This novel for young readers, the latest in the Orca Echoes Cricket McKay series, takes place in Waterton, Alberta, near Waterton Lakes National Park. The author drew inspiration from the September 2017 Kenow wildfire, ignited by lightning strikes, which spread rapidly through the area. Told from young Cricket’s perspective, the reader is immersed in events taking place as the fire moves quickly toward town. Cricket’s park warden father and firefighters battle the approaching blaze, while Cricket takes part in the work of protecting homes and businesses and preparing for evacuation, even rescuing a distressed fawn amongst a parade of fleeing animals. Information is woven into the story pertaining to the positive and negative effects of forest fires, local animals’ habitats and their responses to the encroaching fires, and the roles of park wardens and firefighters. An epilogue tells of the lingering impact of this wildfire on the local ecosystem.

Other End Matter: Epilogue
Images: b&w illustrations
Bibliography: No
Index: No

Source: Books BC - BC Books for Schools

Pamela McDowell’s first career was in education, teaching junior high and high school. She began writing when she left teaching and has now written more than twenty nonfiction books for children. Pamela grew up in Alberta and enjoys writing about the diverse animals and habitats of her home province. Ospreys in Danger is her first work of fiction. Pamela lives in Calgary, Alberta, with her husband, two kids and an Australian shepherd. For more information, visit www.pamelamcdowell.ca.

Pamela McDowell's profile page

Dana Barton grew up in rural Ontario where she ran around campgrounds and did a lot of scribbling. She enjoys putting natural environments down on paper. Since graduating from the illustration program at Sheridan College in 2019, she has been working as a freelance illustrator in editorial and publishing. She now lives in Waterdown, Ontario.

Dana Barton's profile page

“In this fast-paced story, readers will learn about aspects of natural science, while encountering characters whose actions are noteworthy...Readers should come away thinking about how interconnected wild spaces are, as well as how endangered they may be.”

Children's Literature

“In this fast-paced story, readers will learn about aspects of natural science, while encountering characters whose actions are noteworthy...Readers should come away thinking about how interconnected wild spaces are, as well as how endangered they may be.”

Children's Literature

“Fast-paced, yet easy to follow...Readers learn how forest fires can start and spread, as well as how animals behave when threatened by forest fires and what people can do in hope of protecting their property. Recommended.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“This eye-opening, empowering book will appeal to those who enjoy natural disaster stories, or altruistic readers who want to know how to help keep themselves, their family, their community, and the environment as safe as possible during an ­emergency.”

School Library Journal