Frances Backhouse
Frances Backhouse studied biology in university and worked as a park naturalist and as a biologist before becoming an environmental journalist and author. Her six previous books include Once They Were Hats: In Search of the Mighty Beaver and Children of the Klondike, which won the 2010 City of Victoria Butler Book Prize. She lives in Victoria, British Columbia, with her partner, Mark Zuehlke, who is also a writer. Frances loves exploring the natural world both close to home and far away, especially when those explorations involve tent-camping. If there’s a beaver habitat nearby, it’s even better.
Kids Books (3)
Synopsis:
By cutting trees and building dams, beavers shape landscapes and provide valuable wetland homes for many plants and animals. These radical rodents were once almost hunted to extinction for their prized fur, but today we are building a new relationship with them, and our appreciation of the benefits they offer as habitat creators and water stewards is growing. Packed with facts and personal stories, this book looks at the beaver’s biology and behavior and illuminates its vital role as a keystone species. The beaver’s comeback is one of North America’s greatest conservation success stories and Beavers: Radical Rodents and Ecosystem Engineers introduces readers to the conservationists, scientists and young people who are working to build a better future for our furry friends.
Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the Orca Wild series that examines the intricacies of animals, ecosystems, humans and our relationships to each other.
Recommended for ages 9 to 12.
As beaver populations recover, conflicts between beavers and humans are increasing. This book offers practical solutions that are good for both beavers and humans.
Recent studies have highlighted the ability of beavers to help mitigate the effects of climate change, particularly drought, flooding and wildfires.
Beavers are fascinating animals with a high recognition factor (their buckteeth and flat tail are unmistakable) and beaver kits are irresistibly cute.
Additional Information
128 pages | 7.50" x 9.00"
Synopsis:
Bison are North America’s largest land animals.
Some 170,000 wood bison once roamed northern regions, while at least 30 million plains bison trekked across the rest of the continent. Almost driven to extinction in the 1800s by decades of slaughter and hunting, this ecological and cultural keystone species supports biodiversity and strengthens the ecosystems around it. Bison: Community Builders and Grassland Caretakers celebrates the traditions and teachings of Indigenous Peoples and looks at how bison lovers of all backgrounds came together to save these iconic animals. Learn about the places where bison are regaining a hoof-hold and meet some of the young people who are welcoming bison back home.
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 12.
This book is part of the Orca Wild series that examines the intricacies of animals, ecosystems, humans and our relationships to each other.
This STEAM title examines the biology and habitat of bison, their role as a keystone species, their importance to Indigenous cultures, conservation efforts, and how kids can take action to protect bison in the future.
Reading Levels:
Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient: W
Lexile measure: 1020L
Guided Reading Level: W
Contains some Indigenous content, such as a contribution from Kaleya Blackbird Runns from the Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation in Saskatchewan, as well as information on the bison's importance to many Indigenous cultures in North America.
Additional Information
96 pages | 7.50" x 9.00" | 96 colour photographs, 2 maps, 1 index, 1 bibliography | Hardcover
Synopsis:
Grizzlies are one of North America’s most iconic wildlife species.
They once roamed across half the continent, but today the grizzly population has declined at an alarming rate and it is incredibly difficult to rebuild those numbers, especially in places with a lot of people. Yet grizzlies are key members of their ecological communities and a powerful symbol of wilderness. Filled with facts and richly illustrated with photos, Grizzly Bears: Guardians of the Wilderness explores the biology of grizzlies and the vital ecological role these bears play, and it asks readers to consider what it takes to share the land with them. Learn from conservationists, scientists, Indigenous Peoples and young people who are working to ensure that grizzlies will be with us forever.
Reviews
Offers kid-friendly explanations...An important book for helping kids see past the stereotypes of terrifying grizzly bears and join the call for conservation.” — School Library Journal, starred review
“A high level of expertise, up-to-date research, thorough topic treatment and appealing presentation…Readers will come to appreciate a magnificent creature's struggles to maintain its place on this planet that we share. Highly Recommended.” — CM: Canadian Review of Materials
“This phenomenal book is a must for anyone with even the slightest interest in bears. Even someone who isn't particularly interested in learning more about grizzlies likely won’t be able to resist being drawn in. Highly Recommended.” — School Library Connection
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 12.
This book is part of the Orca Wild series that examines the intricacies of animals, ecosystems, humans and our relationships to each other.
Includes some Indigenous content.
A free, downloadable poster is available: Poster - Grizzly Bears: Guardians of the Wilderness
Additional Information
96 pages | 7.50" x 9.00" | Hardcover
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