Early Audiobook Review: After the Forest by Kell Woods, Narrated by Esther Wane

After the Forest by Kell Woods, with the audiobook narrated by Esther Wane, is currently scheduled for release on October 3 2023. Twenty years after the witch in the gingerbread house, Greta and Hans are struggling to get by. Their mother and stepmother are long dead, Hans is deeply in debt from gambling, and the countryside lies in ruin, its people starving in the aftermath of a brutal war. Greta has a secret, though: the witch's grimoire, secreted away and whispering in Greta's ear for the past two decades, and the recipe inside that makes the best gingerbread you've ever tasted. As long as she can bake, Greta can keep her small family afloat. But in a village full of superstition, Greta and her mysteriously addictive gingerbread, not to mention the rumors about her childhood misadventures, is a source of gossip and suspicion. And now, dark magic is returning to the woods and Greta's magic—magic she is still trying to understand—may be the only thing that can save her. If it doesn't kill her first.

After the Forest takes a unique look at several fairy tales, and ties the together. I have seen this done before, but not with this particular set of tales or quite so thoroughly. I liked getting to see Greta and Hans grown up (for the most part) and how their lives have continued on, and how life has progressed for the poor people struggling to survive. I liked the blend of real life, struggle, and magic. I thought the characters were well built, and while I often disagreed with their choices or words, I fully understood what they took that path. There were some moments that I thought Greta was far too naïve or overlooking what I thought was obvious, but I have to admit that the ride was quite the adventure. I was emotionally invested as I listened, and even when it was over I found myself thinking about the story and the characters. I would definitely read a follow up book about what comes next for several sets of characters. 

After the Forest is a engaging and entertaining read that ties together a collection of classic fairy tales in a new way, with a different look at 'ever after'. 

Early Book Review: Bringing Back the Wolves: How a Predator Restored an Ecosystem by Jude Isabella

Bringing Back the Wolves: How a Predator Restored an Ecosystem by Jude Isabella is a nonfiction book for children that is currently scheduled for release on March 3 2020.  An unintended experiment in Yellowstone National Park, in which an ecosystem is devastated and then remarkably rehabilitated, provides crucial lessons about nature's intricate balancing act. In the 1800s, hunters were paid by the American government to eliminate threats to livestock on cattle ranches near Yellowstone National Park. They did such a good job that, by 1926, no gray wolf packs were left in the park. Over the following decades, virtually every other part of the park's ecosystem was affected by the loss of the wolves --- from the animals who were their prey, to the plants that were the food for that prey, to the streams that were sheltered by those plants --- and the landscape was in distress. So, starting in 1995, in an attempt to reverse course, the government reintroduced gray wolves to the park. Over time, animal populations stabilized, waterways were restored and a healthy ecosystem was recreated across the land. It's a striking transformation, and a fascinating tale of life's complicated interdependencies. Jude Isabella's thoroughly researched, expert-reviewed text and Kim Smith's beautiful nature art bring science to life in this captivating story of renewal. Readers will recognize just how complex an ecosystem is and learn about the surprising interconnectedness of its members. Biodiversity, ecosystems, the food chain, habitats, needs of living things and the importance of human stewardship of the environment are all covered through this real-life example, offering direct links to earth and life science curriculums. Food web infographics help reinforce the information. A glossary and index add to the book's usefulness.

Bringing Back the Wolves: How a Predator Restored an Ecosystem is a well researched and written book about the reestablishment of wolves at Yellowstone. I have seen a few documentaries on the subject, since my daughter has been obsessed with wolves for years. I had a general understanding of the subject, but that is not necessary to understand the book. The information is framed in narratives and written so that it is easily accessible and understood without talking down to readers or sounding condescending. The information was well paced, and the accompanying artwork added a great deal to my understanding and will be very useful for visual learners. I learned some information that was new to me, and was reminded of how small changes can have a large effect on the world. This is something that I think readers of all ages could learn and be reminded of on a regular basis. I was glad to see a glossary, resources, and an index in the endpapers. I think this book could be a good addition to public, school, and classroom libraries. 

Book Review: Erik the Lone Wolf by Sarah Finan

Erik the Lone Wolf is a picturebook written and illustrated by Sarah Finan. Being a wolf means sticking with the pack. Everyone knows that – except for Erik, one little wolf cub who dreams of setting off on his own adventure all by himself!  But will life as a lone wolf be everything he hoped, or will he miss the rough and tumble of the pack?

Erik the Lone Wolf is a picturebook that shows the importance of family and a support system. Erik is tired of following everyone else's rules and just wants to do his own thing. We have all been there, no matter our age. However, he discovers that it is not always the best idea and that he does need the help and support of his pack. The story was cute, as were the illustrations. However, I wanted more. I think that Erik and his pack could have gotten to the ending with a little more learned, like Erik getting a little more independence from his family while still enjoying their closeness. The idea that going it alone is danger and disaster makes for people unwilling to take risks, if the lesson were more about being smart about those risks, and actually learning something from it and finding balance I would appreciate the book more. 

Early Book Reviews: Wolf Sanctuary: The Wolves of Speedwell Forge by Chuck Rineer

Wolf Sanctuary: The Wolves of Speedwell Forge by Chuck Rineer is both a photography collection and a non fiction book about the wolves of Speedwell Forge Wolf Sanctuary.It is currently scheduled for release on April 28 2018.

Speedwell Forge Wolf Sanctuary is a refuge for displaced wolves in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania. Through the images readers can experience wolves at work and play, and encounter their howls and growls close up. Since 2007, Chuck Rineer has photographed the packs in their natural habitat, displaying a connection and respect for their way of life that few of us will experience. See the hidden details of wolf life, and go behind-the-scenes of this special sanctuary. Learn how the newest wolves are integrated into the packs, something rarely seen by human eyes, and follow all the wolves through the different seasons of the year. Full of stunning photographs, stories, and insights into pack behavior, this is a must-have book for those who have been captivated by wolves from afar and long for the chance to see these majestic animals up close and personal.

Wolf Sanctuary: The Wolves of Speedwell Forge has some wonderful photographs and very interesting  information about this sanctuary, it staff, and the wolves. It was a well organized and worded collection of information- with some pictures that might seem commonplace, but others that are startling. My daughter is wolf obsessed, and I have always been a fan, so I have done my fair share of wolf research. However, getting to see the current state of a wolf sanctuary, and some of the work and people involved behind the scenes was moving. I enjoyed getting to see all that is involved in the lives of the wolves, and what goes into keeping them safe and happy without encroaching on their natural behaviors. I have a feeling this might become a household favorite, but fear that requests for a road trip will soon follow.