1491 (New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus).
By Charles C. Mann, Vintage Books, 2005 and 2006.
We are taught
in school and through the media that the indigenous people of the Western hemisphere
trod lightly on the land. Based on the experience of many of the early European
settlers that hypothesis seems to be true. The book 1491 opens our eyes to
another view of how things were. It tells of the people, their cities and
buildings, domesticated animals (few), agriculture (much) and the land itself.
This interesting volume is well worth the effort to read. Reviewed by Paul Emanuelsen, Docent, Detroit Zoo.
No One Has A Mom Like Mine. By Diane Brischke, AuthorHouse, 2007.
Detroit Zoo docent Diane Brischke
has created a book that is ideal for cuddling up with a little one and looking
at together. I really like that Diane used well chosen photographs of animal
mothers and their babies instead of the typical children’s book illustrations.
Children will learn what the animal really looks like and will be able to
identify them when they visit the zoo. “What one loves in childhood stays in
the heart forever” (Mary Jo Putney) and isn’t that what we docents all want to
be able to pass on to all children the love of animals? Reviewed by Janet
Rosenthal, Docent, Detroit Zoo.
Water for Elephants. By Sara Gruen,
Algonquin Books of
This book has
many levels and is well suited to book club discussions. Zoo volunteers will be
interested in the animal aspects of the tale. Some passages will make you
uncomfortable. You read of circus life during the Depression and the elephant
Rosie. Life is tough for everyone. Those who can’t work are thrown off the
train. The animal trainer is cruel. A close bond forms
between the man who tells the tale and Rosie. He does his best for her and
eventually they leave the circus. Recommended by Marion Stein, Docent, Detroit Zoo.
Buzzwords-
A Scientist Muses on Sex, Bugs and Rock ‘N’ Roll by May Berenbaum,
John Henry Press, 2000.
The book contains 4 sections of cartoons and essays in which
world-class scientist Berenbaum shares her passion in
terms we can understand. Topics include
“bugs in advertising” and misconceptions about insects. Laugh while you learn!- Patti Merhige,
Buffalo Gnus, 12/02, Buffalo Zoo,
Buffalo, NY.
Chicken Soup for the Volunteer’s Soul: Stories to Celebrate the Spirit of Courage, Caring and Community
Health Communications, 2002.
Read about yourself in this book which has sold over 65
million copies.- Zoo
Gnus, Sep/Oct ’02, The Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix, AZ.
The
Condor’s Shadow by David Wilcove
Bt Bound, 2001.
Mr. Wilcove examines ecosystems
throughout the US with a special focus on the balance of the ecosystems and the
impact of our ecological footprints (the physical impact human presence makes
on an ecosystem as we change it to meet our needs). Highly recommended.- Utica Zoo Docent Notes, 01/03, Utica Zoo, Utica, NY.
Dr.
Tatiana’s Sex Advice to All Creatures by Olivia Judson
Owl Books, 2003.
Written by the animal kingdom’s own “Dr. Ruth,” Judson ( an evolutionary biologist) answers potentially sticky
questions about sex in the animal world and explains what is bizarre for one
animal is the norm – and sometimes necessity- for another. A fascinating and
informative read.- Bobbie
Poor, docent, Volunteer News, Oct/Nov
’02, Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis, MO.
The
Family Butterfly Book By Rich Mikula
Storey Books, 2000.
Allow your whole family to connect with this marvelous group
of organisms. The author shows you how to identify, care for, and raise
butterflies in your own back yard. Brimming with photos, insights, tips and a
dozen projects, this book is deal for families, schools, community groups and
individuals who want to have fun with butterflies.- Cindy Pusateri,
Buffalo Gnus, 07/02, Buffalo Zoo,
Buffalo, NY.
The
Future of Life by Edward O. Wilson
Vintage Books, 2003.
If you have been looking for an ideal book to convince your
“environmentally unfriendly” acquaintances of the need for concern about
environmental destruction, this is the one. This newest work is a clear,
easy-to-understand, cleverly written tale about the current environmental degradation.
Wilson does weave a sad story of the present situation, but does so without
pointing the finger of blame at individual entities, but rather at the whole of
humanity. Although the future appears bleak, Wilson is optimistic and hopeful
that great steps to save our environment will be forthcoming. We can spread a
strong “save-the-environment” message and echo Wilson’s optimism. The book will
expand your knowledge with many little-known ecological examples. - Pat Meyer, All Creatures, Fall, 2002, Los Angeles
Zoo, Los Angeles, CA.
A
Land Remembered by Patrick Smith
Pineapple Press, 1998.
All about Florida wilderness and the
wildlife that freely roamed through the state.
It is a sweeping story of the land in Florida, how at first bare survival is
scratched from it and then how it is exploited far beyond human need. It is a
rich, rugged history of Florida’s pioneer spirit and natural world spanning
from about 1850-1950; an epic portrayal of three generations of a pioneer
family. It is an enthralling book if you’re interested in the state of Florida.- Barb
Markland, Guidelines,
12/02, Lowry Park Zoo, Tampa, FL.
The
Parrot’s Lament by Eugene Linden
EP Dutton, 1999.
Cat gallantry, elephant treachery, orca
ire- read all about it in this collection of nearly 200 stories of animal
humor, games, deception and scheming, as well as tales of compassion, heroism
and love. Stories are taken from interviews with
zookeepers, researchers, therapists and trainers. - Cindy Pusateri,
Buffalo Gnus, 01/03, Buffalo Zoo,
Buffalo, NY.
Skeletons
That Fit by Margaret W. Merrill
Putnam Pub Group Library, 1978.
Ms. Merrill explains in clear and simple language how each
animal has a special bone structure that enables it to live in its environment.
She includes invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. A
children’s book, interesting to adults as well.– June Wilcox, Docent
Doings, 11/01, Memphis Zoo and
Aquarium, TN.
This
Is the Tree
by Miriam Moss
Kane/Miller Book Pub, 2000.
The author was a teacher in Kenya. The tree, of course, is
the wonderful Baobab tree. This is a factual story about the wildlife that
lives in, and feeds off of, the tree. The book is full of interesting facts
like Baobab leaves are high in Vitamin C and are used for soup. Children will
be able to be entertained and educated at the same time.- Charlotte Powell, DOCENT data, Fall ’02, Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia, PA.
Wild
Health: How Animals Keep Themselves Well and What We Can Learn From Them by
Cindy Engel
Houghton Mifflin Co., 2002.
There is a new field of biology called zoopharmacognosy;
the study of animal self-medication. Engle's field observations and lab studies
make for eye-opening reading. Wild Health offers some tips for human
consumption, too. For instance, is there really something to the saying
"starve a fever"? I’ve talked to visitors about how capuchin monkeys
use millipedes to kill germs on their skin -a disgustingly good tale. Perhaps I
could mention that moose roll in clay and bears rub on resinous trees to heal
wounds. Lots of fun, interesting facts in this
well-researched book. -Sue
Allen, Docent, Docent Newsletter,
06/02, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, OH.
You’re
an Animal, Viskovitz!
by Alessandro Boffa
Knopf, 2002.
This is a collection of very short stories, all told in the
first person by Viskovitz, who is a different animal
in each chapter/story. The common theme
running through all of the stories is the quest to propagate the species. Each story has a bizarre twist that I never
saw coming.
The descriptions are very thorough and quite accurate from
what I could tell. A knowledge of animals is very
helpful in understanding the stories and the humor behind them. The entire book
can be read in a few hours, but be warned—once you get started, you will not
want to stop! - Ed
Novotny, Docent, Zoofari News, 11/02, Houston Zoo, Houston, TX.
12/28/07
Bookreviewsnew.htm