The Big Island
A Story of Isle Royale
Julian May
Illustrations by John Schoenherr
Isle Royale, “the big island” of this book, is a wilderness national park in Lake Superior and home to a unique and fascinating ecosystem of animals, most notably the iconic wolf and majestic moose. Here is author Julian May’s story about the island’s beginning, the kinds of animals that came to populate it, and their effects on the pristine landscape.
This wonderful picture book works so well because the striking artwork and the narrative’s simple, well-chosen words perfectly complement each other. The result is a classic children’s introduction to Isle Royale National Park.
Michigan in Books
Isle Royale, “the big island” of this book, is a wilderness national park in Lake Superior and home to a unique and fascinating ecosystem of animals, most notably the iconic wolf and majestic moose. Here is author Julian May’s story about the island’s beginning, the kinds of animals that came to populate it, and their effects on the pristine landscape. Among them were the moose, who swam to the island from the distant shore to fend off starvation. The moose found conditions on Isle Royale so favorable that they reproduced quickly—but then faced another food shortage. The wolves arrived by floating to the island on an ice floe in winter and soon became important to the island’s ecology as successful predators of the moose.
Complementing this fascinating text, John Schoenherr’s magnificent illustrations convey the strength of these animals and the beauty of the island that is their home.
First published in 1968, and reprinted here with a new note by renowned wolf expert L. David Mech, The Big Island is an enchanting introduction to the wilderness and wildlife of Isle Royale.
$17.95 cloth/jacket ISBN 978-1-5179-1069-3
32 pages, 15 color plates, 10 x 8, October 2021
Julian May (1931–2017) was a popular writer of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and children’s books. She is best remembered for her Saga of Pliocene Exile and Galactic Milieu series books. Between 1956 and 1981 she wrote more than 250 science and sports nonfiction books for children and young adults.
John Schoenherr (1935–2010) was a prolific illustrator of science fiction and children’s picture books. He won the 1988 Caldecott Medal for his illustrations to Owl Moon by Jane Yolen. He was posthumously inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame in 2015.
This wonderful picture book works so well because the striking artwork and the narrative’s simple, well-chosen words perfectly complement each other. The result is a classic children’s introduction to Isle Royale National Park.
Michigan in Books
Author Julian May writes about Isle Royale’s beginning, the kinds of animals that came to populate it and their effects on the pristine landscape.
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Publishers Weekly: University of Minnesota Press Reissues 1968 Picture Book
Michigan in Books review of THE BIG ISLAND
THE BIG ISLAND starred in Youth Services Book Review
Publishers Weekly: University of Minnesota Press Reissues 1968 Picture Book
Last month the University of Minnesota Press reissued in hardcover format The Big Island: A Story of Isle Royale by Julian May, illustrated by John Schoenherr – who won the Caldecott in 1988 for Owl Moon, written by Jane Yolen.
Michigan in Books review of THE BIG ISLAND
This may be a children's book, but adults will find great pleasure in the finely drawn illustrations and in reading the book to the young.
THE BIG ISLAND starred in Youth Services Book Review
To whom would you recommend this book? Readers who enjoy true stories about animals in the wild and the balance of nature will appreciate this story.