Hungry Coyote

Author Cheryl Blackford, Illustrations by Laurie Caple

Minnesota Historical Society Press (May 1, 2015)

From winter hunts to picnic foraging, Coyote makes his deliberate way through the seasons in his urban habitat. His adventures come to life in this lavishly illustrated tale.

Description

From winter hunts to picnic foraging, Coyote makes his deliberate way through the seasons in his urban habitat. His adventures come to life in this lavishly illustrated tale.

Down at the lake, Coyote is hunting, eager to fill his empty belly. When winter ice crackles, springtime frogs warble, summer thunderclouds threaten, and autumn leaves tumble, Coyote searches for his next meal. He stalks voles, rabbits, snakes, and geese, but there’s no guarantee he’ll catch his dinner. If his stomach growls, he’ll steal vegetables from a tidy garden or nibble snacks from a trash can, maybe even leftovers from a family’s picnic. Coyotes live on the plains and in deserts, on farms and in woodlands; they even live in towns and cities.

In Hungry Coyote, lush, lifelike illustrations by natural history artist Laurie Caple accompany Cheryl Blackford’s poetic imagining of a year in the life of an urban coyote. Across the pages, Coyote sneaks, skulks, and scurries in his constant quest to feed himself and his growing family. While Coyote hunts nearby, people enjoy a city park. At the lake, in the marsh, among the trees, children jump, twirl, and play, oblivious to his secret life. But if they listen closely they might overhear Coyote’s wild nighttime conversations with his mate and pups. Is he planning his next hunt?

Author information

Cheryl Blackford is the author of three third-grade nonfiction books and the middle-grade novel Lizzie and the Stolen Baby.

Laurie Caple has created artwork for more than twenty books as well as the periodicals American Girl and Cricket.

Reviews and news

In the Media:

"This masterfully illustrated appreciation follows a coyote that lives near a lakeshore in an urban park through four seasons of hunting for food for himself and his family."
Kirkus (Starred!) Review

"An afterword details the lives of city coyotes, focusing on their habitats and eating habits, as well as advice on what do during an encounter. The gorgeous watercolors depicting wildlife in its urban park setting are strikingly realistic. VERDICT An interesting and informative read."
School Library Journal

Lillie Suburban News
Pioneer Press
Istanti County News
Lake Superior Magazine
Literary Kids
Books for the Curious Child

Interview with Cheryl and Laurie & Urban Coyote Resources

Teacher Guide (PDF)

Winner of the 2015 Moonbeam Children's Book Award for best picture book for 4-8 year olds

Teacher's guide and coloring page

Download the Hungry Coyote Teacher's Guide (PDF)

Download the Hungry Coyote Coloring Page (PDF)

Images

• 32 pages
• FULLY ILLUSTRATED
• 10 x 10 inches
• ISBN: 9780873519649