Horn Book (Mon Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2011)

Following the 2010 Gulf Coast oil spill, eleven-year-old aspiring ornithologist and "bird artist" Bouler created paintings in exchange for donations to the clean-up effort. Here she shares her love of birding, her own conservation efforts, and ways for others to take action. Though content is a little sparse, the book's message and design--including impressive original sketches--will successfully reach young environmentalists. Websites.

Kirkus Reviews

A glossy guide to the world of lycanthropy. The third in Candlewick's  tongue-in-cheek How to Be... paranormal guides (How to Be a Zombie, 2010, etc.), this handbook provides easy-to-browse tips and tricks for adapting to the werewolf lifestyle, essential fashion advice for daily life ("Upon returning to human form, you may find your clothing tattered but still functional. Keep in mind that rips and shreds aren't always a bad thing") and resources for building the lycanthropic community. Skillfully blended into the quizzes and lists are pieces of werewolf legend: locations that are commonly associated with shape-shifters, diseases that were misidentified as supernatural traits and actual wolf behaviors. There's both a historical guide to werewolves in legend, movies and literature and a modern compendium of lycanthropic media. Between song lists, den guides and movie suggestions for adapting to a hairy new lifestyle are quizzes to determine werewolf personae and a makeup guide for bad fur days. Though unapologetically campy and an example of pop culture at its finest, Valentino's work is essential for those who are ruled by the moon. (Nonfiction. 12 & up)  

School Library Journal (Tue Mar 01 00:00:00 CST 2011)

Gr 7 Up-This handbook is divided into three distinct segments: "Unleashing Your Wild Side," "The Stylish Lycanthrope," and "Moonlight Mystery." Each chapter quizzes readers or is full of helpful tips to advise them on their path toward lycanthropy. The guide sheds light on understanding your werewolf self, hunting strategies and lunar charts, living quarters, party recipes, and music to howl by. The volume has a great nonfiction component, which includes research on werewolf legends and lore as well as movies, TV shows, comics, games, books, and further study. An entertaining read full of color photos and illustrations that add to the book's charm. Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY