Books
CONSERVATION CANINES; HOW DOGS WORK FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, Orca Book Publishers (September 2021).
Foreword by Anjelica Huston
With their precise sense of smell, their hardworking temperament and their ability to bond with humans, dogs increasingly lend their paws and noses to fixing some of the most complex environmental problems on the planet. What kinds of dogs does it take to help wildlife? What kind of training do they go through? Who are the people who work with these special dogs? What do those dogs do and what difference do they make for wildlife?
In Conservation Canines: How Dogs Work for the Environment, author Isabelle Groc shares stories of dog encounters in the field and examples of canines working to conserve wildlife. Meet brave Anatolian shepherd dogs protecting farmers’livestock against cheetah attacks and Maremma dogs guarding penguins from foxes. Learn how rescue dogs sniff out orca poop in the ocean and how highly focused canines can detect rare frogs hiding in wetland tunnels. The story of these conservation canines celebrates the profound and ancestral human–animal bond and gives hope and inspiration for finding new ways for people to successfully co-exist with wildlife.
The book is available for purchase from Orca Books, your favourite independent bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and any other online bookseller wherever you are in the world.
AWARDS
Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
JLG editors review thousands of books prior to publication each year to choose the best children’s books. JLG Gold Standard Selections are picked based on merit.
2022 Green Earth Book Awards Honor Book
The Green Earth Book Awards United States’ first environmental stewardship award for children and young adults.
The Awards promote books that inspire youth to grow a deeper understanding, respect, and responsibility for the natural environment.
2022 American Society of Journalists and Authors Book Award
Conservation Canines: How Dogs Work for the Environment is the winner of the 2022 American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) in the children’s book category. Founded in 1948, the ASJA is the United States’ largest professional organization of independent nonfiction writers. This is what the judges wrote: “The book not only showcases the human-canine bond but also details the invaluable way in which dogs play a key and active role in conservation efforts. Through wonderful storytelling and beautiful photography, Isabelle Groc chronicles how the dogs’ sense of smell helps scientists, conservationists, ranchers and farmers solve some of our most urgent environmental problems.”
REVIEWS
One theory is that our ancestors domesticated wolves and over time they became dogs. Another case can be made that wolves domesticated us. Certainly, they bring out the best in most of us, and through their work with conservationists, may one day help save us. An elegant and beautifully written book of wonder. Isabelle Groc offers us an unexpected view of dogs, helping us appreciate them even more than we already do.
— Richard Louv, author of Our Wild Calling: How connecting with animals can transform our lives—and save theirs
This book is a charmer, a must for people who love dogs and want to know how they impact our world. From detecting cheetah scat and guarding livestock in southern Africa, to protecting penguins in Australia and locating pods of orcas in the Pacific Northwest, to helping authorities identify shipments of illegally traded wildlife, the stories told in Conservation Canines demonstrate the breadth of intelligence inherent in the species across its many breeds. The beautiful photos stand as proof: these dogs are passionate about their work, and so are the people guiding them. A terrific testament to our amazing animal partners in conservation!
— Dr. Laurie Marker, founder and executive director of Cheetah Conservation Fund
A beautiful book, filled with stunning images, on how our best friends are working to make the world a better place. Conservation Canines takes us from British Columbia to Namibia, following the work these incredible dogs and their human handlers are doing to guard some of our planet’s remaining wildlife. A joy to read for both children and adults.
— Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods, authors of the New York Times bestseller The Genius of Dogs
Dogs’ legendary noses are works of art, and the stories in this well-illustrated book will surely encourage children to look at the dogs in their own lives differently, with renewed curiosity and compassion. This is a win-win for all involved.
— Marc Bekoff, PhD, author of Canine Confidential: Why Dogs Do What They Do and Unleashing Your Dog: A Field Guide to Giving Your Canine Companion the Best Life Possible
Will engage and inform. It is filled with interesting facts about the roles dogs play around the world in supporting our efforts to leave the planet a better place for future generations. Highly Recommended. — CM: Canadian Review of Materials
Nonfiction for this age group frequently highlights working animals, but it doesn’t often focus on their conservation assistance, nor is it as comprehensively detailed as this robust and engaging title. Sure to be a hit with both children writing reports and those who enjoy books about animal companions and adventurous work. A must for school and public libraries. — Booklist, starred review
IN THE MEDIA
– Dogs with jobs that help the world take centre stage in new book: Interview with the Vancouver Sun
– Interview with CBC host Gloria Macarenko for the radio show On the Coast
– Conservation dogs offer lessons of hope and resilience: Interview with Marc Bekoff for Psychology Today
– Conservation Dogs Helping to Protect Endangered Species, Coastal Canine magazine, Winter 2022
– How former shelter dogs are trained to become environment-saving conservation canines: Interview with Rover’s Dog People blog
– Artists Among Us: Stories and photos to inspire change – Artists Among Us profile in the West End Journal
– Humans’ best friend also a conservation hero, Gulf Island Driftwood
– Conservation Canines: Le nouveau livre d’Isabelle Groc – Entrevue avec Radio-Canada
– Can your dog become a conservation Canine? Pet Connection Magazine
– Hakai Magazine: Coastal Kids Books selection
– Globe and Mail: Kids Books Gift Guide
– Modern Dog Magazine: Holiday Gift Guide
SEA OTTERS: A SURVIVAL STORY, Orca Book Publishers (April 2020).
Foreword by Dame Judi Dench and David F. Mills
Sea otters once ruled the Pacific Ocean, but the fur trade of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries brought this predator to near extinction. Today they are slowly coming back from the brink, and scientists are learning more about their pivotal role as one of nature’s keystone species. This book looks at the history, biology, behaviour and uncertain future of sea otters. Isabelle Groc takes us into the field: watching sea otter rafts off the British Columbia coast from a kayak, exploring what makes their fur coats so special, understanding how their voracious appetites are helping kelp forests thrive and, ultimately, learning how sea otters are leaving their mark (or paws) on every part of the ecosystem. They might be one of the most adorable creatures in the ocean, but kids will discover how their survival is key to a rich, complex and connected ecosystem.
2021 American Society of Journalists and Authors Book Award
Sea Otters: A Survival Story is the winner of the 2021 American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) in the Children’s Book category. The judges said:
“This engaging and informative book for middle grade readers details sea otters’ lives and their impact on the ecosystem and makes the reader care about these creatures and their future. Sidebars about scientists in the field provide more information about the science of the ecosystem and may serve to encourage future marine scientists.”
2021-2022 Red Cedar Book Award nominee
Sea Otters: A Survival Story is nominated for the 2021-2022 Red Cedar Book Awards in the non-fiction category. the Red Cedar Book Awards are British Columbia’s Young Readers’ Choice Book Awards.
2021 Outstanding Science Trade Book List
The List is a joint project of the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) and the Children’s Book Council in the United States. The list represents the best science trade books published in 220 for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
“Science trade books are an important tool for children to use to make sense of the world around them, while also stimulating an interest in reading,” said Dr. Elizabeth Allan, NSTA President. “The books featured on the 2021 Outstanding Science Trade Books list motivate students to read. They include captivating stories, compelling characters, and beautiful illustrations that will leave children and adults alike wanting to read the books over and over again.”
REVIEWS
The sea otter’s story holds lessons for everyone. Isabelle Groc has provided a great service for nature and human society by teaching these lessons to the next generation.
— James A. Estes, Professor Emeritus, University of California, Santa Cruz
Accessible, well researched, informative and very attractive. All ages will enjoy this book.
— Robert Bateman, artist and naturalist
This is a good news story, beautiful told by a passionate advocate for healthy seas full of life.
— Ben Hoare, former Features Editor, BBC Wildlife Magazine
A Masterpiece of children’s nonfiction about nature…. a must-have for every budding naturalist.
— Kai Chan, Professor, Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability, University of British Columbia
Well-researched…A thorough introduction to an appealing keystone species.
— Kirkus Reviews
Groc’s personal admiration for these intriguing mammals is evident in her descriptive writing, clear explanations, and well-documented and captioned color photographs. A compelling wake-up call for protecting the environment.
— Booklist
This very relevant book on climate change and endangered species is a strong choice for all nonfiction collections.
— School Library Journal
A good book for students who are interested in animals, the environment, or who just love sea otters…It would be a worthwhile addition to collections serving upper elementary and middle school students.
— School Library Connection
The text is accessible with a fairly straightforward factual style that works well for the serious nature of the topic…Young readers interested in species at risk and wildlife conservation will enjoy the learning experience provided. Highly Recommended.
— CM: Canadian Review of Materials
Through compelling personal anecdotes and insightful interviews with scientists, Groc tells the epic tale of the sea otters — Hakai Magazine
GONE IS GONE: WILDLIFE UNDER THREAT, Orca Book Publishers (September 2019).
Foreword by Jane Goodall
If human behaviour is the cause of the wildlife crisis, it can also be the solution. What do endangered animals need, what do people do to help wildlife survive, and how can you act for the wild before it is too late? The book, illustrated by Isabelle’s photographs, informs readers of all ages to take small steps towards big changes for endangered species.
2021 Yellow Cedar Award Finalist
The Yellow Cedar Award celebrates books for readers in Grades 4-8. It is part of the Forest of Reading program, in which students from Kindergarten to high school are encouraged to read from a selection of shortlisted books and vote for their favourites over several months.
The Forest of Reading program is organized by the Ontario Library Association and is the largest recreational reading program in Canada.
Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s Best Books for Kids and Teens Spring 2020 edition
REVIEWS
Isabelle’s most important and lasting message is also the most resonant: if human behav
iour is the cause of the wildlife crisis, it can also be the solution.
— Jane Goodall, PhD, BDE, Founder, Jane Goodall Institute and United Nations Mess
enger of Peace
You don’t need to be a child to read this fascinating, informative and personal book about the unique and beautiful wild creatures with whom we share the earth.
— Virginia McKenna, Co-Founder The Born Free Foundation
Animals won’t survive unless people care. I wish this book was available when I started my career in wildlife conservation.
— Carl Safina, author of Beyond Words; What Animals Think and Feel
A solid and appealing addition to endangered species literature. — Booklist
The passion of this author for the subject emanates off every page. — School Library Connection
A refreshing look at endangered species. — School Library Journal
Gone is Gone is worthy of our attention because it covers the topic of species extinction in a far more comprehensive manner than so many other books for young people on this subject, which do little more than enumerate appealing species under threat. Recommended. — New York Journal of Books
This stunning 120-page book is fact-filled and rich in imagery, accessible to young people and adults (…) Gone Is Gone brings us pause and heightens our awareness as we look into the eyes of creatures that share our world. It should also motivate us to help our wild neighbors and their neighborhoods. — YOGA + Life
This profusely illustrated and thoroughly researched book looks at endangered species around the world — The Revelator (Best Environmental Books)
Media highlights
Watch Isabelle’s TV interview with CBC host Gloria Macarenko. If you speak French, here is an interview with Radio-Canada host Mireille Langlois.
GENTLE GIANTS: AN EMOTIONAL FACE TO FACE WITH DOLPHINS AND WHALES, White Star Publishers (June 2011).
This book takes an intimate look at the marine creatures dearest to us: our fellow sea-born mammals-dolphins, porpoises, and whales. Joining superb nature writing with spectacular photography, Gentle Giants surveys 80 species, explores their mysterious origins, and examines the amazing qualities cetaceans have in common with people. Finally, their awesome power to heal is revealed in the context of their complex, and ironically often painful, relationship with humans.
Photo by Yannick Sparta
Keep updated on events and book talks
To arrange a book signing, a speaking engagement, school or library visit, please contact Isabelle