The Kids' Wildlife Book by Warner Shedd. Illustrated by Loretta Trezzo Braren. Williamson Publishing, Charlotte, VT 05445 (1934). 157 pp. Illustrated throughout. Paperback, ISBN 0-913589-77-2, Ê$12.95.

Wildlife expert Warner Shedd did the near impossible with this book, subtitled Exploring Animal Worlds through Indoor/Outdoor Experiences. He wrote for kids about wildlife without using the Bambi formula for making wild critters into lovable little people. Yet the book isn't just dry science. Using native American legends and dozens of fun activities, Shedd entices the reader to explore the world of wildlife - a world he enriches with range maps and fascinating "did-you-know" sidebars based on solid wildlife biology.

This is a well-researched, creatively written book that any teacher, parent, or conservation officer can use with confidence. It offers ideas for all sorts of home, classroom, and field activities, tempered with sensible advice for people who encounter wildlife in the wilds. For example, Shedd warns about the serious threat of the rabies epidemic in the eastern United States, but without an undue tone of panic.

Simply put, this is a wonderful little book that just about anyone interested in wildlife will enjoy.

By Carl Reidel