In her heartwarming New York Times bestsellers Unlikely Friendships and last year’s Unlikely Loves, Jennifer Holland revealed the surprising emotional bonds that exist between animals of different species. Her books spent dozens of weeks on bestseller lists and caught the attention of major media from CBS This Morning to USA Today. Why? Because she opened our eyes to the rich inner lives of animals, showing us that the power of love and friendship is not for humans only. In Unlikely Heroes, Ms. Holland uncovers and celebrates yet another side of animals that we often think belongs primarily to people—heroism, that indefinable quality of going above and beyond, often for altruistic reasons, often at great personal risk. These 37 inspiring true tales show animals whose quick acts have saved lives, like the pod of dolphins who protected swimmers in New Zealand from a great white shark by forming a screen around them. There are stories of animals who simply and unselfishly give, like Rojo the llama, who shines his very special light of lovingkindness on the elderly patients in an Oregon rehab center. And there are compelling stories of heroic resilience: like Naki’o, the abandoned puppy who lost all four paws to frostbite but found the grit not only to overcome that terrible hardship but to reclaim the joy of life—that’s him, smiling on the cover of the book.

A poignant first memoir of how the author's relationship with her dog saved her from suicidal depression describes her unsuccessful work with therapists and loved ones before she adopted a Golden Retriever puppy who became a loyal companion throughout her difficult recovery. Original.

Nature Journal is an innovative presentation of the best columns and photographs from L. J. Davenport’s popular column in Alabama Heritage magazine. Readers of the magazine have come to relish his artful and often witty descriptions of common species encountered in the Alabama outdoors. But Nature Journal is designed to be much more than a mere collection of entertaining essays; it is also an educational tool—a means of instructing and encouraging readers in the art of keeping a nature journal for themselves. Each of the 25 chapters is a self-contained lesson in close observation of species morphology, behavior, and habitat; research in the literature; nondestructive capture of the subject by photography or drawing; and written description of the total observed natural phenomenon. At the end of each account, stimulating questions and gentle directives guide the reader into making his or her own observations and recordings. This book is intended for broad nature-study use in Alabama and throughout the southeast by the general reader and nature enthusiast alike, as well as visitors to museums and outdoor centers, and students of nature and nature writing at the high school and college levels. Beautifully designed to look like a personal journal, it is a perfect gift and treasured keepsake for all lovers of the natural world. Publication supported in part by Samford University

Poultry personality Andy Schneider tells you everything you need to know about keeping chickens! Since The Chicken Whisperer's Guide to Keeping Chickens was first published in 2011, many people have discovered the joys and benefits of a backyard flock. Now Andy Schneider is back with The Chicken Whisperer's Guide to Keeping Chickens, Revised. Are you looking for a great way to reconnect with the earth, the community, and your food sources? Keeping backyard chickens is a fun, simple way to start making this happen, even with limited space in your backyard. Let the Chicken Whisperer (poultry personality Andy Schneider) teach you everything he knowsâ?¿and everything you need to knowâ?¿about raising a backyard flock! Ditch the super-technical manuals and enjoy Andy's unique, common-sense perspective in The Chicken Whisperer's Guide to Keeping Chickens, Revised. This fun, comprehensive guide is a perfect fit for your busy lifestyle. Inside, you'll learn: The Benefits of a Backyard Chicken Flock, So You're Eggspecting: The Art of Incubation, The Art of Brooding, Home Sweet Home: Coops & Runs, Nutrition, Health, and Wellness â?¿ and much more!

With more than two hundred tree, shrub, and woody vine species in Minnesota, anyone with an interest in the outdoors has likely encountered an unfamiliar plant and wondered about its name, origin, characteristics, and habitat. In this new identification resource, the state’s foremost botanist and endangered species expert Welby R. Smith provides authoritative, accessible, and up-to-date information on the state’s native and naturalized woody plant species. This fully illustrated resource features: • Easy identification: more than one thousand color photographs of fruit, flowers, bark, and leaves for every species, as well as more than one hundred illustrations by botanical artist Vera Ming Wong • Distribution maps: more than five hundred maps, including state and North American range maps • Interesting background: descriptions of each species’ habitat, natural history, and ecology, which provide context to the entries • Comprehensive coverage: includes all native and naturalized trees, shrubs, and woody vines in Minnesota from Abies balsamea to Zanthozylum americanum. Written for everyone from scientists and environmentalists to teachers and people interested in horticulture and gardening, Trees and Shrubs of Minnesota will engage and educate anyone with a curiosity about the natural world. Welby R. Smith is a botanist for the Division of Ecological Resources at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. He is the author of Orchids of Minnesota (Minnesota, 1993).

A longtime editor of Osprey Publishing and author of The Last Valley reflects on his 15-year relationship with a Tawny Owl, an unlikely companionship marked by their incredulous neighbors, books and unique care challenges. 25,000 first printing.

In this beautifully illustrated gift book featuring insightful profiles of 36 familiar herbs, fruits, and flowers, herbalist Maia Toll shows how interacting with plants can be a form of meditation. Tarot-inspired cards featuring smaller versions of the illustrations help guide personal reflections.

From the massive moose to the miniscule mole, 68 species of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan mammals are described in vivid detail by mammalogist Roger Powell of Ely, Minnesota. Roger is a Professor Emeritus of North Carolina State University with a broad range of expertise from Black Bears to fishers to weasels. All native (and introduced species) are covered from lynx to Least Chipmunk, from wolf to Woodland Jumping Mouse and from Snowshoe Hare to Short-tailed Shrew. Every page will provide an aha

From mice to moose, identifying mammals is simple and fun. This unique field guide includes facts about size, habitat, range and more, for Minnesota-specific mammals. Professional photos and notes help you discover all of Minnesotaís diverse species.

Drawing on the latest scientific research and her own work with animals, the author discusses the emotional needs of animals and how to fulfill them, challenging common myths about animal emotions, mental stimulation, and emotional well-being.