Welcome to the Why Wolves Matter: A Conservation Success Story by Karen B Winnick Book Tour hosted by The Children’s Book Review. 

About the Book

Where did all the wolves go? The birds, the fish, and the beavers? When the top predator was wiped out, the balance of nature in Yellowstone National Park was disrupted. The circle, broken.

Written in a lyrical style, Why Wolves Matter is an ecological tale that helps children to understand the interconnectedness of all things in the natural world. With the wolves gone, the elk population grew so large that the trees and vegetation on which they fed disappeared, throwing the Park and the remaining wildlife into disarray.

A nonfiction picture book, including a timeline and bibliography, Why Wolves Matter shows the importance of the top predator in nature, how the balance restored in Yellowstone National Park, and how the circle became whole again—with important historical and scientific relevance for children.

A deeply committed animal person, Karen B. Winnick has created many picture books about animals. She’s a member of an oversight commission for the Los Angeles Zoo, and a member and supporter of many groups working to save animals, including wolves.

Why Wolves Matter Review

Let’s face it, wolves get a bum rap. They are beautiful animals with a reputation for being a fierce predator. This book shows what happens when the delicate balance of our ecosystem is disrupted. In 1926, wolves were removed from Yellowstone National Park. Elk overran the park, affecting birds, beavers, fish, and ultimately bears. I firmly believe in “teaching them young” by reading to children about the cause and effect of our actions – this book is a perfect example.

In 1995, wolves were reintroduced to the park and the ecosystem balanced itself. The illustrations are beautiful and help to showcase the important message. The bonus timeline of Yellowstone’s history is interesting and a nice addition. We recommend this book for children age 7 and up as well as early science classes. 

This post is sponsored by Karen B. Winnick. The review and opinions expressed are my own.

Giveaway for Why Wolves Matter

Readers who join us on this virtual tour can win a hardcover copy. One lucky winner will receive a signed hardcover copy and a $25 gift card to Amazon. Don’t miss out on your chance to win below!

  Why Wolves Matter: Book Giveaway

Click here for the entry form:

About the Author

Karen Winnick is an author and illustrator of Why Wolves Matter, Can You Spot the Leopard: An African Safari, Good Night, Baby Animals, Mr. Lincoln’s Whiskers, Sybil’s Night Ride, Lucy’s Cave, A Year Goes Round, Barn Sneeze, Cassie’s Sweet Berry Pie, Sandro’s Dolphin and Patch & The Strings. She is the author of The Night of the Fireflies. Her paintings have been exhibited in local galleries, and her poetry has been published in magazines and anthologies. She has also produced a play, Kindertransport, about Jewish children sent to England during WWII.

Karen serves as President of the Board of Commissioners for the Los Angeles Zoo; the Board of Trustees Emeritus at Brown University; the Board of Trustees at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library; the Board of Trustees of Fauna and Flora, International and the Board of Governors Syracuse University Hillel. She has also served on the Board of Trustees of The Jewish Museum in New York and the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Council in Washington, D.C.

Karen received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Syracuse University. She also studied in Florence, Italy, at NYU, the School of Visual Arts, and the University of California, Los Angeles.

Website – Instagram

Why Wolves Matter Book Tour

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Wednesday, February 19, 2025 Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers Book Review

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Friday, February 21, 2025 icefairy’s Treasure Chest Book Review

Monday, February 24, 2025 One More Exclamation Book Review

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Thursday, February 27, 2025 Cover Lover Book Review Book Review

Tuesday, February 18, 2025 The Starlit Path Author Interview

Monday, March 3, 2025 Deliciously Savvy Book Review

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Wednesday, March 5, 2025 Glass of Wine, Glass of Milk Book Review

Thursday, March 6, 2025 Q&As with Deborah Kalb Author Interview

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Monday, March 10, 2025 Froggy Read Teach Instagram

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