Wild Tracks!: A Guide to Nature's Footprints

by Jim Arnosky

Overview

Author and artist Jim Arnosky has created a breathtaking reference on animal tracks, filled with intricately drawn prints from creatures both wild and domestic. Best of all, many of the tracks are true to size, so kids can compare the tracks left by a big polar bear with that of a small bird. Four gatefolds display paintings of a bobcat, wolf, deer, and a variety of hoofed animals right next to their prints.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781454914723
Publisher:	Sterling Children's Books
Publication date:	06/09/2015
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	11.00(w) x 8.80(h) x 0.30(d)
Age Range:	6 - 10 Years

About the Author

Jim Arnosky has written and illustrated more than 100 books and been honored for his contribution to children's literature. He received the first lifetime achievement award for Excellence in Science Illustration from the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Washington Post/Children's Book Guild Award for nonfiction. Many of his books are ALA Notable Books, and he has collected numerous starred reviews. Jim lives in South Ryegate, VT, but travels all over the US for school and library visits. Visit jimarnosky.com to learn more.

Editorial Reviews

*"This is a splendid example of Arnosky's skill at making natural history come alive for young readers.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
 

"...a terrific beginning field guide...the uniformly lovely illustrations and the compelling concept make this a book that young naturalists will enjoy year-round." —Booklist
 

*"Arnosky’s infectious enthusiasm for nature is evident...The author invites readers to notice the variations among the tracks of different animals native to North America and the ways that the tracks of individual species can change and fool us. Readers learn that bears walking on slippery surfaces splay their toes so that their tracks give the impression of a larger animal. Arnosky lets children in on these insiders’ tips with the amiable tone of a knowledgeable guide. Three kinds of illustrations support the text. The left side of each spread displays one of the artist’s signature paintings with a colorful setting backing up a precisely rendered animal. Pencil sketches of rows of tracks with measurements hint at the notebook he keeps (and surely hopes that his young readers will keep as well). Finally, life-size paintings of indented prints serve as a guide for readers lucky enough to find an animal track for comparison. Four fold-out pages add to the appeal of the book as a package...this new entry is worthy of purchase for its inviting format and its promising premise that kids can find tracks, interpret them, and have a great time outdoors." —School Library Journal, starred review 

 
 
2009 ALA Notable
Named to 2008 School Library Journal's Best Books of the Year List
Winner of the 2008 ASPCA® Henry Bergh Children’s Book Award in the Nonfiction Environment and Ecology category



*"This is a splendid example of Arnoskys skill at making natural history come alive for young readers.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
 

"...a terrific beginning field guide...the uniformly lovely illustrations and the compelling concept make this a book that young naturalists will enjoy year-round." —Booklist
 

*"Arnosky’s infectious enthusiasm for nature is evident...The author invites readers to notice the variations among the tracks of different animals native to North America and the ways that the tracks of individual species can change and fool us. Readers learn that bears walking on slippery surfaces splay their toes so that their tracks give the impression of a larger animal. Arnosky lets children in on these insiders’ tips with the amiable tone of a knowledgeable guide. Three kinds of illustrations support the text. The left side of each spread displays one of the artist’s signature paintings with a colorful setting backing up a precisely rendered animal. Pencil sketches of rows of tracks with measurements hint at the notebook he keeps (and surely hopes that his young readers will keep as well). Finally, life-size paintings of indented prints serve as a guide for readers lucky enough to find an animal track for comparison. Four fold-out pages add to the appeal of the book as a package...this new entry is worthy of purchase for its inviting format and its promising premise that kids can find tracks, interpret them, and have a great time outdoors." —School Library Journal, starred review 

 
 
2009 ALA Notable
Named to 2008 School Library Journals Best Books of the Year List
Winner of the 2008 ASPCA® Henry Bergh Children’s Book Award in the Nonfiction Environment and Ecology category

From the Publisher