West Coast Wild Babies

In this second book in the West Coast Wild series, readers will meet the baby animals born in the pristine wilderness of the Pacific west coast, including land and marine mammals, fish, birds and amphibians.

It’s spring on the Pacific west coast and new life is stirring! Wild babies are being born — in the ocean, on the shore and deep inside the ancient rainforest. Wolf pups, cougar kittens, bear cubs and whale calves all begin their life in the pristine wilderness of this magnificent place.

Young readers will meet a fascinating group of fourteen wild baby animals — including land and marine mammals, fish, birds and amphibians — and learn about the special bonds between offspring and parents, and how the newborns move toward independence. Readers will see an extraordinary community of animals thriving in an interconnected web of life.

In this second book in the West Coast Wild series, Deborah Hodge takes readers through the spectacular land and seascapes of the Pacific Rim region, introducing familiar animals such as sea otters and eagles, and lesser known species such as pelagic cormorants and rufous hummingbirds. Karen Reczuch’s beautiful illustrations are detailed and lifelike, and convey a lovely sense of warmth between the wild parents and their young. The text and art have been carefully checked for scientific accuracy.

Includes a note about the Pacific west coast and the need to preserve its rare and awe-inspiring wilderness regions, as well as a list for further reading and exploration.

Key Text Features
further reading
illustrations
informational note
author's note

Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.5
Explain major differences between books that tell stories and books that give information, drawing on a wide reading of a range of text types.

eborah Hodge is the author of thirty-five books for children. She specializes in writing engaging nonfiction for young readers and loves the challenge of using few words to explain big thoughts.

Her honours include twice winning the Children’s Literature Roundtable of Canada’s Information Book Award, winning Santa Monica Public Library’s Green Prize for Sustainable Literature and receiving the Honour Book distinction for the National Jewish Book Award for Children’s Literature. Her work has also been featured on such lists as ALA’s Top Ten Best Environmental Books for Youth and IBBY’s Outstanding Books for Young People with Disabilities.

Before she was an author, Deborah was a teacher and curriculum writer for the British Columbia Ministry of Education. She says, “Although I’m not teaching anymore, I still feel like I’m talking to my students whenever I write a book. I love the process of trying to create something that young readers will find interesting.”

Deborah was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, and now lives with her family in Vancouver, British Columbia.

For more information, please see her website at: www.deborahhodge.com.

Karen Reczuch is an award-winning Canadian illustrator working from a home studio in Lake Country, BC. In addition to children's publishing, Karen does scientific, historical and archaeological illustration. Her work has been exhibited internationally. 

• Mighty Village Spring Book PicksCommended 2020

“Stunning watercolor and color pencil illustrations bring the subjects into sharp focus in authentic settings. … This series is a wonderful way to foster in young readers an appreciation of the awesome nature of the west coast.” — CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“[A] worthwhile addition to picture-book shelves, especially on the West Coast.” — Booklist

“[A]n absolutely stunning companion to the pairs’ earlier work, West Coast Wild: A Nature Alphabet. … [W]hether we’re high in the trees or low on the forest floor, we not only have a unique glimpse of the natural wonders that abound on the Pacific West Coast but the warm relationships that animal babies share with their parents.” — Globe and Mail

“This informative introduction will be especially useful in the Pacific West Coast region, but it has a wider appeal to a broad audience in both locale and age. A succinct and satisfying first look at some fascinating creatures.” — Kirkus Reviews