The Wolves Return: A New Beginning for Yellowstone National Park
By Celia Godkin; Pajama Press, 2017, ISBN 978-1-77278-011-6 Picture Book Ages 6–9 • $19.95 CAD/$17.95 USD.
For more than half a century, there have been no wolves in Yellowstone National Park. Now a howl rings out again: humans have re-introduced two packs to the area. They know that the wolves will affect prey species, like the elk that graze the river valley. What they cannot predict is that these magnificent creatures will change an entire ecosystem, improving biodiversity and altering the very landscape.
Skydiver: Saving the Fastest Bird in the World
By Celia Godkin; Pajama Press, 2014, ISBN 978-1-927485-61-3 (bound) $19.95.
Click to watch the book trailer.
The inspiring story of how the peregrine falcon was saved from the brink of disaster.
High in the sky, a peregrine falcon joins her mate for some swooping and diving before returning to her nest to guard her eggs. The couple doesn’t know it yet, but they will lose most of these eggs; the first clutch to a volunteer scaling the cliff, and the next to the harmful effects of DDT.
Hurricane!
By Celia Godkin; Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2008, ISBN 978-1-55455-080-7 (bound) $19.95.
A hurricane is bearing down on the coast. When it reaches land the hurricane’s force brings with it a devastating storm surge. Then, after the eerie quiet of the hurricane’s eye passes overhead, the winds howl again, toppling structures that had survived thefirst onslaught. But even as the storm dies down, the process of renewal begins.
Fire! The Renewal of a Forest
by Celia Godkin; Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2006, ISBN 1-55041-889-0 (bound) $17.95 US. $21.95, CAN. ISBN 978-1-55455-082-1 (pbk.) $11.95 US, $12.95 CAD.
This handsome volume presents the cycle of forest fires in words and pictures. Clear, concise writing and vivid artwork show us that even fire’s destructive force is an integral part of a thriving ecosystem.
Flying Acrobats
by Gisela Woldenga, illustrations by Celia Godkin, Scholastic Canada, 2006,ISBN 978-0-7791-6274-0. Available only as an educational package of 6 books with teacher guide; $42.00 CAN.
We learn about hummingbirds through the voice of a boy intrigued when these diminutive birds visit his neighbour’s garden.
Amber, The Story of a Red Fox
by Shirley Woods, illustrations by Celia Godkin, Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2004, ISBN 1-55041-811-4 (bound) $14.95 US, $19.95 CAN. ISBN 1-55041-810-6 (pbk.) $7.95 US, $9.95 CAN.
A wealth of factual information about foxes is carefully woven into a story filled with adventure and suspense. Young readers will be entertained, but they will come away with a greater understanding and respect for these often misunderstood creatures.
Awards:
Winner of the 2005 Diamond Willow Award.
A Canadian Children’s Books Centre Our Choice 2005.
2006-2007 Red Cedar Book Award nominee.
Children’s Crown Award nominee.
Jack, The Story of a Beaver
by Shirley Woods, illustrations by Celia Godkin, Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2002, ISBN 1-55041-733-9 (bound) $14.95 US, $19.95 CAN. ISBN 1-55041-735-5 (pbk.) $ 7.95 US, $9.95 CAN.
A love of nature shines in this scientifically accurate portrayal of life in a beaver colony. Factual information is seamlessly introduced into a story filled with character and adventure as it follows the life of a young beaver from birth to maturity.
When the Giant Stirred
by Celia Godkin, Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2002, ISBN 1-55041-683-9 (bound) $18.95 US, $22.95 CAN; ISBN 1-55041-706-1 (pbk.)
A village of Pacific island people must flee their idyllic home when the island’s volcano erupts. Lush, Gauguin-like paintings reveal the resourcefulness of a warm-hearted people and describe the gradual return of plants and animals to an island devastated by the explosion.
Flying Lessons
by Celia Godkin, Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 1999, ISBN 1-55041-401-1 (bound) $11.95 US, $12.95 CAN; ISBN 1-55041-399-6 (pbk.) $3.95 US, $5.95 CAN.
Simple text encourages new readers to follow the trials of a baby robin as he finds the courage for that first flight.
Kit, The Adventures of a Raccoon
by Shirley Woods, illustrations by Celia Godkin, Groundwood Books, 1999, ISBN 0-88899-375-7 (bound) $12.95 US, $14.95 CAN; ISBN 0-88899-376-5 (pbk.) $6.95 US, $7.95 CAN.
A chronicle of the life of a young raccoon, beginning with his birth and following him as he matures and learns to live in the world. This story of survival by wit and instinct will captivate young readers.
Awards:
2001 Red Cedar and Silver Birch Awards shortlist.
2000 Ann Conner Brimer Award.
Out of print
Black Nell, The Adventures of a Coyote
by Shirley Woods, illustrations by Celia Godkin, Groundwood Books, 1998, ISBN 0-88899-318-8 (bound) $12.95 US, $14.95 CAN; ISBN 0-88899-319-6 (pbk.) $6.95 US, $7.95 CAN.
The life of a coyote, living in the wilds of Ontario, from her birth through her growing up and wanderings. Facts are woven seamlessly into a narrative notable for small but powerful dramatic moments and simple but evocative language.
Out of print
Sea Otter Inlet
by Celia Godkin, Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 1997, ISBN 1-55041-080-6 (bound) $15.95 US, $18.95 CAN; ISBN 1-55041-080-6 (pbk.) $6.95 US, $9.95 CAN.
The world of the sea otter and its relationships with the inhabitants of the kelp forest is explored. Bold paintings depict the mysteries of sea otter territory, and the consequences of an ecosystem thrown out of balance by the intervention of human predators.
Ladybug Garden (Canadian title)
What About Ladybugs? (US title)
by Celia Godkin, Fitzhenry & Whiteside/ Sierra Club Books, 1995, ISBN 1-55041-083-0 (bound) $15.95 US, $18.95 CAN; ISBN 1-55041-092-X (pbk) $6.95 US, $8.95 CAN
Accompanied by vibrant, beautifully detailed illustrations, this simple story of a garden introduces children to the important concept of the balance of nature. Youngsters will be both reassured and enlightened when they find out how everybody’s favorite insect - the ladybug - saves the day.
Out of print
Wolf Island
by Celia Godkin, Fitzhenry & Whiteside/W. H. Freeman, 1989 ISBN 0-88902-753-6 (bound) $15.95 US, $18.95 CAN; ISBN 1-55041-095-4 (pbk) $6.95 US, $7.95 CAN. Second edition 2006.
Set on an island in Northern Ontario, this moving chronicle describes what happens when the highest link in the food chain is removed. Nature’s delicately balanced ecosystem comes unraveled and balance is not regained until the return of the wolf family restores the island habitat to health.
Endangered Species: Canada's Disappearing Wildlife
by Clive Roots, design and illustrations by Celia Godkin, Fitzhenry & Whiteside 1987 ISBN 0-88902-972-5 (bound) $22.50 CAN
A fascinating anthology of remarkable creatures. A beautiful and saddening reflection on the plight of one of Canada's greatest natural resources - her wildlife.
Out of print
More from Celia:
Celia Godkin is also the illustrator of How Fish Swim by Heather Beaumont, Scholastic Canada, 2006, Dragonflies are Amazing by Marie Powell, Scholastic Canada, 2006 and many other educational texts. She's had close to one thousand illustrations published in textbooks and scientific journals, on zoo signs, posters and a calendar.