The Magnificent Migration: On Safari with Africa's Last Great Herds

by Sy Montgomery, Roger Wood (Illustrator), Logan Wood (Illustrator)

Overview

Sibert medalist and National Book Award finalist Sy Montgomery takes readers on a staggering, emotional journey alongside the greatest land migration on the planet earth—that of the wildebeest across the Serengeti—to explore the mystery and wonder of migration in a sweeping story sure to leave its mark. With full color photography. 

Here is a riveting you-are-there account of one of nature’s most fascinating occurrences: the wildebeest migration. Montgomery explores the wonder of migration, asking questions like, how do migration patterns sculpt the environment? Why do animals migrate? And how do they know where to go?

With lyrical prose, abundant facts, and the inclusion of other species who undertake remarkable migrations, Montgomery makes a journey of thousands of miles fly by—but not without leaving its mark. Full color photography. 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780544761131
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	06/11/2019
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	8.60(w) x 10.20(h) x 0.90(d)
Lexile:	1010L (what's this?)
Age Range:	10 - 18 Years

About the Author

In addition to researching films, articles, and thirty-six books, National Book Award finalist Sy Montgomery has been honored with a Sibert Medal, two Science Book and Film Prizes from the National Association for the Advancement of Science, three honorary degrees, and many other awards. She lives in Hancock, New Hampshire, with her husband, Howard Mansfield, and their border collie, Thurber.

Hometown:

Hancock, New Hampshire

Date of Birth:

February 7, 1958

Place of Birth:

Frankfurt, Germany

Education:

Syracuse University: B.A., Newhouse School of Public Communications, 1979; B.A., College of Arts and Sciences, 1979

Editorial Reviews

"A splendid wildlife adventure skillfully conveyed." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Montgomery’s and Dr. Estes’ passion for these astonishing animals makes this illuminating, information-rich account an adventure that may just inspire a gnu generation of ecological heroes." — Booklist (starred review)

"Montgomery may inspire some to visit the Serengeti personally, but for those who can't, The Magnificent Migration is the next best thing." — Shelf Awareness (starred review)

"Readers may feel as if they are in the hot and dusty Land Cruiser alongside our narrator....The Woods’ photographs, set off by the sharp book design, skillfully capture the sweeping landscapes, the diverse species of the region, and the people who live nearby and who study the animals." — Horn Book Magazine

From the Publisher

07/19/2019

Gr 6 Up-This diary-like narrative immerses young people in the migration of wildebeest herds and the process of tracking them. Conversations among the safari team give the book a personalized feel that draws readers into the adventure. Wildebeests' bodies are designed for a life on the move, and close-ups of this most numerous of all the African antelopes show why the wildebeest is often described in unflattering terms—"goat-like beard, cow-like horns, and horse-like mane, it must have been made out of spare parts." Nevertheless, they manage to establish territories, mate, give birth, and care for their calves without staying anywhere for long in their seasonal cycle of following food and water. Colorful maps show their migration trail through Kenya and Tanzania and the path of the safari tracking them. Beginning with full-color endpapers of wildebeests gathering and grazing on the Serengeti, the photographs throughout highlight the myriad African animals and the people who work to protect them. A multiple page index with detailed entries for wildebeests will help students with report writing, and the selected bibliography will lead to more in-depth study of specific African trees, shrubs, mammals, and birds. VERDICT A celebration of the amazing wildebeests and African wildlife. Recommended for homework support.-Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Fairfax County Public Library, VA

School Library Journal

★ 2019-04-14
Montgomery journeys into the heart of the wildebeest migration with a wildlife biologist who has been studying these African mammals for more than 50 years.

Eleven chapters and a reflective epilogue chronicle a two-week visit to Tanzania's northern plains with a small group led by Richard Estes, "the guru of gnu." Montgomery, who has described many remarkable scientific field trips for the Scientists in the Field series, aims this report at older readers who can take in and act on her underlying message: "Throughout the Serengeti, our kind threatens the very survival of the migration we've come so far to witness." Tension heightens as the wildebeest hordes elude them for days. Finally, a dramatic car breakdown in the wilderness is followed by "immersion" in an ocean of migrating gnus—a climax that would be unbelievable in fiction. Setting this particular safari in a larger context, and heightening the suspense, are interspersed short segments about Serengeti wildlife, poachers' snares, the role of fire, "other magnificent migrants," and more. The overall design is inviting and appropriate to the subject. There are maps, plentiful photos of African animals, and pictures and minibiographies of Montgomery's all-white safari companions, both American and Tanzanian. Montgomery touches on the white-directed nature of much scientific research in Africa as well as pressures from colonialism and climate change but keeps her focus tightly on the wildebeest.

A splendid wildlife adventure skillfully conveyed. (acknowledgments, selected bibliography, note on wildebeest conservation and tourism, photo credits, index) (Nonfiction. 11-adult)

Kirkus Reviews