a timeline relating events in their life and historical events. The book has a good introduction, conclusion, list of sources, and index. There is also a website listed for possible lesson plans based on the book for teacher use.

We need to inspire students to make a difference, and these biographies can help. As the authors point out, “How fortunate we are to have so many heroes working to save the wilderness, oceans, and animals.” It’s easy to talk about doing something to save the environment but we really need men and women willing to stand up and become Earth Heroes.

— NSTA Recommends (September 2010)

What will inspire the next generation of naturalists and wildlife advocates? Earth Heroes: Champions of Wild Animals, a lively biography for ages 9-12, attempts to do just this by focusing on the pioneers in conservation biology. Part of the Earth Heroes series of books, this book starts with William Temple Hornaday, a pioneer of the first bio-park in 1920 and ends with the Douglas-Hamilton Family, champions of elephant sanctuaries to the present day. Altogether, this anthology profiles eight different animal rights activists and advocates. Authors Carol and Bruce Malnor include familiar names like Rachel Carson and Jane Goodall, and less well-known names like duck advocate “Ding” Darling and “Lord of the Ants” Edward O. Wilson. Each chapter is filled with nuggets of facts and insights. A brief afterword invites the reader to become a champion of wild animals, with links to citizen scientist projects young people can join. Teachers will appreciate that each section includes a detailed timeline, historical context, and additional readings. Young readers will be attracted by Anisa Claire Hovemann’s vivid animal illustrations and historical photographs.

— Green Teacher (Summer 2011)

Third in the Earth Heroes series, Earth Heroes: Champions of Wild Animals focuses on the lives and work of William Hornaday, Ding Darling, Rachel Carson, Roger Tory Peterson, Ron Lawrence, Ed Wilson, Jane Goodall, and The Douglas-Hamilton family. While it’s aimed at young adults, I found the book to be a great resource. There is a lively recounting of each environmentalist’s story, including photos, followed by a one-page “Fast Facts” sheet and a one-page “Timeline.” The book ends with a Call to Action that includes a substantial list of places where one can volunteer to observe and collect information to send to scientists. This is a terrific back-to-school, learn-and-get-involved item.

— New Age Retailer (September 2010)

Recommended by the National Science Teachers Association and winner of a Gold Mom’s Choice Award, the third and final book in Dawn Publications’ Earth Heroes series, Earth Heroes: Champions of Wild Animals, is a collection of eight intriguing biographies that will educate, fascinate, and inspire readers.

Each biography features a “champion” of animals, someone whose work and contributions have significantly added to the knowledge and preservation of wild animals and contributed to the environmental movement. While some well-known figures are featured, such as Jane Goodall and Rachel Carson, the book also includes lesser-known scientists and early environmentalists such as Roger Tory Peterson and modern-day activists such as the Douglas-Hamilton family.

The biographies have a particular emphasis on how the subjects’ childhoods helped them to develop interests and passions that later guided them into their groundbreaking work, often in spite of great obstacles. This focus will inspire readers, and help them realize that they too can make significant contributions to the world. This empowering message is reiterated in the last section of the book, which provides resources for children to learn more and get involved in both science and their local
communities.

Authors Carol L. and Bruce Malnor, both educators, have added several features to the end of each section: a Fast Facts page, parallel timelines of the subject’s life and significant historical and environmental events, and a “Ripples of Influence” list which includes those who influenced and those who have been influenced by the subject. These unique elements are an additional layer of interest, but perhaps more importantly, they re-emphasize the overarching theme of interconnectedness. Humans are connected to other humans and animals, and the impact of each creature affects the environment. The Malnors manage to include this theme in each of the biographies. While there are many notable aspects of the book, the fusion of education and story is perhaps the most valuable. The biographies include scientific ideas such as ecology and biodiversity without becoming dry. The enthusiasm each individual had/has is captured and translated into engaging pieces. The book will appeal to 9-12 year olds, especially readers interested in science or animals.

With interesting stories of those courageous and tenacious enough to affect change, Earth Heroes: Champions of Wild Animals can teach children not just about the excellent work of these “champions” but also that by harnessing their unique abilities, they too can make valuable, significant contributions to the world around them.

— ForeWord Magazine (November 2010)

This title focuses on the biographies of naturalists and wildlife conservationists who dedicated their lives to protecting the wild animals they respected, admired, and adored. From R.D. Lawrence’s friendship with wolves to Edward Wilson’s curiosity about the smallest of creatures to Jane Goodall’s love of chimps, each portrait delves into the early lives of these pioneers and provides insight into their career paths and their contributions to society. The profiles present basic facts in a simple narrative manner with a “Fast Facts” section and a timeline with relevant historical context. The accompanying pencil illustrations and historical photos illuminate the lives of nature’s heroes. Recommended.

— Library Media Connection (March/April 2011)

Dawn Publications, one of the nation’s premier publishers of children’s ecology books, is located in nearby Nevada City. Dawn’s mission is to inspire in children a deeper understanding and appreciation for all life on Earth. Since 1979 they’ve succeeded by publishing books of unusual beauty that help children and their parents understand nature, and how to honor and protect it. If these are values you’d like to share with your children, take a look at some of Dawn’s new books.

. . . This book features the youth and careers of eighty of the world’s greatest environmentalists who advocated for the protection of wildlife. Many of us know about Jane Goodall and Rachel Carson. But do you know about R.D. Lawrence, friend of the wolves? He helped change people’s opinion about wolves. They are not viscious animals of fairy tales and werewolf myths, but intelligent social creatures who can teach humans a lot. Anid if you ever used a birding field guide, it probably was first written by Roger Tory Peterson. These interesting profiles read like fiction, but are entirely factual. Filled with drawings and photos, this is a perfect book to read aloud with your own young ecologist.

— California Kids! Family Fun Guide – Connie Goldsmith (June 2011)

This outstanding series from Dawn Publications shares the stories of explorers and scientists who have become “earth heroes.” From icons like Jacques Cousteau and Jane Goodall to lesser known people like William Temple Hornaday and Margaret Wentworth Owings, these mini-biographies show how these individuals became who they are and why. By revealing their humble beginnings in curiosity and wonder, these stories provide ample inspiration and encouragement to young readers who may want to follow a similar path. Accessible text accompanied by wonderful illustrations and photographs make these books a wonderful gift for a young naturalist.

— Clearing Magazine (December 2010)

Wildlife conservation is more important than ever, not just for animals, but for people as well. The good news is that there are more “Earth Heroes” than ever working to help save wildlife. This inspiring and well-illustrated book tells these conservationists’ stories, from Jane Goodall’s 50-year career with chimpanzees to E.O. Wilson’s incredible advancements in understanding ecology. It celebrates the work and hope of the very role models we need.

— Simcoe.com – Glenn Perrett (March 30, 2011)

What is your favorite wild animal? There are many to choose from. “Lions, and tigers, and bears, Oh my!” But ants? This third and final installment in Dawn Publications’ “Earth Heroes” series focuses on eight people who determined their favorite wild animal and then dedicated their lives to studying and protecting it. William Temple Hornaday rescued the American buffalo or bison from extinction. Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling was called the duck’s best friend. Rachel Carson sought to save all wild animals from the effects of DDT by her warnings. Roger Tory Peterson was the world’s foremost birder. Ronald “RD” Lawrence became a friend to the wolf. Edward O. Wilson is known as the “Lord of the Ants.” Jane Goodall has made a lifelong study of chimpanzees. And Iain, Oria, and Saba Douglas-Hamilton are working to help elephants in Africa.

The Malnors wrote the first book in the series, Earth Heroes: Champions of the Wilderness, and, of course, a large number of wild animals live in the wilderness. Many wild animals also live in the oceans, and the second book in the series is Earth Heroes: Champions of the Ocean, written by Fran Hodgkins. As is true with the other two books, each chapter of Earth Heroes: Champions of Wild Animals has a page of fast facts about the individual under consideration and a timeline to help put that person’s life and work into a historical context. There is also a section at the end on how young people can “become a hero” for wild animals today. In addition, lesson plans for each book in the “Earth Heroes” series along with suggestions for using them are available for teachers and homeschool parents at Dawn Publication’s website under “Teaching Tools.” Nearly everyone likes animals in one way or another, and Champions of Wild Animals is a great book for the “budding scientist” that resides in all children.

— Home School Book Review – Wayne S. Walker (August 25, 2010)

This clear and concise collection of fascinating biographies brings animal conservationists to life. Not only will children admire the heroes in this book, some will be inspired to follow in their footsteps–and make a big impact in the world of conservation.

— Charles Knowles, Executive Director, Wildlife Conservation Network

What’s your post-Thanksgiving dinner ritual? Do you try to get the kids outside to blow off some steam, shuffle through fallen leaves or gather pine cones for holiday decorations?

We try to do all three while celebrating at my parents’ home. Walking around the country place where my six siblings and I grew up, I marvel each Thanksgiving at my dad’s stewardship of the land. There’s the pond that his grandkids now like to explore, the organic garden plot, the windbreak of towering pines we planted as seedlings.

Thanksgiving might be the perfect time to thank the natural world by doing a “giving back” family project. You might brainstorm with your kids and come up with something that speaks to everyone’s interests. The project might be one time (planting a native shrub), seasonal (ensuring a winter water source for backyard birds) or longer (regularly picking up trash in a local park or along a trail).

Celebrating that giving-back spirit is Earth Heroes: Champions of Wild Animals (Earth Heroes Series) (Dawn, 2010, ages 8 and up), the third and final book in the nonfiction Earth Heroes series. Wife-and-husband team Carol and Bruce Malnor have authored dynamic portraits of eight wildlife advocates.

Your whole family will enjoy learning about chimp ambassador Jane Goodall, ant expert Edward O. Wilson and wolf conservationist Ronald Lawrence. These carefully researched mini-biographies are fascinating—and show how an interest sparked in childhood often flames into lifework.

One of the most intriguing portraits is of personable Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling (1876-1962), who as a teen loved working on his uncle’s Michigan farm and watching ducks on the millpond. He grew up to be a cartoonist, conservationist, duck painter and co-founder and first president of the General Wildlife Federation (now the National Wildlife Federation).

Period photos and black-and-white artwork by Anisa Claire Hovemann add visual details. Hovemann manages to capture vividly both the realistic appearance and the lively spirit of the ducks, bison, elephants and other wildlife that so entranced these naturalists and scientists.

— Nat. Wildlife Fed. Blog (blog.nwf.org) – Mary Quattlebaum (November 2010)

Meet eight environmentalists – past and present – who championed the protection of wildlife. This book highlights Rachel Carson, Jane Goodall, and others and explains the influence their ideas and actions have.

— Learning Magazine (Fall 2010)

— Thane Maynard, “The 90-Second Naturalist” host and Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden Director

“These children’s books bring nature into the home on these cool days and nights. . . . Earth Heroes: Champions of Wild Animals, for readers ages 10 to 14, tells the story of eight people who have made a difference. Each has a chapter, complete with “fast facts” and a timeline.

There are the well-known, including Rachel Carson and Roger Tory Peterson, as well as less-famous folks, including William Hornaday, who saved the American buffalo from extinction; and E.O. Wilson, who discovered the first fire ant colony in the U.S. and became the world’s authority on ants.

And as always, adults can learn a lot from these books too.

— The Herald – Sharon Wootton (October 23, 2010)

What is your favorite wild animal? Are they lions tigers or bears? With over one million species in the Animal Kingdom, there are lots to choose from. They include the tiniest ants, less thank a sixteenth of an inch long, and the largest land animals in the world are the African elephants. This book introduces you to eight people – Earth Heroes – who discovered their favorite wild animals and dedicated their lives to studying and protecting them. The names are William Hornaday, Rachel Carson, Roger Tory Peterson, Ding Darling, Ron Lawrence, Ed Wilson, Jane Goodall, Saba Douglas-Hamilton, Ron Lawrence and John Muir. Some of the people that each book in the Earth Heroes series related to are Teddy Roosevelt, Margaret Murie and Eugenie Clark. This book won the Mom’s Choice Award for honoring excellence. This is a very good book for children and adults to read and understand the different animals.

Bruce and Carol Malnor were educators for over 20 years. They co-authored a series of teacher’s guides for Dawn Publications. After several years of writing graduate courses for teachers, Carol now writes for a variety of audiences. Anisa Hovemann is the illustrator for this book. She is a former student of Bruce and Carol.

— Nashville News – Mary Barrett (May 18, 2011)

Dawn Publications offers a wonderful fall catalog of publications regarding animal, people who have helped conserve nature and a long list of children’s books giving delightful stories and basic information about animals, birds, insects and much more. . . . Among Dawn’s fall titles is a book titled Earth Heroes: Champions of Wild Animals. It is written by Carol L. and Bruce Malnor and illustrated by Anisa Claire Hovemann. It is written for ages 10 to 14 and will make great family reading for sharing times.

The stories in this book are about eight special people who have helped save whole species of animals from extinction. The illustrations are all black and white and are unique to the biographies.

William Hornaday was a hunter who campaigned to save the American bison from extinction. It was hunters, not the Indians, who almost killed off the bison to sell the hides and other by-products.

J.N. “Ding” Darling, a famous cartoonist, became the ducks’ best friend. Rachel Carson, scientist and author who wrote a book which became a call fro help for nature, the atmosphere, the ocean and animals. Roger Tory Peterson, author and world renowned birder is featured. R.D. Lawrence dispelled myths about wolves. E.O. Wilson was always interested in fish, animals and nature. Despite losing his eyesight in one eye caused by a fish hitting him in the eye and other almost disastrous experiences with nature, Wilson became “Lord of the Ants” and a founding father of the environmental movement. Jane Goodall is famous for her ground breaking work with chimpanzees. She also works as an ambassador for world peace. The Douglas-Hamilton family has taken elephants as their cause and works tirelessly to give elephants a future. This book is designed to promote further study giving not only “fast facts” but sources for further study.

— Weatherford Daily News – Dee Ann Ray (March 2011)