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.

Gorgeous photographs, and clear text introduce readers to the effects of climate change on the pika and on other life-forms in the high mountains.

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.

Celebrates the bond between humans and their canine companions, discussing scientific insights that demonstrate how sharing one''s life with a dog reduces stress, provides companionship, and increases safety.--

Humans have relied on the strength, speed, and endurance of the horse for more than nine thousand years, utilizing them for work, warfare, entertainment, and companionship. Throughout history, humans have shown how much they admire and respect these animals through decoration and embellishment. Divided into three sections—Warfare and Hunting, Performance and Competition, and Ceremony and Celebration—this book introduces readers to the many ways humans have used and honored horses. Their decorations highlight how important horses are to various people, from the symbolic paintings that the Plains Indians used to decorate their battle and hunting companions to silks and flowers awarded to thoroughbreds in competition to the colorful, playful costumes adorning the horses that pull painted carts through the streets of Sicily to honor saints. Jeannie Brett’s action-packed illustrations highlight the beauty and care that humans have taken when creating decoration for their horses, incorporating cultural significance, celebratory beauty, and respected ferocity.

Kids are invited to explore and discover the northern plains through the eyes and ears of a bison calf.

A dog''s nose is 300 times more powerful than a human nose, so it''s no wonder that dogs use their incredibly advanced sense of smell to do some very important jobs. Dorothy Hinshaw Patent explores the various ways specific dogs have put their super sniffing ability to use: from bedbug sniffers to explosive detectors to life-saving allergy detectors . . . and more. This dynamic photo-essay includes first-hand accounts from the people who work closely with these amazing dogs.

Homesteading: Settling America�s Heartland describes the trials, tragedies, and triumphs of the brave pioneer families who set out into the unknown to create a home on the vast, desolate grasslands of the Great Plains. The Homestead Act of 1862 offered, practically free, a 160-acre plot to anyone willing to develop it. Hundreds of men, women, and children took advantage of the opportunity to build a home, a farm, and a while new life on the western prairie. The homesteader�s life could be harsh. The Great Plains had few resources, unpredictable weather, and numerous dangers. Nevertheless, many stalwart Americans and immigrants took up the challenge. Many failed, but others survived and eventually thrived, opening the way for generations of Westerners to come. Kids and adults alike will delight in this engaging short history, beautifully illustrated with full-color photographs by William Mu�

In times of war, these brave dogs serve their country proudly

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.

Describes the anatomy, life cycle, and behavior of the white-tailed deer.

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.

Go on a journey that begins with a few drops of rain on the dry desert floor. Using the Sonoran Desert as an example, Life in a Desert examines the physical features, processes, and many different species of plants and animals that make up a unique desert ecosystem. Find out about the impact of humans on this delicate ecosystem and what is being done to save it. Book jacket.

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

Describes the black-footed ferret, an endangered mammal from Montana, Wyoming, and North Dakota, and discusses efforts to preserve it.

Retraces the Lewis and Clark journey and blends their observations of previously unknown animals with modern information about those same animals.

Just in time for the 200th anniversary of Lewis and Clark''s expedition, the award-winning author of more than 100 nonfiction books for children, Dorothy Hinshaw Patent, joins photographer William Munoz to capture the contrast between the American West "then and now, " aided by old prints, photos, and paintings. Full color.

Describes the physical characteristics, habits, and behavior of llamas.

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 physical characteristics, diet, natural habitat, and life cycle of polar bears.

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.

Incorporating the latest scientific findings and her own experiences in Manitoba, Dorothy Patent discusses this powerful and intelligent animal''s life cycle, imperiled status, and special relationship with humans. Anne Wertheim''s expressive artwork captures the splendor of the polar bear and the beauty of its ice-covered world. Notable Children''s Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies 2000, National Council for SS & Child. Book Council Incorporating the latest scientific findings and her own experiences in Manitoba, Dorothy Patent discusses this powerful and intelligent animals life cycle, imperiled status, and special relationship with humans. Anne Wertheims expressive artwork captures the splendor of the polar bear and the beauty of its ice-covered world.

Discusses the habits and life cycle of prairie dogs and examines their place in the ecology of the prairie. "Useful and consistently interesting." -- Kirkus Reviews

"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.