Raincoast Books
Available: 04/12/04
8 x 9 · 168 pages
978-1-55192-618-6
CDN $24.95 · pb

Canadian Title

print

Wild Science

Amazing Encounters between Animals and the People Who Study Them

Victoria Miles

Spend the night tracking bats on a narrow ridge high in the Chiricauhua Mountains of Arizona, trek along the beaches of Costa Rica in the footsteps of huge and powerful leatherback turtles, and free stranded whales from the beaches of coastal Newfoundland. Experience first-hand these fascinating, funny and often perilous encounters between wildlife biologists and the animals they study.

Wild Science features 10 world-renowned animal scientists—including information on how they decided to become researchers, the stories behind their fascinating jobs and scientific information about the animals they study. The animals include endangered Vancouver Island marmots, grizzly bears, manatees, polar bears, sea otters and leatherback turtles. The settings range from Newfoundland to Vancouver Island, from the Arctic to Arizona, and from Florida to California. And our guides are the experts—the wildlife scientists who spend their lives ensuring the survival of these animals.

Accompanied by extraordinary full-colour photographs and black-and-white line drawings, Wild Science will engage even the most reluctant young readers and the most enthusiastic young scientists. The Ontario Library Association shortlisted Wild Science for the Red Maple Award for Non-Fiction 2005

“I must warn you, after reading this book, you may find yourself compelled to head into the wilds and dedicate your life to learning just a little more about some incredible animal.” —Martin Kratt of Zoboomafoo

“Wild Science covers a variety of subjects, from wildlife conservation to animal biology to career planning, but mainly it is about people who love what they do ... Each of 10 chapters begins with an incident from the field: a beached whale rescue, a late-night bat tagging, the wild pursuit of a leatherback turtle. Here Miles really shines as a writer, with vivid metaphors.” —Quill & Quire

“This collection of fascinating stories gives kids a look at scientists’ work and the objects of their passion, from gargantuan blue whales in Newfoundland to tiny bats in Arizona ... An ideal research tool for school projects, Wild Science also features a glossary of terms and additional resources for enthusiastic young readers.” —Canadian Geographic

“This should be required reading for children with an active interest in understanding the natural world and our place in it.” —Kirkus Reviews

Vancouver author Victoria Miles writes for children and adults. Her books for kids include the bestselling Sea Otter Pup as well as Bald Eaglets, Cougar Kittens and others.