"Playing is important work for growing bison.
Running and frolicking build their muscles to
make them stronger and faster. Chasing and
dodging each other are skills they need in order
to avoid ending up in a predator's belly. And
butting heads with buddies is valuable training
for male calves, who will someday compete
with each other as adults. A calf's other
important work is eating. Before winter comes,
it needs to grow as big as possible and build up
its energy reserves."
As you can tell from the above quote, the conversational tone of the text is very appealing. It makes the learning meaningful, while also feeling like storytelling. Bison once roamed North America in numbers thought to be never-ending; by the early 20th century, their numbers had dwindled dramatically and they were almost facing extinction. Today, in areas that are protected, their numbers are growing. They are tremendously important to the ecosystem, benefitting other animals and also the land.
The author was first introduced to bison when her family moved east from Montreal, and she saw them in Banff National Park. Her stories and impressive knowledge are engaging from the very first page. I very much enjoyed reading about her many encounters with bison in the wild and with the people who care for the herds. The details shared will leave readers savier about their history, their body differences, the roles they play in creating room for animals and plants to flourish, and their nose-cleaning antics. The book also celebrates the teachings and traditions of Indigenous Peoples
As is expected from books in the Orca Wild series, the text is organized with care, and the book is filled with clear, captioned photos, maps, charts, comparisons, and fascinating facts that give hope for the future of the bison herds. There are numerous places where these largest land animals can now be seen in Canada and the United States. In fact, my family and I are looking forward to making a visit to the Bison Park in Minnedosa MB this summer while they are here. We know not to get too close!
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