Into the Woods: John James Audubon Lives His Dream

cloth, 33 p., $16.95

Combining prose from John James Audubon's journal with the author's delightful poetry, this book, written for children 6 years and older, provides a charming perspective on how Audubon explained to his father his career choice. The young man did not want to become a shopkeeper, but instead wanted "to see and understand the world of animals and birds."

The wonderful Wendell Minor illustrations help this story come alive; the addition of some reproductions of Audubon's drawings add to its wonder. The story ends with a short biography, which will whet the interest of the reader to learn even more about Audubon and his accomplishments.

— Barbara G. Mahany, Volunteer, Library, Chicago Botanic Garden