Legend Keepers: The Chosen One

by Bruce L Smith

Overview

Legend Keepers: The Chosen One has won the Silver/2nd place award in the 2022 Feathered Quill Book Awards Program for both the Young Readers and Animal - Children's/YA categories!

A debut middle grade novel by wildlife biologist and award-winning science writer, Bruce L. Smith In a perilous place at the roof of the world, an orphaned mountain goat is rescued from certain death by a mysterious raven. Communication between a mountain goat and raven might seem strange. But what becomes more unreachable is Buddy's realization that she alone can save a band of goats from the great danger foretold in an ancient legend. This brilliant tale with a clever mix of discovery will spark the intellectual curiosity of every reader.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781735414553
Publisher:	Hidden Shelf Publishing House
Publication date:	08/24/2021
Series:	Legend Keepers , #1
Pages:	200
Sales rank:	1,010,290
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.42(d)
Age Range:	9 - 12 Years

About the Author

Bruce Smith is a wildlife biologist who holds a PhD in Zoology. During his career with the federal government, he studied and managed most large mammal species that roam the western United States.He's authored five nonfiction books of natural history, conservation, and outdoor adventure.He spent three years studying mountain goats in Montana's Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Area - and many days afield with binoculars and camera since - which provided an enduring affection for the subject ofLife on the Rocks: A Portrait of the Mountain Goat, winner of the National Outdoor Book Award.In Legend Keepers, his first novel, he draws upon his experiences and fascination with wild animals to stir the imaginations of young readers and immerse them in the natural world.Bruce and his wife, Diana, live in southwest Montana not far from mountain goats. Look for the second book in the Legend Keepers series, "Legend Keepers: The Partnership" coming this fall!

Editorial Reviews

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"In a time in which heroes are needed more than ever, Bruce Smith has now given us Buddy. Though she is small, Buddy shows us what it means to have a big heart, even in the face of daunting obstacles."--Kathi Appelt, NYT bestselling author of Newbery Honor and National Book Finalist, The Underneath
"Legend Keepers is a charming animal-centric adventure sure to delight readers with a heart for the wilderness."--Rosanne Parry, NYT bestselling author of A Wolf Called Wander

From the Publisher

2022-08-09
In this middle-grade novel, a young goat embarks on a life-changing adventure.

When Buddy the goat is born on the aptly named Goat Mountain, her early days are nothing short of blissful. Buddy’s mother is sweet and nurturing, feeding and bathing the newborn kid and supporting the animal as she learns how to use her hooves and legs. But after only a few days, Buddy wakes up to find her mother gone. The little goat, who still doesn’t have a name at this point—animals are named by their mothers—is at a loss, not finding her parent anywhere except in her own dreams. Soon, Buddy’s explorations lead her to new friends: Maurice the marmot (who gives Buddy her name), a mysterious but kind raven named Roark, and, finally, a band of mountain goats who take Buddy under their wings. Though fellow kid goat Elbuort delights in bullying Buddy, her new mother figure, Oreo—who lost her own baby—is happy to have the newcomer in the group. Oreo introduces Buddy to her own mother, Spirit, the band’s most respected elder. While Buddy tries to find her role in the group, she learns of a legend that may threaten the goats’ existence as well as a renowned location called Shining Mountain. With Roark’s help, Buddy sets out on her own to find the mountain, battling hostile forces at every turn. Can Buddy save her band of goats and finally discover what happened to her mother, Eneres? Wildlife biologist Bruce Smith has published a number of nonfiction books and studied mountain goats for three years in Montana. In his engaging first novel, the author includes a lengthy but child-friendly afterword, detailing the species described in the story as well as the threats of global warming and other factors to the natural world. The series opener also features black-and-white illustrations by the author’s wife, Diana Smith. The result is an informative and lovingly crafted narrative with a plucky hero determined to find her mother and her place in the world; her natural curiosity about her surroundings will appeal to the work’s target audience.

An enchanting tale with a strong environmental message.

Kirkus Reviews