JUNE 2022 - AudioFile
Narrator Mark Wilson treks onto the Arctic tundra with scientist Denver Holt to learn what it takes to be a researcher of snowy owls. Wilson’s performance is conversational yet edged with an appropriate tinge of awe for both these powerful birds and the challenges Holt faces. Although aimed at kids, the pacing and tone of this audiobook feel accessible for adults, too. Wilson seamlessly weaves multiple fascinating sidebars into Holt’s research story without missing a beat: Subtle differences in feathers distinguish male and female owls, and don’t believe the urban legend created by an old Disney movie that lemmings leap off cliffs to their deaths. Wilson is a nature photographer, so, not surprisingly, the accompanying 59-page pdf—full of beautiful photographs of owls, locals, and the Alaskan landscape—is definitely worth a peek. A.B. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine
From the Publisher
"Truly astonishing photos appear on nearly every spread . . . . An extraordinary crash course in geography, biology, conservation, and ecology that goes far beyond its wonderful winged subject." — Booklist (starred review)
"Wilson, a prolific wildlife photographer, explains his procedures for photographing [snowy owls] in their natural habitat and shares his final products in clear, informative, and often dramatic images." —Betty Carter — The Horn Book
"The conversational text is engaging and accessible, but it’s the photographs that shine. . . . A first purchase sure to inspire budding scientists and snowy owl aficionados." — School Library Journal (starred review)
The Horn Book
"Wilson, a prolific wildlife photographer, explains his procedures for photographing [snowy owls] in their natural habitat and shares his final products in clear, informative, and often dramatic images." —Betty Carter
Booklist (starred review)
"Truly astonishing photos appear on nearly every spread . . . . An extraordinary crash course in geography, biology, conservation, and ecology that goes far beyond its wonderful winged subject."
School Library Journal
★ 05/20/2022
Gr 3–6—The latest installment of the consistently excellent "Scientist in the Field" series features the work of Denver Holt, a snowy owl researcher who travels to Alaska's north slope and the town of Utqiagvik, formerly Barrow, each June to survey snowy owl nesting. It may be summer, but the temperature is a brisk 38 degrees Fahrenheit (-3 degrees Celsius), so warm layers are required. So is an ATV as the few roads are gravel and, once off-road, much walking needs to be done to protect the nests, which are made on the ground. Holt and his assistants locate the nests, count eggs and owlets, and monitor food resources. The conversational text is engaging and accessible, but it's the photographs that shine, from the arresting and appealing front cover to the impressive final image on the back. There are images on nearly every page that get readers up close and personal. These include helpful maps and thumbnails, sketches of wing feathering, photos of the flora and fauna of the area, and dramatic action shots. Sidebars include extra pertinent information such as quick facts and what to do if one finds an injured owl. Back matter includes a glossary, references, and an index. VERDICT A first purchase sure to inspire budding scientists and snowy owl aficionados.—Brenda Kahn
JUNE 2022 - AudioFile
Narrator Mark Wilson treks onto the Arctic tundra with scientist Denver Holt to learn what it takes to be a researcher of snowy owls. Wilson’s performance is conversational yet edged with an appropriate tinge of awe for both these powerful birds and the challenges Holt faces. Although aimed at kids, the pacing and tone of this audiobook feel accessible for adults, too. Wilson seamlessly weaves multiple fascinating sidebars into Holt’s research story without missing a beat: Subtle differences in feathers distinguish male and female owls, and don’t believe the urban legend created by an old Disney movie that lemmings leap off cliffs to their deaths. Wilson is a nature photographer, so, not surprisingly, the accompanying 59-page pdf—full of beautiful photographs of owls, locals, and the Alaskan landscape—is definitely worth a peek. A.B. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine
