Reviewer: Sharon Brunner
Leokadia George shared a special story about a program called SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) and the importance of the pack mentality for wolves in her book Trumpet the Miracle Wolf Pup: Trumpet Becomes A Mom. George has been volunteering at the Wolf Conservation Center in New York since 2016. The Wolf Conservation Center has been dedicated to preserving and protecting the wolf population in North America. At the center, she discovered that Mexican Gray Wolves and Red Wolves were at risk of extinction. She became inspired by one of the Mexican Gray Wolves named Trumpet and she felt honored to share her story.
One of the main themes in the book was that wolves survive under a pack mentality. Packs may consist of siblings or families, such as the union of Lighthawk and Trumpet. They started their own pack with their three pups. Some wolf parents adopted puppies. All dogs originated from wolves. Concerning pet guardians, they often become their dog’s pack. That’s why dogs often become distressed and wait by the door for their guardians to return when their guardians have to leave to go to work or other places. The pack mentality has been endemic with dogs and wolves for many years.
I live in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and wolf packs do exist in the area. Isle Royale faced a struggle to maintain its wolf population. They worked at bringing more wolves to the area. I have heard the howling of wolves when I walked on wooded trails. My friends asked me to sign a petition to help save the wolves. Other predators live in our forests such as coyotes, black bears, and cougars. There have not been reports about humans being attacked by said animals.
When reading this book, the animated movie “Alpha and Omega” came to mind, which was a heartwarming story about wolves and how they maintain order by adhering to a strict social hierarchy. The movie explores the deeper themes of family and unity. In this book, Trumpet and Lighthawk established a loving family and their own pack. Adam Gamble and Mark Jasper published a book, “Good Night Wolves” which was an educational board book about the world of wolf packs, pups, habitats, and communication among wolves.
As mentioned in the first paragraph, George volunteered at the Wolf Conservation Center, which was founded in 1999 in South Salem, NY. Their important mission is to advance the survival of wolves by creating a global community through education, advocacy, research, and recovery. Trumpet the Miracle Wolf Pup: Trumpet Becomes A Mom provides an overview of wolves, their behaviors, and the importance of such programs. Wolves serve a pertinent role in controlling populations of specific animals such as deer. The illustrations bring to life in a colorful and informative manner the world of wolf conservation and the lives of wolves. George and Moore clearly delineated how wolves live in their habitats and how bonded wolves can be. Their survival depends on their unity.
Title: Trumpet the Miracle Wolf Pup: Trumpet Becomes A Mom
Author and Illustrator: Leokadia George and Maddy Moore
