Mama Grizzly Bear by Margot Finke

Mama Grizzly Bear, by Margot Finke, with artwork by Gloria Gualkie Swan, is a fun rhyming book.  It’s also an educational book which presents a year in the life of Mama Grizzly bear and her cubs.  I enjoyed this book for several reasons. 

To begin with, this book can be used to teach about North American Grizzlies -- how they survive in the wild -- their habitat, diet, hunting and “cub rearing” practices.  Children need stories such as these to learn the importance of preserving wild animal habitat and saving endangered species, such as the great grizzly bear. 

This book is beautifully illustrated by the late Gloria Gualkie Swan.  The richly detailed pictures complement and enliven the story .  Children will enjoy the pictures as much as the rhyming story and interesting facts.  It’s a perfect “read aloud” book to enrich the science and ecology curriculum.  Rhyming books about animals are a real treat for me, especially when coupled with such expressive artwork.

Teachers and parents are provided with additional references and resources to further explore this important subject.  There is also a word search puzzle for kids to complete.  Children are encouraged to get a grizzly screen saver, send ecards, and take a grizzly bear quiz on what they’ve learned.

I recommend this book to teachers and parents to help children expand their knowledge about conserving wildlife habitat, protecting endangered species, and preserving our wild lands for future generations.  I look forward to more books in Margot Finke’s “Wild and Wonderful” series.

Available from http://www,guardianangelpublishing.com