Invasive species can lead to negative consequences for the environment, humans, and other living creatures. The non-fiction DETECTIVE DOGS highlights the amazing work that canines do to seek out invasive species before any damage can be done.

These potential enemies include PESKY PLANTS, MEDDLESOME MUSSELS, and IRRITATING INSECTS, with each focused in a separate chapter. You’ll meet. Fenton and Frost; Fagen and Dia; Hilo, Diesel, and Seuss along with their handlers.

Color photographs enhance the information about their work. The last few pages detail how a dog becomes a detective dog, what skills are needed to be a handler, and a final look at how to keep invasives under control despite the constant changes in the environment.

Further reading is provided with over a dozen sources in the ending Bibliography.

The hardback edition is only 64 pages but it’s a fascinating read, especially for readers like me who knew nothing about these hero canines. The writing is geared toward middle grade readers and is both informative and easy to understand.

Need a holiday gift for the dog loving 8-12 year old in your life? Look no further than DETECTIVE DOGS.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: ALISON PEARCE STEVENS

I bring the work of scientists to kids around the world through Highlights for Children, Science News Explores, ASK magazine, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Audubon Society, National Geographic Kids books, and more. And sometimes super-cool scientific discoveries spark fictional adventures. So I write those, too.

I am a former Regional Advisor for the Nebraska chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and a member of the National Association of Science Writers and Author’s Guild.

(FOR MORE ABOUT ALISON AND THE WORK SHE DOES BE SURE TO VISIT HER INFORMATIVE WEBSITE)

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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights and links from other bloggers about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.

It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. Email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com

Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for that week’s MMGM.

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.