This is a great story about wolves and what happens to the environment when wolves are no longer around. The illustrations are great and will help children to understand this.

Cleverly done, this is one of several books I've seen now that talk of the balance of life in Yellowstone, and why it was bad news indeed the day the last wolves were shot. Their reintroduction reduced the numbers of elk, so the trees grew more successfully once more, which inspired birds, fish, beavers, and so much else to thrive as before. The artwork is great here – and the surprising touch of what happens when the critters get reduced in number is pretty effective, for all its simplicity. Outside the US the story is just an example of ecological balance changing for bad then good, and is probably better as one section of a nature book, as I've seen, but inside the US this is something to matter and to hit home more, and while it isn't unique in covering this story it's a fine entry to the shelf. A strong four stars.

A simple and easy-to-read book that explains how an ecosystem works. It would be very interesting for school aged children.

Netgalley ARC - This is great, an important story and the illustrations are striking, specifically the ones that show the missing pieces of the ecosystem.

I never knew the impact wolves had on the ecosystem in Yellowstone National Park. I always understood that the circle of life was a very delicate one, but seeing it illustrated really drives it further. The way the author drew the animals blank - missing from the ecosystem feels a little haunting, which it should be! Because of humans fear of things they don't understand, we almost destroyed a beautiful ecosystem. Thankfully, it seems like nature is healing. This book is a great reminder of why wolves, and many other animals, are so important to our wildlife and the cycles they cultivate!

Thank you NetGalley and Greenleaf Book Group Press for sending this book for me to review!! All my Opinions are my own!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. The paintings were a nice touch. When things get out of balance, it causes a ripple effect that is soon felt. Wolves are the top predator at Yellowstone, so when they were eradicated, it left the elk population unchecked and in turn threw everything out of balance. What sounds good at first, can have unintended consequences later on. In many places, non native animal and plant species were brought in to help curb a problem in the area; yet in turned caused more problems.

An excellent true story, well written, with beautiful illustrations. Why Wolves Matter tells the story of what happens when the intricately designed balance of nature is upended by the removal of an unappreciated member of the ecosystem. In this case, wolves were hunted and poisoned, regarded as a threat. But rather than providing a peaceful existence, as children who grew up reading about the "Big Bad Wolf" might imagine, it turned out that all of the animals suffered because of the loss of the wolves. Elks, birds, beavers, and fish all suffered. Even the trees suffered. I think the this would make a great read-aloud in any elementary school classroom. A fascinating story!

"Nature was in balance. The circle was whole"

A great non-fiction picture book for kids! We took a family trip to Yellowstone a few years ago, and I would've loved to have a book like this to give my nieces and nephews to read on the trip. It showcases the cause and effect of removing the wolves from Yellowstone and how it affected other animals, plants, and ecosystems in the area. It also demonstrates the "circle of life", which is the reality for many of these animal species, and something important for children to learn when visiting places like this.

The illustrations were beautiful, and I also enjoyed the timeline featured at the end.

#WhyWolvesMatter #NetGalley

Cover illustration of a wolf and outline of wolf perfectly captures the author's message.

This book will resonate with the young reader by explaining cause and effect with condensed prose.
Many know the phrase "circle of life" but this book embodies the meaning behind it.

This ARC was provided by the publisher, Greenleaf Book Group | Greenleaf Book Group Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Why Wolves Matter is an illustrated children’s book telling the story of the disappearance of wolves in the Yellowstone National Park. It’s the perfect way to explain to children the circle of life and to show them how every animal has his own purpose. It talks about out life and death in a natural way, showing the way the world works in a way that’s understandable for a child.