Books with author Nicholas Reeves

When we think of wild animals, we don't immediately associate them with the cities we live in. But a closer look soon reveals that we share our urban environment with a great many untamed creatures. Heavily illustrated with color photographs throughout and full of entertaining and informative facts, City Critters examines how and why so many wild animals choose to live in places that, on first glance at least, seem contrary to their needs.How do those deer, raccoons, squirrels, skunks, coyotes, crows, gulls and geese—not to mention the alligators, eagles, otters and snakes—manage to survive in the big city? What special skills do city critters have that many of their wilderness cousins lack? Why have they developed these skills? And what are our responsibilities in ensuring that these animals can continue to share our city lives?

An informative book for middle-grade readers about sanctuaries across North America that rescue wild animals and provide them with safe places to live.Years ago, most major cities in North America had zoos full of exotic or wild animals in tiny cages. It was also not uncommon for wild animals to be kept as pets or trained to perform in circuses. Today, we have a different way of looking at animals and deciding if and how they should be kept in captivity. There are still zoos and aquariums, of course, but the best ones are more concerned with protecting animals than putting them on display. There is also a different sort of organization—the animal sanctuary—which provides comfortable homes for animals that have been housed in unaccredited zoos or caught up in the illegal exotic-animal trade. Sanctuaries are never a substitute for the wild, but they are the next best thing.A Home Away from Home tells the true stories of animals that live in sanctuaries across North America, from the tragic tale of Moby Doll, the first orca held in captivity in Vancouver, to the inspiring story of Thika, Toka, and Iringa, three elephants who travelled from a tiny zoo enclosure to a sprawling acreage in Sacramento, California. Often entertaining and sometimes sad, this book is an eye-opening read for children who care about the welfare of animals and want to know more about the organizations that help them.

When we think of wild animals, we don't immediately associate them with the cities we live in. But a closer look soon reveals that we share our urban environment with a great many untamed creatures. Heavily illustrated with color photographs throughout and full of entertaining and informative facts, City Critters examines how and why so many wild animals choose to live in places that, on first glance at least, seem contrary to their needs. How do those deer, raccoons, squirrels, skunks, coyotes, crows, gulls and geese—not to mention the alligators, eagles, otters and snakes—manage to survive in the big city? What special skills do city critters have that many of their wilderness cousins lack? Why have they developed these skills? And what are our responsibilities in ensuring that these animals can continue to share our city lives?

In a perfect world, all wild animals would be free to roam in their natural habitat. However, across North America, wild animals from faraway continents are caught in terrible situations, in unaccredited zoos or as “exotic” pets. Some are abused, but many simply live in homes with owners who are not equipped to care for them. Luckily there are animal sanctuaries, organizations providing safe, comfortable homes for wild animals in need. A Home Away from Home tells the true stories of animals that live in these sanctuaries and the people who look after them. Often entertaining and sometimes sad, this book is an eye-opening read for children who care about animal welfare.

One minute stray pup Joey is playing happily with his brothers and sisters and snuggling close to their mother, the next he finds himself in a cardboard box at the animal shelter. It’s scary enough without the stories he hears about mysterious disappearances of other dogs who have shared his situation. But Joey’s no quitter, and he’s about to embark on the first adventure of his young life. With a little help from his friends – Mick, his cagemate at the shelter; Dumpster, the street dog who teaches him about survival; and Marjorie, the shelter volunteer determined to help him – Joey learns the most important things for a dog are a home and people to love. But how can a big, black, untrained dog find a home? Nicholas Read’s sensitive portrayal of Joey’s dilemma, and blossoming strength, make him an endearing hero and a lesson for young readers in how to care for a dog.