The Wolves and Moose of Isle Royale: Restoring an Island Ecosystem

Scientists in the Field

by Nancy F. Castaldo, Morgan Heim (Photographs)

In this exhilarating installment of the award-winning Scientists in the Field series, journey to the isolated islands of Isle Royale National Park where the longest predator/prey study in the world is being conducted along with a controversial genetic rescue to save not only the wolves and moose, but the entire island ecosystem. On Isle Royale, a unique national park more than fifty miles from the Michigan shore and about fifteen miles from Minnesota, a thrilling drama is unfolding between wolves and moose, the island’s ultimate predator and prey. For over sixty years, in what has been known as the longest study of predator and prey in the world, scientists have studied the wolves and moose of Isle Royale and the island’s ecology to observe and investigate wildlife populations. But due to illness and underlying factors, the population of wolves on the island has dropped while the number of moose has increased, putting the Isle Royale ecosystem in jeopardy. Now, for the first time ever, scientists are intervening. Join celebrated author Nancy Castaldo in this exciting journey to Isle Royale to document the genetic rescue experiment scientists there are embarking on. If they can successfully relocate twenty to thirty wolves from the mainland to Isle Royale, scientists can potentially restore the balance among wolves, moose, and trees of the island's ecosystem. Now the living laboratory experiment begins.

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Science, Middle Grade, Nature, History, Picture Books

90 pages, Hardcover

Published August 9, 2022

About the author

Nancy Castaldo is an award winning author of children's books, a certified National Geographic educator, and photographer.

She loves writing books for curious readers that get them thinking about the world around them.

Reviews

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Synergy: Ecological Balance

Ecological balance is the state of equilibrium within a dynamic community of organisms. This theory reflects many types of relationships such as predator-prey systems. However, recent theories note that ecological systems are in a constant state of flux leading to a chaotic state as the norm.

Read the recently published nonfiction book for youth then learn more at the websites.

THE WOLVES AND MOOSE OF ISLE ROYALE by Nancy Castaldo is the latest book in the Scientists in the Field series. This highly illustrated work of nonfiction explores the island’s ecosystem with a focus on the predator/prey relationship between wolves and moose. Using color photographs, maps, another other illustrations, readers follow scientists working at Isle Royale. The book concludes with a glossary, additional information, sources, and a bibliography.

ISLE ROYALE: ANIMALS is a website from the US National Park Service that introduces readers to the moose, wolves, and other animals of Isle Royale.

To visit the website, go to https://www.nps.gov/isro/learn/nature....

THE WOLVES AND MOOSE OF ISLE ROYALE is a video exploring 50 years of research about the relationship between wolves and moose.

To watch the video, go to https://youtu.be/PdwnfPurXcs.

RETURN OF THE WOLVES is a video exploring how ecological balance is being restored to Isle Royale.

To watch the video, go to https://youtu.be/k1EaRenqyPo.

ARC courtesy of Clarion Books, and imprint of HarperCollins.

[CrabbyPatty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Labeled as children's non-fiction, this book is suitable for all ages as it provides a detailed account of Isle Royale and the efforts to preserve and support its delicate ecosystem. Isle Royale is located 15 miles off Grand Portage, MN and its history is rich with native Americans using the island as hunting grounds, cooper mines, Scandinavian fishing villages, etc. until it was declared a national park in 1940.

This book describes the island's geology and natural history and focuses specifically on the delicate balance on the island between wolves and moose and the careful and extensive research done to determine how best to preserve its ecosystem. A fascinating, well-written book with lots of pictures and details. 5 stars.

I received an ARC from the Publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Received an eARC through NetGalley.**

This caught my eye because of the Michigan setting, and I’ve enjoyed this author before. The book takes the reader on a journey to Isle Royale, where we meet the rangers and scientists and observers and researchers as well as the wildlife they focus on. It’s an ecosystem of plants and animals… as it fits into a web of human intervention. The text is simple and clear, the photographs are detailed and demonstrative, and the whole package offers a fascinating bundle of information.

Wolves are incredibly interesting, and I’ve read about their relationship with beavers before. The interplay between wolves and moose, and the efforts to create a balance between species, have a similar story. Castaldo briefly delves into the ethics of human interference, and the different benefits and challenges to restoring the modern balance between wolves and moose as opposed to taking the island back to a historical balance between caribou and lynx. There’s also a more basic look at what plants and animals are on the island and what kinds of things the various scientists do. So this covers a lot in a fairly small space, and definitely piqued my interest regarding visiting Isle Royale.

My main complaint is the formatting of the eBook. Instead of digital pages to flip, it’s like an enormous pdf that has to be scrolled through, and every time I opened the file, I had to start at the beginning. It’s one of the reasons why picture books and graphic novels don’t always read well in this format, and it’s part of the reason it took me so long to get through this. I have noticed that this seems to be more of an issue with children’s eMaterials.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is listed as Children's Nonfiction, but I feel that is a misnomer. This wondrous book is best suited to the 8-108 population to enjoy and learn from. It is not a deep scientific tome nor an incredibly simplified decorative piece. It is a learning tool for those of us who appreciate the beauty and life in the animal world but do not have the degrees nor the travel opportunities to be there ourselves. The photography is wondrous, and the prose only enhances it. Terrific!
I requested and received a free temporary Adobe Digital Editions copy from Clarion Books (formerly HMH Children's Books) via NetGalley. Thank you so much!

[Jaclyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Today I learned how important wolves are in ecosystems. Does a good job of telling the roles animals play without feeling too dry

[Jesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I kept expecting to see my brother, the wildlife biologist,’s name pop up in this one. 😂 A wonderful introduction to the oldest predator prey project right in my backyard!

[Emma Filbrun · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always been fascinated by Isle Royale. Though I grew up in Michigan, I never had the chance to visit that remote island. I have always been curious about it, though, so when I saw this book I was eager to read it. I found it quite fascinating to learn about how the different species interact, and how their interaction has such an affect on the environment. It was also interesting to learn how natural predation strengthens a species. The photos were beautiful too, and I really enjoyed seeing  what the island is like. Now I would like to visit even more!
I received a review copy of this book from NetGalley, and these are my honest thoughts about it.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't wait to share this story with my readers!

[Brenda Kahn]

Another spectacular addition to my fave series. This was totally engrossing and accessible. Absolutely loved it.

[Sonja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the digital cop of this book.

This was a fun book to read. the pictures were beautiful.y done. My little one enjoyed this book just as much ans the adults.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absolutely fascinating informational book about the Moose and Wolf populations on Isle Royale in Michigan! It can only be accessed by boat or seaplanes, there are no cars, and the care that goes into tracking, species introduction, etc. is absolutely amazing! Would be an excellent book to share with children living around the Great Lakes and Lake Superior region.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Castaldo is a queen for writing nonfiction for a younger audience that is specific and scientific in a fun way like Sy Montgomery. My boys and I had the pleasure of meeting her at a Hudson event years ago and I'll always read her nonfiction because it's fascinating. She's like the Mary Roach of animals, habitats, and ecosystems-- she gets curious about something, investigates it, then writes about it with awesome pictures and details.

This is a fairly unique story in that this national park also has the longest running animal study of wolves and moose. She explains the delicate dance of the animals and debatable topics about hunting and/or introducing animals to this archipelago off the coast of Canada and the United States in the middle of Lake Superior. It's not long and has some glossary words in addition to telling the story of science and research, paying homage to those that do the work.

[Maria Rowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I enjoyed this. I had no idea that Isle Royale had the longest continuous predator / prey study in the world. I was a bit put off at the beginning when the author wrote that she and the photographer were visiting Isle Royale for the first time (the story describes their first visit). I thought it was a bit strange to write a book on a place that someone’s only gone to once. However, the book is really about the scientists and the study there, and the author wrote much about both and clearly interviewed many of the scientists working there. I really enjoyed reading about the scientists and all the work they do on Isle Royale! The photographs were good but looks like they weren’t color corrected - but I read an advanced copy so I’m thinking that will change.

Thanks to NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Noreen Trotsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

A unique look at the ecosystem of one of our least visited National Parks, Isle Royale. A book written for the middle grade audience, I believe that adults would enjoy this book just as well. Both the writing and the photography are well done.
I visited Isle Royale as a tween and a teen three times and have always wanted to visit again. It is a rare gem and through the years I have followed the plight of the wolves on the island. This book covers the subject in a way that children would find fascinating.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a digital ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic insights into career opportunities enrich this ecological case study of the Isle Royale archipelago. Engaging for adult readers as much as for upper elementary and middle school kids. Pictures help bring young readers closer to the text and provide further information. Key vocabulary terms are in bold font and revisited in the handy glossary. Index makes relocating key topics easy for those hoping to use this text as a reference.

[Jodi W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for providing me with an ARC of this book. I really enjoyed reading it and took extra time studying many of the beautiful photos. The book reminds me of watching Buck LeVasseur on the show “Discovering” as I grew up in the UP.
Even though this is categorized as a children's book it is appropriate for all ages. Great balance of science and social information.

[Lellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really nicely researched and dense with information. Perfect for elementary school libraries to work on school research projects. Informative! I loved wolves growing up so I'm sure I would have loved it as a kid.

Thank you to netgalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Mark Buxton · Rating 4 out of 5]

What worked:
The idea of preserving natural ecosystems is compelling and Isle Royale offers a mostly closed system that’s perfect for studying. The presence of humans wiped out all but two wolves on the island so efforts are being made to restore the natural balance. The author introduces the scientists, supervisor, and other researchers involved with the introduction of wild wolves onto the island so readers can identify with the people working on the project. The book includes information regarding what it takes to become a member of the research team and what applicants can expect if accepted.
The author recounts her one-week visit to the island beginning with her six-hour boat trip just to get there. She’s accompanied by an experienced photographer and her color photographs capture the animals, plant life, and workers they meet during their time there. Descriptions of data collection, hiking where trails don’t exist, and anecdotes shared by field observers highlight the narrative. The researchers keep careful records and collect everything they find including moose and wolf dung.
The book includes an overview of the least-visited national park, its history, and how the island reached a point of needing genetic rescue. Settlers established copper mines on it but the winter climate and distance from the mainland don’t make it an ideal location to live. The researchers themselves leave the island during the winter months. An old lighthouse and some historic homes offer limited sites for tourists and the one restaurant closes at 7:00 pm. The natural beauty of the island and its wildlife lead to it becoming a national park in the 1940’s.
What didn’t work as well:
The narrative is a bit dry as the author recounts her experiences on the island. This is to be expected in a non-fiction book so it’s not a surprise. The purpose of the book is to inform more than entertain so descriptions aren’t embellished with flowery language. However, the topic of the book is interesting and the author makes the experience relatable for young readers.
The Final Verdict:
The graphics can appeal to all readers but the narrative will be most appreciated by lovers of wildlife and scientific research. Ecology issues and global warming are addressed along with the genetic rescue project itself, so readers with social awareness will enjoy the book too.

[Sharon Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wolves and Moose of Isle Royale: Restoring an Island Ecosystem by Nancy Castaldo is currently scheduled for release on August 6 2022. Journey to the isolated islands of Isle Royale National Park where the longest predator/prey study in the world is being conducted along with a controversial genetic rescue to save not only the wolves and moose, but the entire island ecosystem. For over sixty years, in what has been known as the longest study of predator and prey in the world, scientists have studied the wolves and moose of Isle Royale and the island’s ecology to observe and investigate wildlife populations. But due to illness and underlying factors, the population of wolves on the island has dropped while the number of moose has increased, putting the Isle Royale ecosystem in jeopardy. Now, for the first time ever, scientists are intervening. If they can successfully relocate twenty to thirty wolves from the mainland to Isle Royale, scientists can potentially restore the balance among wolves, moose, and trees of the island's ecosystem. Now the living laboratory experiment begins.

The Wolves and Moose of Isle Royale is a nonfiction book that can be understood and enjoyed by middle grade readers and older., including those of us that have been out of school for longer than we might want to disclose. I thought the text was well written and accessible, and the combination of photographs, sketches, and info boxes help keep the readers focused and interested without overwhelming them. I thought the research was fascinating and I thought the information on the researchers and the next steps were interesting. This isn't a project that is over, it is a work in progress, and effort in motion, and something interested readers can follow in the years to come to see what worked, what did not, and how the ecosystem in fairing, This makes me more excited and invested in the read, more so that when I read about completed research studies in far off places with vague commentary about what might come next. I love that the endpages include not only the expected glossary and index, but also a bibliography and sources for further information. This always makes me a happy reader, more so when it comes to nonfiction for children.

[Martha Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This story is fascinating and dives deep into the decisions made about the first ever planned human intervention in the Isle Royale Island Ecosystem: introducing more wolves (they were down to 2) to balance the ecosystem, being destroyed by the consequences of the explosion of the moose population. The reason for the imbalance was an unplanned intervention - someone brought their dog to the island in Lake Superior and the dog shared a disease that killed of all the wolf packs. Dogs are no longer allowed on the island.

Nancy Castaldo and her photographer, Morgan Heim, take you deep into the lives of the scientists that have maintained the 50 year predator prey study on the island, the longest in history. We are introduced to the scientists as well as 2 young researchers, one a grad student and one a college student, tracking the moose and observing them. One scientist lives at the park during the summer months and manages the predator prey study and invites and trains teams of volunteers to pick up the bones of deceased moose for further study. (This National Park is very hard to get to and there are no toilets, roads or even paths on the island.) Thrilling! and the author does a great job of presenting all the pro and con views of introducing new wolves into the Isle Royale population as well as why the folks who made the decision chose this option.

Highly recommended. What a great entry in an already award winning series, Scientists in the Field.

[BethFishReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't help but start every review of the Scientists in the Field books by gushing about how much I love the series. The books are geared to young readers, but the information is complex and not watered down, teaching children not only the science but also what's involved in being a scientist.

The study described in this book takes place on Isle Royale, one of the least-known US National Parks. For decades, the wolf and moose populations on the island had been stable, as had the general ecosystem. More recently, however, scientists noticed that the wolf population was diminishing, which led to increase in the number of moose. More moose means more strain on the island's resources.

Author Castaldo visited the island to learn how the team of park scientists are trying to rebalance the ecosystem. Through her eyes and experiences, readers meet the researchers and discover the joys and the hardships of being a field biologist. Beautiful photographs by Heim as well as charts, sidebars, a glossary, and more make the information easy to grasp. The book ends with bibliography and resources for further study. I recommend this book for the entire family.

Thanks so much to the publishers for a digital review copy. I can't say enough good things about the Scientists in the Field books.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isle Royale is a natural park tha is an island. It is a unique place that is perfect for studying in a closed system. The humans had killed all but two wolves that ended up all alone. The author introduces the scientists, supervisor and others involved with the reintroduction of wild wolves on the island. The book also gives information regarding what it takes to become a member of the research team and what they can expect if accepted. The author visits for one week with an experienced photographer. It is a six hour ride by boat to reach the island. Descriptions of data collecting, hiking where there are no trails, and stories shared by field observers. Included in the book is a history of the people that lived on the island mining copper. They left the island during the winter as do the researchers. The photographs are one of my favorite things in this book. I found the information interesting. This remote national park is the site of the longest uninterrupted predator-prey study in history.

Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.

[Becky B · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the Isle Royale in Lake Superior, scientists have been observing the relationship between moose and wolves for over a century. As the wolf population has declined, they've been recording how the moose population and the rest of the island has been impacted. Author Nancy Castaldo shares why the US National Park of Isle Royale is a unique place to study an ecosystem, the debates of whether or not humans should intervene in the wolf population, the conclusions that were reached, and the people currently involved in continuing to study the island's residents.

This is a fascinating ecosystem study as there is no hunting in the area, no farmers or other humans to be bothered by the wolves (so it differs significantly from Yellowstone), because it is quite isolated, and because the study has been going on for so long. I also found this an interesting read because it is a US National Park I'd never heard of before. Castaldo's writing is very engaging and transports readers to this small island, and Heim's superb photographs help complete the process. Highly recommended for curious readers, those studying ecosystems, and National Park fans.

Notes on content: Some animal deaths due to natural causes are mentioned and skeletons are photographed.

[Jon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good teen book, knew it was going to be a shorter read-I kind of used it as a jumping off point for further research on the efforts of the NPS wolf re-introduction project. After looking at discussion on the Yellowstone reintroduction efforts I was interested in the effects on Isle Royale and if progress was made. The moose population is declining in northern MN due to numerous factors, however is increasing on the Isle. This book was written at the last introduction of a group of wolves +/-2019 - the latest reports have the pack growing and a few litters of pups born. Moose are now on the decline, down to hopefully manageable numbers.

I'm not finalized on the implications positive or negative of the wolf reintroduction, merely sought more information on the plan and progress. I would like to visit the Isle sometime, as it is a part of my wife's earlier family history as fishermen and cabin owners.

2022 annual report can be found here: https://isleroyalewolf.org/sites/defa...

https://www.michiganradio.org/environ...

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great series, and this is a great book. An in-depth look at the history of Isle Royale, which is on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, in Lake Superior. The least visited National Park in the United States has preserved an amazing ecosystem, but even this place has needed a little help to repair damage done by man. When the moose population surged and the island wolf population had dropped to only one non-breeding pair, scientists who have long managed the park knew that something had to be done. A project to introduce new wolves, inspired by the success of the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone, was undertaken. Thus far, it seems to be going well. A well-written and organized book, with glimpses of the other animals that live on Isle Royale and mini biographies of the people who live and work there. Outstanding.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Clarion Books through NetGalley.
Castaldo brings readers along on a trip to the Isle Royale National Park. The book focuses on the balance between the wolf and moose populations as the island adapts with climate changes and animal population fluctuations. Early on, readers meet the scientific team who lives on the island during the summer months and run the various studies. The text is written at a middle grade level with a glossary at the end for specific terms used to share the science. The photography is stunning and captures the untouched landscape of this island.
A well thought out book to share this information with readers of all ages. The sidebar information boxes provide further material for readers who want to dive deeper in the topic.

[Angela Rohde · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so impressed by this book on Michigan’s amazing Isle Royale! Living in Michigan my entire life, I never knew this information on our incredible national park. The knowledge of the longtime nature experiments and studies and photography encompassed in this book by Nancy Castaldo is incredible.

She has presented it in such a way that not only keeps you interested and engaged as you were reading, but has the most beautiful photography throughout.

I will absolutely be recommending this to all of my students and fellow teachers, as well as any one else interested in finding out more about this beautiful island, and national park.

Thank you Netgalley for providing access to this amazing ARC copy!

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

In an island wilderness in Lake Superior, scientists study and attempt to restore a predator prey relationship after the wolf-moose balance was upset by various human causes including an introduced canine disease.
This detailed description of the natural and human history of the island, now a National Park, is enhanced by gorgeous photographs taken during a week-long visit in June, 2019. Still basically a wilderness though far more populated and investigated than it was when I visited in 1957, this is a beautiful tribute to a beautiful place. The science is thoroughly explained, with the controversies laid out for readers to think about.

[Bethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Love the scientists in the field series for longer, older elementary readers. I adore wolves (canines) and national parks. Great mix of photos, maps, b&w drawings, sidebars, extensive back matter, and a personal touch from the author. Like the easy to read font size. Typo on page 88 for work peninsula. Only pet peeve in the layout is the orange sidebars interrupting the main text mid sentence.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been to Isle Royale, as has my 8-year-old with whom
I read this book. We were glad to read more about this special place, especially the wolf reintroduction program, but the book was too long and poorly edited to sustain our attention; many of the included details seem unimportant. We read the whole book, but it took us weeks to get through it. I don’t think that it would hold the attention of most children.