Category Archives: Uncategorized

A Starred Review for A Whale of the Wild

Just heard that Booklist–a publication of the American Library Association has given A Whale of the Wild a starred review! What a terrific way to start the weekend. And in case you are curious, that stunning cover art is the work of Lindsay Moore–author, illustrator, & marine biologist extraordinaire!

A Whale of the Wild.

By Rosanne Parry. Illus. by Lindsay Moore. Sept. 2020. 240p. Greenwillow, $17.99 (9780062995926). Gr. 3–5

Just as she did with A Wolf Called Wander (2019), Parry creates a spellbinding, heart-stopping adventure for middle-grade readers—this time about a pod of orca whales and their plight in today’s Salish Sea. The hungry pod travels toward the mouth of a river awaiting the salmon, but this year, the fish are late. Readers are instantly plunged into the close-knit pod as its members work together and share stories and knowledge with younger generations. Vega, the future “wayfinder” of her pod, and her younger brother, Deneb, must remember all the lessons they can after a powerful earthquake and tsunami separate the young orcas from their pod. Vega and Deneb alternate the tale’s narration, giving first-person accounts of their harrowing journey to find their family and their encounters (some frightening, others encouraging) with other sea creatures and humans. Parry’s thorough research, observation, and creative writing combine to share the marvelous matriarchal familial world of orcas, the negative impacts of ocean and noise pollution, and threats posed by ships and humans. Her descriptive narrative rises in intensity to match each new danger and resolves with a bittersweet yet hopeful finish. Vega’s tenacious spirit and intelligence will turn readers into steadfast companions on her unforgettable journey. Black-andwhite illustrations and informative back matter on orcas and their environment enhance an already excellent book.

— J. B. Petty

About Harps and LAST OF THE NAME

I had such a wonderful time talking with the family history program at the New York Historical Society about LAST OF THE NAME today! There were some questions about harps so I thought I’d show some pictures I have from a trip to Ireland in 2017. This is the Brian Boru harp on display at Trinity College in Dublin. It is one of the oldest harps in Ireland and is the size and shape of the one I imagined my characters carrying in the story. As you can see, it’s ornately decorated. It’s strung with wire and is 600-700 years old.

In irish a harp is called a cláirseach. It is the national symbol of Ireland and appears on coins, passports, and the presidential seal.
The Brian Boru Harp also known as the Trinity College harp

Here is what a small harp sounds like. I’m a new harp student myself so I have plenty still to learn. The tune I’m playing was written by a very famous harper Turlough O’Carolan who lived from 1670 to 1738. Like many harpers he was blind. He composed many tunes. The ones that have the word Planxty in the title are songs in praise of a person, so this tune Planxty Irwin is a song in praise of Captain Irwin.

For Wolf Fans

If you are studying at home and love wolves, here’s some bonus content for middle grade students who liked A Wolf Called Wander.

Here are the resources I referenced in the video. If you are looking for information about animals of the world, national geographic has a terrific website for kids. For information about Oregon animals and habitats try the Oregon Dept of Fish and Wildlife.

If you want to look at some wolves and track their behavior like a wildlife biologist does, you could follow this link to the Wolf Conservation Center in New York where they have some wolves you can watch on wildlife cameras. bit.ly/34ulJH4 will take you there.

If you just want to practice drawing a wolf, here is one of illustrator Mónica Armiño’s pictures for practice and inspiration.

And finally if you want to write me a letter, you can reach me at the bookstore where I work: Annie Blooms Books, 3834 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, Oregon 97219. I promise I’ll write back and send you a signed bookplate.

Book Club Blog Posts are coming!

So many of my readers are home from school this spring because of the pandemic. I thought it would be fun to do a little Book Club on my blog. Starting April 1st, I’ll be creating three posts for families to use while reading my book. They will have science connections, some links for learning more and some fun things to try at home. No worksheets. Just a fun look at the science behind the story. First up! A Wolf Called Wander.

book cover A Wolf Called Wander
A Wolf Called Wander has been nominated for the Eloise Jarvis McGraw Award for Children’s Literature

I am waiting to create my first Book Club Posts because I need to finish up working on a book coming out in the fall. It’s a companion book to A Wolf Called Wander but the viewpoint character in this story is as big as a school bus! I’m so excited! Meanwhile I strongly encourage your whole family to take a cue from wolves in the wild and indulge in an after dinner howl from time to time. It’s good for the pack!

California here I come!

I’m so excited to be coming to the Bay Area for a whirlwind weekend of bookstore visits. All you adventurers, explorers, and wildlife trackers, come to your local bookstore and we will talk wolves and tracking and wilderness adventure. Every explorer who comes to my book events will get a small tracking journal of their own! Can’t wait to meet all you wolf fans. Here’s the schedule

Friday July 12th at BOOK PASSAGE in Corte Madera, CA at 7pm

Saturday July 13th at TOWNE CENTER BOOKS in Pleasanton, CA at 11am

also Saturday July 13th at FLASHLIGHT BOOKS  in Walnut Creek, CA at 3pm

And Sunay July 14th at THE BOOK MINE in Napa, CA at 2pm.