A Woolly Mammoth Journey Debbie S. Miller, Illustrated by John Van Zyle
Designed for younger readers, this short, fully illustrated book presents a family of woolly mammoths as they might have lived some 10,000-12,000 years ago in the area now called Alaska. Miller's portrayal of the animals' lives is based on the premise that their "physical characteristics, life cycle, and behavior were similar to those of our modern elephant."
The story follows a matriarch, Wise One, and her three generations of family through spring, summer, and fall. Together they graze, help a mother give birth, protect their young from lions, mourn the accidental death of a family member, migrate, and joyfully greet members of their extended family. Finally, they mate and prepare for winter.
The book ends with a page-long discussion of the animals' physical characteristics and habitat as well as a note about their extinction. Van Zyle contributes a series of attractive acrylic paintings that are varied in composition and sometimes dramatic in effect. One of the few books available on woolly mammoths for younger readers.
Product details
Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers 1st edition, 2001 32 pages Size: 8.5 x 10.5 Product type: hardcover ISBN 978-0316572125
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