At Home with the Prairie Dog - (Story of a Keystone Species) by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent (Hardcover)

About the Book

Prairie dogs are dubbed a keystone species for good reason because the burrows they dig are used by dozens of other animals, from insects and spiders to rattlesnakes, salamanders, owls and more.

Book Synopsis

Prairie dogs are dubbed a keystone species for good reason because the burrows they dig are used by dozens of other animals, from insects and spiders to rattlesnakes, salamanders, owls and more.

The highly endangered black-footed ferret depends almost completely on prairie dogs for food, and may also live in their abandoned burrows. In addition, prairie dog activity makes the grass areas around their burrows especially nourishing for grazing animals like bison and pronghorn. With up to 150 species associated with prairie dogs, this keystone species plays a pivotal role in keeping the prairie healthy and thriving.

Other books in this series: AT HOME WITH THE GOPHER TORTOISE: THE STORY OF A KEYSTONE SPECIES, AT HOME WITH THE BEAVER: THE STORY OF A KEYSTONE SPECIES

Review Quotes

"A visit to a prairie and its inhabitants through a wealth of photos. This cute and clever rodent features in many children's books. Patent's, however, as the title hints, is more about the prairie ecosystem itself and the role of the prairie dog. Like the beaver in her 2019 book in this series (with photos by Michael Runtz) and the gopher tortoise in Madeleine Dunphy's 2010 series contribution (with photos by Michael Rothman), this species is a keystone, supporting many others in its environment. Focused on some of the "roughly 150" other animals living "in and around" occupied and abandoned burrows, the book sketches a prairie dog's day, from the emergence of a female at daybreak. The caption tells us that she "signals to her three young pups" but offers no description of that sound. This book is not the place to find basic facts-life span, predators, etc. But some habits, like prairie dog kisses, are noted, and backmatter expands on the animals' colonies, range, and population before the arrival of European settlers. Cross-section diagrams show an occupied burrow, with labels, and a similar cutaway of an abandoned burrow. Like those by the different photographers in each series book thus far, the pictures are stunning. They fill every page in a patchwork of landscapes and close-ups with sharp details and discreet labels (horned lark, killdeer, pronghorn, and much more), letting us stroll invisibly through the inhabited prairie. A visually engaging introduction to a keystone species. (map) (Informational picture book. 6-10)"-Kirkus Reviews

"Prairie dogs are considered a keystone species because their burrows are used by other animals. About 150 different kinds of animals live in or around prairie dog burrows! For various reasons spiders, salamanders, toads, beetles, deer mice, rabbits, and rattlesnakes find refuge within the burrows. Because prairie dogs are constantly nibbling and clipping the grass around their burrows this becomes a benefit for bison, birds, elk, and deer. A very informative look into prairie dog life and the important role they play in keeping the prairie healthy and thriving."-KIDSbookshelf

"Enhanced throughout with the spectacular full color photography of William Muñoz, "At Home with the Prairie Dog" by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent is an ideal introduction to this marvelous and essential animal and is unreservedly recommended for family, elementary school, and community library prairie wildlife collections for children ages 5-9. Two other highly recommended books in this informative series for young readers include: "At Home with the Gopher Tortoise: The Story of a Keystone Species" and 'At Home with the Beaver: The Story of a Keystone Species.'"-Midwest Book Review

"America's vast prairies are filled with a plethora of creatures who all call this ecosystem home. Birds, bugs, wildflowers, and grasses decorate the landscape in sound and color, and larger animals roam the vast landscape in their daily search for food. Prairie dogs are one of the most important prairie residents, and they are considered a keystone species thanks to the many ways they support their companions residing nearby. Not only do they provide homes for other animals like spiders, toads, and beetles, but they also serve as food for hunters like hawks and ferrets. Many creatures rely on prairie dogs for their survival in one way or another, and because their habitat has been diminishing, prairie dogs-and therefore many other prairie creatures-are in great peril as a result. This nonfiction picture book gives a huge amount of information about prairie dogs