New Releases by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent

Prairie dogs are dubbed a keystone species for good reason. The burrows they dig for shelter and raising their families are used by dozens of other animals, from insects and spiders to rattlesnakes, salamanders, owls and more. The highly endangered black-footed ferret depends almost completely on prairie dogs for food, and may also live in their abandoned burrows. In addition, prairie dog activity makes the grass areas around their burrows especially nourishing for grazing animals like bison and pronghorn. With up to 150 species associated with prairie dogs, this keystone species plays a pivotal role in keeping the prairie healthy and thriving.

In this groundbreaking, exceptionally researched installment of the award-winning Scientists in the Field series, discover how lizards rapidly adapt to life in the Caribbean islands, allowing scientists to study Charles Darwin''s theory of evolution by natural selection in real time. Award-winning author Dorothy Hinshaw Patent joins forces with scientists/filmmakers Neil Losin and Nate Dappen, whose work is detailed in the Smithsonian Channel documentary "Laws of the Lizard," to explore how the small but mighty lizards we call "anoles" are used by scientists to study basic principles of evolution and ecology. Travel with the team to Florida and the Caribbean as they research how anoles followed similar but independent evolutionary paths on the four major islands of the Greater Antilles (Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, Jamaica, and Cuba). So while anoles on different islands may look like close relatives, they often are not! This is Darwin''s principle of natural selection at work. And it makes anoles the perfect subjects for experiments that study how animals adapt to new challenges--such as climate change--in this exciting and timely addition to a celebrated series.

Beavers are dubbed a keystone species for good reason. The dams they build create ponds and other wetlands that are habitat for everything from microscopic life to giant moose. Dorothy Hinshaw Patent''s inviting text introduces readers to the great variety of living things inhabiting beaver ponds, while exploring the pivotal role beavers play in making this diversity possible. Michael Runtz''s breathtaking photographs bring the beauty of these habitats to life, making readers feel as though they are right there beside him on the pond shore. Through AT HOME WITH THE BEAVER: THE STORY OF A KEYSTONE SPECIES, children will discover that by building a dam, beavers have not only created a home for themselves but have also provided a habitat for hundreds if not thousands of other life forms.

Dog lovers everywhere will enjoy this insightful, adorable, and fact-filled photographic picture-book exploration of why dogs really are a man''s best friend. It''s no secret that people and pups are best friends. But did you know that this special bond dates back tens of thousands of years? During that time, we have only grown closer. Now cutting-edge science is helping us learn why we''re so perfect together. Brain-imaging machines show how simply seeing you makes your dog''s brain light up in its reward center. And blood samples reveal how just a touch or a gaze between two devoted friends releases helpful hormones that de-stress both pooch and person. In fact, we really speak each other''s language--using pointing, barking, touch, and body movement. Dogs make our lives better in so many ways. They keep us safe, rescue us in disasters, and guide us when we can''t see. But a dog''s most important job is to be its person''s best friend. And as we learn more about the similarities of people and our four-legged friends, it''s clear we are truly made for each other. "By the time you finish this book, you''re ready to add a dog to your family." --Huffington Post

A "photo-essay about Eclipse, a dog who rides the bus to the dog park herself, became a viral sensation on social media and TV, and has become the mascot for the Seattle Transit Authority"--

A stunning addition to the Scientists in the Field series that explores mercury pollution found in the rivers and streams of Western Montana that might cause harm to humans--and the extinction of the entire osprey species.

Follows a survivor of the Michael Vick dog-fighting ring, the black pit bull terrier pup eventually named after World War II hero Audie Murphy, as he get socialized, undergoes surgery, trains in agility, and becomes a coach for other dogs.

Tells of the transformative period in the early 16th century when the Spaniards introduced horses to the Great Plains, and how horses became, and remain, a key part of the Plains Indians'' culture.

Yellowstone National Park''s majestic geologic wonders and remarkable wildlife draw millions of visitors each year. But there was a time when these natural treasures were in great danger, all because after years of unrestricted hunting, one key piece of the puzzle had been eliminated—the wolf. Now, more than a decade after scientists realized the wolves'' essential role and returned them to Yellowstone, the park''s natural balance is gradually being restored. The informative dual-level text and spectacular full-color photographs show the wolves in the natural habitat that was almost lost without them. Readers of all ages will be inspired by the delicate natural system that is Yellowstone.

Countless herds of majestic buffalo once roamed across the plains and prairies of North America. For at least 10,000 years, the native people hunted the buffalo and depended upon its meat and hide for their survival. But to the Indians, the buffalo was also considered sacred. They saw this abundant, powerful animal as another tribe, one that was closely related to them, and they treated it with great respect and admiration. Here, an award-winning nonfiction team traces the history of this relationship, from its beginnings in prehistory to the present. Deftly weaving social history and science, Dorothy Hinshaw Patent discusses how European settlers slaughtered the buffalo almost to extinction, breaking the back of Indian cultures. And she shows how today, as Indians are reviving their cultures, they are also restoring buffalo herds to the land. Featuring William Munoz’s stunning full-color photographs, supplemented with paintings by well-known artists, this book is an inspiring tale of a successful conservation effort. Author’s note, suggestions for further reading, index.

Describes the physical characteristics, habitats, hunting behaviors, and endangered status of a variety of wild cats around the world.

Tells how a golden retriever is trained as a service dog, to help someone who has trouble moving their arms or legs, and later as a guide dog for a man who cannot see.

Far to the north along the Pacific coast of Canada lies an area where abundant rainfall nourishes everything from bright green grasses and colorful wildflowers to ancient, towering cedar, spruce, and sitka trees. This rainforest is the perfect habitat for salmon and a wide variety of birds, insects, and animals, most notably a unique type of black bear called the spirit bear, which is sometimes clothed in creamy white fur and has become legendary among the First Nation people who live in the region. Noted naturalist Dorothy Hinshaw Patent describes the elusive spirit bear and its home, which is in danger of being destroyed by loggers and settlers as they clear-cut the ancient forests for lumber. Every part of the delicate ecosystem is threatened. But steps are now being taken to set aside a protected spirit bear sanctuary--a living museum where people could come and see the spirit bear''s realm. The beautiful, detailed watercolors by Deborah Milton will transport readers to this magnificent yet vanishing region.

Describes the physical characteristics and behavior of various kinds of tropical butterflies.

Describes the work of Charles Jonkel, a biologist who studied polar bears in the Arctic and primarily in Churchill, Manitoba.

Provides brief descriptions of a variety of animals living in the rain forest, including piranhas, jaguars, and macaws.

Ever since Earth was formed more than 4.5 billion years ago, the planet has been continuously shaped by dynamic forces. The most significant impact was made by the introduction of life. From the smallest single-cell organism to the most populous cities, living things--especially human beings--have had a profound effect on the planet. As a new millennium begins, conservation efforts are more important than ever for Earth''s survival. Authoritative text and dramatic photographs show how our role in shaping the Earth can be just as significant as the massive eruptions of volcanoes or the shifting of huge tectonic plates. GLOSSARY, INDEX.

Describes the destruction of Pompeii by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. and how its rediscovery nearly 1700 years later provided information about life in the Roman Empire.

Presents background information about the sinking of the Spanish galleon, Atocha, in 1622 and describes efforts to locate the wreck and successfully salvage its treasure more than 300 years later.

Describes the archaeological find of thousands of life-sized terra cotta warrior statues discovered in China, and discusses the emperor who had them created and placed in his tomb.

What is more exciting than somehow catching a glimpse of how things were long ago? This series, written by award-winning children''s book author Dorothy Patent, focuses on landmark discoveries and their significance.

Life on the prairie is depicted in this rhyming alphabet book.

"The book''s well-written text is right on the mark for the age group. A world map locates various frogs in rain forests on five continents on the colorful end-papers"("Booklist"). "Patent leaps into her topic straight off, captivating readers with such delicious factoids on rain forest frogs . . . sure to pull in those primary schoolers with a taste for the gruesome".--"The Bulletin of the Center for Children''s Books". Full color.

What is more exciting than somehow catching a glimpse of how things were long ago? This series, written by award-winning children''s book author Dorothy Patent, focuses on landmark discoveries and their significance.

Describes the physical characteristics, habitat, behavior, and life cycle of wild turkeys.

Describes the discovery and study of fossil records revealing the herding and nesting behavior of the dinosaur known as Maiasaura.

Discusses the paintings on the walls of Lascaux Cave in France including the cave''s discovery, its significance, and the efforts to preserve the paintings themselves.

Driven from their packs, two wolves meet, become companions, and form a new pack with their pups.

Describes efforts to save endangered animals from extinction by breeding them in captivity, teaching them survival skills, and then releasing them into the wild.