If you've been to Isle Royale and want to know more about the wolves, then I highly recommend this book. Most visitors to Isle Royale hope to see a wolf, and most visitors leave the island disappointed. Isle Royale is the closest thing to a closed system to study a predator-prey relationship, and is the site of one of the longest running field studies. The book has some good stories about conducting research on Isle Royale, including the winter study when the research team are the only people in the park. It also provides some insight into how theories about the wolf-moose relationship are still evolving after years of research. It also discusses the challenges the researchers faced when the wolf population took a nosedive in the late 1980's, and ponders the question of what should be done if the wolves die out on IR. This book is several years old now, so if you're interested in more recent data, contact the IR Natural History Association [URL] to get the latest report.

I've been interested in the moose and wolves of Isle Royale since visiting the island in the early 1990s. While I spotted plenty of moose (swimming in the lakes, jumping out of the bushes in front of us on the trail, etc.), the wolves remained hidden--a mystery.

Fortunately, Rolf Peterson writes brilliantly of the side of Isle Royale that many of us will never glimpse. Peterson's work switches easily between the science and the 'experience' of studying wolves in a remote setting. The book is chock full of interesting anectodes collected from Peterson's many seasons studying the island's flora and fauna. From landing a bush plane in a white-out to dragging moose carcasses through the woods, Peterson gives us an interesting look at the what being a field scientist might be like.

It's important to note that this book is not just about wolves. Indeed, so many environmental factors shape life on Isle Royale outside of its 'headlining' mammals (moose and wolves): from beaver to fox, from spruce to elder. Peterson does a great job of explaining how the changing environment (some human-induced, some not) has impacted the island's populations.

The book also has some excellent photographs, which illustrate not only the science, but also the beauty that is Isle Royale! Highly recommended.

This book has every thing drama humor and just about trying to save a beautifal anamal.the author is a respected man of science and with that you get brilant writing and great photos of the wonderful canis lupis (wolf).So If you are a wolf person like me or just someone looking for a good read it's all in this book.

I just took this book to Yellowstone and found it indispensible! We quickly gave up using the official park guides to the various geyser basins and relied on this book to tell us all about the different geysers and their histories. The book is packed with information about the history of Yellowstone. It even has a flora and fauna guide! Included are lists of suggested sights to see, hikes to take, driving distances, road maps (but no topo maps), discussions about how geysers work, the Yellowstone caldera, the 1988 fires, where to stay, etc. The book is printed on nice paper and the photos are in full color. This is really an indispensible book to bring along on your next visit to Yellowstone!

Janet Chapple's Yellowstone Treasures: The Traveler's Companion To The National Park (together with its companion website www.yellowstonetreasure.com) is the quintessential guide to the oldest national park in America. The second largest national park (after Death Valley), it is also the most varied park in the continental United States. This impressive and comprehensive guide showcases all the places of interest to be found along Yellowstone's 350 miles of park roads. Information is provided on the geological and historical background of the area, including geyser basins, wildlife-viewing spots, waterfalls, and unique vistas. The supplemental website provides practical advice on trip planning, descriptions of the seasons, and up-to-date information on hot springs, striped mountains, and even alpine windflowers. If you are planning a visit, then begin with a careful reading of Yellowstone Treasures and checking out its remarkable and "user friendly" website.

This is a handy and detailed guide to Yellowstone with descriptions of the Park's features arranged by the five main roadway entrances: West, South, East, Northeast, and North, plus the Bechler Region.

For each approach there is a full color map with icons symbolizing the main attractions, facilities, trails and so forth. The guide then takes you mile by fraction of mile with a description of the historical, geological and natural features you will encounter. There is also a historical chronology, a discussion of the wildlife, an chapter on the 1998 fires, and a lot of useful travel phone numbers and tips.

The inset maps, pictures, and sidebar stories are wonderfully presented-- when you look at this book you will be drooling to visit the Park! It is beautiful, and the solid fund of information makes it a good buy at only twenty bucks. The geologic explanations are particularly neat.

This is a guide that will suit educated visitors (and daydream wanderers) who have want to know the story behind the major and minor sights. You may need a more tourist oriented guide if you want detailed info on in-park and near-park lodgings and places to eat. Death in Yellowstone: Accidents and Foolhardiness in the First National Park by Lee H. Whittlesey would make a fine counterpart to Yellowstone Treasures.

Travelling by trailer, motorhome, or fifth wheel throughout the United States can be the most exciting, educational, exhilerating adventure possible. But if you don't have the right kinds of information, that travel can also be a big bust. Trailer Life Directory supplies just about all the necesary information you will need to locate any RV park, from rustic campground to palacious resort, anywhere in the U.S. You'll find directions on how to get to a RV park, what that park offers in way of living and recreational facilities, size of RV sites, cost, whether you can have Fido with you or not, if there is a laundry available, etc. The directory also has information on military RV parks (Fam-Camps)in a special section, as well as the location for RV service centers nearby and LP gas sales. Maps of every state, indicating locations of RV parks, is included.

Anyone who enjoys camping MUST have this "bible"! It lists campsites from all over the USA, as well as rates them. It tells you how many sites are available, as well as electric, sewage, and water hookups!

A definite must-have for any camper!

There are several books of photographs of Central Park on the store shelves. This one stands out. The photos in 212 Views are stunning. You feel as if you are standing right there, you imagine you will feel the fresh air on your face as you turn the page! The text is like a well-informed friend who accompanies you, the reader, through Central Park, sharing select details about the history and design of the Park and adding layers of depth to your immediate sensory appreciation of the Park. Whether you are a frequent user of Central Park, an occasional visitor, or an arm chair stroller, experiencing the park only through the pages of the book, I highly recommend 212 Views. It's a great gift for the holidays, too. (I bought copies for my exercise partner who loves fast-walking in the Park and for my mother!)

New York residents and visitors will treasure these vivid photos and charming essays infused by a love of the city and its showcase park. "Views" will entertain and educate readers, and encourage their explorations. Enjoy!

Poetry has gone out of fashion in our obsession with things that take no work and require no thought. Recently my wife and I hosted a dinner in Washington at which Jack spoke. He read from and commented on his poems. For an old broadcast journalist to attempt something like this before an audience of other, mostly cynical journalists was very brave, indeed. But Jack brought it off in a way that had people listening respectfully and then responding enthusiastically. Many promised to immediately purchase their own copies. Whatever relationship you may or may not have with Maine, "Acadia" will do something for your heart that few other contemporary books can do. I highly recommend it as a gift, or for your own consumption and enjoyment. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

I became aware of this book by seeing Jack Perkins interviewed on Maine Public Television about it. It was a wonderful interview and he read some of his poems and explained how the book came to be. It has always been a secret hope of mine that I might bump into Jack some place in Maine, but it has not happened yet. The next best thing is to own his book, and then he can talk to you and share his vision of this unique area of our lovely state. His talent is not limited to his high profile experiences in television journalisim for NBC. He is an accomplished photographer and poet and he has a wonderful heart.

"Adirondack Mammals" is a wonderful publication that goes into depth on the behaviors of the mammals that make the Adirondack Mountains their habitat. All the information you'll want to know about the animals of the park is in this book.

Adirondack Mammals is a thorough guide to the animals of the Adirondacks. If you would like to know what month a certain mammal gives birth to its young, or what a certain mammal eats, this is a great guide to have. There are 54 mammals included in all and they range from tiny mice to the moose. This guide is a necessity to people who live in , or plan on visiting the Adirondacks.

I loved this book on several levels. For one, it was short and simple and every word was right. For another, I have read many paddle trip narratives such as Running the Amazon by Joe Kane and Water and Sky by Alan Kesselheim. They also talk about the adventure and the surrounding history. But this is in a class by itself, a gentle canoe trip, if you will, taking on the amenities and lack of them in the nation's biggest park east of the Mississippi. I have only been to the Adirondacks a few times and been impressed by their beauty. But when I go back, and I hope I do, I will know so much more.

Christine Jerome not only covers the trips of G. W. Sears through the Adirandack but she covers the rich history of the region in detail. An excellent book for more than the canoe enthusiast.

Photographer Carl E. Hellman has crafted a collection of Adirondack photographs that continue to fascinate page after page. All aspects of this remarkable region are well represented from the wildest of waterways and majectic peaks to the outlying areas of cozy farms and inland towns. By far the most amazing photographs are those in wide-screen format - much wider than anything this reviewer has seen elsewhere. Ranging from awe-filled aerial views from high peaks in all seasons to the intimate settings of bogs and marshes, Hellman captures the mood of these mountains. Mist shrouded ponds, newly falling snow, green glimpses through mature virgin forests and close-ups from lady-slippers to primeval bogs; the viewer is mesmerized. Overwhelming beauty and the calm feeling of a lonely untouched wilderness is caught everywhere. This is a collector's item to cherish all year long.

I was privilaged to be present at the slide show presented by Carl Heilman at the annual Adirondack Club dinner last autumn. Many exquisite pictures from this book were shown. Mr. Heilman has captured the true spirit of dawn in the mountains, children leaping with joy , winter landscapes, and especially the wild creatures that most of us may never be patient enough to discover in their natural homes.Many shots exhibit a seemingly impossible depth of field sharply focusing on both a spider web in the foreground and Mount Marcy in the background. The book is full of beautiful images not to be missed!

Vastly expanded my consciousness regarding the desert I love. A beautifully written book based on a tremendous amount of personal experience, research, and soul searching.

A near-perfect blend of anthropology, geology, human and natural history, it is the thorough overview of the Anza-Borrego Desert that I was looking for. There is no preaching or strong advocacy for either conservation or exploitation of the region, but rather a balanced presentation of the various viewpoints of a surprisingly large number of stakeholders. The easy-going tone and pacing make for an enjoyable read. There is a storytelling quality about the writing that drew and held my attention firmly but pleasantly. There was enough technical detail to flesh out the themes but not so much detail that I felt overwhelmed. The only exception was the chapter on the Salton Sea which included, perhaps necessarily, quite a bit of information on past and current politics regarding the handling of this unique area. While there were parts of the book that challenged my previous impression of the desert as "untouched" and "pristine" - and made me wonder if I really wanted that impression challenged - ultimately my attraction to the desert became more informed, not spoiled.

Alex "skinnybones" is back for more in this hilarious sequel to Skinnybones. Alex has won a contest and is going to star in a TV commercial. The anticipation of this event has Alex filled with ideas for his upcoming fame and celebrity. He fantasizes about signing autographs and his future in show business. However, as Alex finds out, it's not always a done deal! Alex is hilarious in this return of Barbara Park's story about "dreams" and reality. She really knows how to pack the laugh- out-loud moments in all her comedic offerings. I have never known a child not to almost "roll on the floor" with laughter. If your child reads this book, and you are listening, you will be granted a wonderful memory of your child's delight in books!

I first read Skinnybones, the first book, a number of years ago in fifth grade. It was the first book to really excite me about reading. I jumped at the opportunity to read this sequel. It delivered. Park has a way of writing that is right on the same wavelength as the kid reading. Her characters are real, fun, something that anyone can identify with. She is also zany and just tons of fun. It's a laugh out loud. This is the perfect book for a child who usually prefers TV to reading.