Wild at Heart: The Story of Olaus and Mardy Murie, Defenders of Nature

by Evan Griffith, Anna Bron (Illustrator)

Overview

Mardy and Olaus Murie fell in love in—and with—Alaska. Then set out on an adventure across the Arctic for Olaus's work as a biologist, encountering the beauty and danger of the wilds along the way. They learned from Indigenous communities to appreciate the interconnectedness of all living creatures and understood that the way humans were moving in on wild land was threatening the natural world. So they shifted the focus of their work to conservation, fighting to protect the land and animals—and lobbying for the creation of what finally became the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, nine thousand square miles of protected land!

Mardy and Olaus's story of passion and hard work will inspire all readers to fan their spark of purpose into flame. Backmatter includes additional information on Mardy and Olaus, their legacy, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and more.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781534112919
Publisher:	Sleeping Bear Press
Publication date:	08/01/2024
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	419,686
Product dimensions:	9.00(w) x 11.00(h) x (d)
Lexile:	970L (what's this?)
Age Range:	7 - 8 Years

About the Author

Evan Griffith is the author of several books for young readers, including the nonfiction picture book Secrets of the Sea: The Story of Jeanne Power, Revolutionary Marine Scientist and the novels Manatee Summer and The Strange Wonders of Roots. His stories often draw upon his love of nature and animals.

Anna Bron is an illustrator based out of Vancouver, Canada. She studied traditional hand-drawn animation at Sheridan College and upon graduation embarked on a manifold freelance career, producing award winning children’s picture books, as well as directing and designing numerous short animated films. Her love of the wilderness runs deep in her family, her parents having first met in the Siberian woods. She grew up sleeping in snow caves, climbing mountains, and canoeing rivers and lakes. When she is not drawing, she is exploring the coast mountains of British Colombia. She lives with her partner and two budgies.

Editorial Reviews

Booklist Starred Review! This picture book starring two of the first environmental activists has enough wolves-are-circling danger, David-versus-Goliath conflict, and stunning graphics to keep readers riveted throughout...Both gripping and inspiring.

Booklist - Connie Fletcher

Their legacy of study and stewardship will inspire all nature lovers.

Danielle Ballantyne

2024-08-30
Griffith and Bron pay tribute to two biologists whose advocacy spurred the creation of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska and other protected areas across the United States.

Olaus and Mardy Murie bonded over a shared love of the outdoors; they married in 1924. After years of travel, they became staunch and successful advocates for establishing wildlife preserves. While Griffith’s account is inspiring, Bron’s intricate, graceful illustrations may prove the stronger draw. She depicts the couple hiking through rugged northerly landscapes to observe wild creatures in their natural habitats, dancing around a remote campfire beneath starry skies, or animatedly sharing stories and insights with attentive groups—of bears and other beasts, as well as racially diverse human audiences. Throughout, the pages light up with the joy the Muries took in being together, in being outside, and in being links in a wondrous “chain of life.” Commendably, the author, too, is meticulous. His backmatter includes more biographical detail about the Muries (with photos), acknowledges the help they received from local Inuit and Ojibwe residents, and notes frankly that Olaus most likely “collected” Indigenous ancestral remains (which are currently being repatriated) and animal specimens for museums. Griffith leaves it to readers to decide whether that’s a permanent blot on an otherwise admirable legacy.

A moving salute to lives lived in service to nature. (map, bibliography)(Picture-book biography. 7-9)

Kirkus Reviews