“Saving Yasha”

Children are interested in the world around them, and that, of course, includes life outside the confines of the home and classroom.

Reading excellent books together on such subjects not only serves to educate, but can also spark an interest that leads to a lifelong appreciation and advocacy for our natural world. And by planting that seed, future careers may eventually unfold.

Today's reviewed books revolve around this theme. Check them out; you'll probably enjoy them as much as the children in your charge.

The following book is available at many public libraries.“Arrowhawk” by Lola Schaefer, illustrated by Gabi Swiatkowska, Henry Holt, 32 pages; read aloud: age 6 and older; read yourself: age 8 and older.A young and strong red-tailed hawk swoops down on a mouse, snatches his prey, and settles on a fence post to have his meal. Out of nowhere, an arrow streaks through the air and pierces the hawk's upper thigh and tail.He screeches in pain, rises above his attacker, and flies away.He tries to peck the arrow out, but it's impossible. Despite the pain, the hawk does his best to ignore it and try and find a way to continue to hunt, fly, and live with this painful obstacle.He does so for eight weeks in the wild until he is captured temporarily by some concerned people. The arrow is surgically removed, he is nursed back to health, and released back where he belongs — in the wild.“Arrowhawk” is based on real events that display incredible courage and the determination and will to live. Beautifully written and illustrated, this story is at once heart-wrenching, remarkable, and will fill readers with a quiet reverence for protecting wildlife.

Library: North Trails Public Library, 1553 West Sunbury Road, West SunburyLibrary Director: Kathy KlineChoices this week: “Good-Night Owl!” by Pat Hutchins; “Olivia” by Ian Falconer; “The Kite Fighters” by Linda Sue Park

The following books are available at favorite bookstores.“Falcon” written and illustrated by Tim Jessell, Random House, 2012, 36 pages, $17.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 3 and older; read yourself: age 7 and 8.A young boy imagines all of the things he could do if he were a falcon.He could fly to faraway places — to cliffs high above the sea, over the ocean, to the far north, and even to a great bustling city where he would amaze pedestrians on the street as he would dive at frightening speeds from high above toward the pavement below, only to open his wings at the last minute and swoop upwards to the astonishment of all.Through spare text that describes a part of the life of a falcon, and extraordinary landscape paintings, author/artist Tim Jessell has created a stunning portrayal of the majesty of this mighty wild bird — the falcon.“Saving Yasha: The Incredible True Story of an Adopted Moon Bear” by Lia Kvatum, photographs by National Geographic Young Explorer Liya Pokrovskaya, National Geographic, 2012, 32 pages, $16.95 hardcover; read aloud: age 5 and older; read yourself: age 7 and older.Young Yasha was a moon bear orphaned by his mother in the Russian wilderness.Fortunately, he was found by two young scientists who took him under their wing to care for and protect him until he could fend for himself. They taught him how to live on his own in the wild. Young Yasha wasn't alone with the scientists; they discovered two other orphaned moon bear cubs, and the small group of cubs became a family.For almost two years the scientists studied the cubs. Knowing it was imperative for the cubs survival, the scientists made certain they kept a great distance from them.They took great care to cover their human scent, never played with the cubs, and were silent in their presence to make certain the cubs would grow up as wild bears, and in time, they did.This is a story that is at once fascinating, heartwarming, and ultimately one of hope that speaks of the need to preserve wildlife. Brimming with gorgeous photographs, this selection is awesome.Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children's literature. She can be reached at: www.greatestbooksforkids.com.

“Falcon”