Proofreader, Photo Researcher
Aliens Among Us: Invasive Animals and Plants in British Columbia
BC Bestseller
Description
For children aged 8 to 12
Alex Van Tol has harvested the knowledge of museum biologists to alert the next generation of responsible environmentalists. Her list of serious invaders includes the colourfully named Purple Loosestrife, Violet Tunicate, Eastern Grey Squirrel and Yellow Perch, species that tend to take over an area and crowd out or destroy native species. She names the creatures that can eat their way through an ecosystem, like Smallmouth Bass, Gypsy Moths and American Bullfrogs, as well as those that cause damage to property, like Norway Rats and European Starlings. And she points out the species that might do serious harm to humans and other animals, such as Rockpool Mosquitoes, Giant Hogweed and Poison Hemlock. Some aliens, like European Wall Lizards and Giant Garden Slugs, haven’t yet posed problems in BC, at least not that we’re aware of – but they still need to be watched. And finally, Van Tol raises the alert for species that haven’t yet arrived but may be coming soon, like Northern Snakeheads, Fence Lizards and Zebra Mussels.
Praise
“This compact but informative book is a terrific guide to recognizing and understanding animal and plant species that have moved beyond their natural territories to become “aliens” within British Columbia’s environment. Some are more harmful than others, becoming invasive by upsetting natural balances and threatening biodiversity. The book is expertly illustrated with close up photos, as well as cartoon style drawings that enhance specific details in the text. Whether you live in BC, or you are curious about the origins and spread of these species, keep this book around as a handy reference. It will help you pay closer attention to some of the animals and plants you may have thought always belonged in your neighbourhood.” - Gillian Richardson, Canadian Review of Materials
“The author uses an engaging voice to educate readers about alien and invasive species to British Columbia… Side bars provide extra entertaining factoids [and] hand drawn illustrations as well as photographs detail the creatures and botany discussed. This book would be great for any student learning about the environment, and the effects of introducing new species to the ecosystem.” - Emma-Leigh Mitchell, Resource Links: Connecting Classrooms, Libraries & Canadian Learning Resources