Gopher to the Rescue! A Volcano Recovery Story

The forest animals are surprised when a volcano suddenly explodes, covering the land in gritty, warm ash and rocks that make it unlivable for many plants and animals. Gopher survives in his underground burrow with food to eat. How does Gopher help bring life back to the mountain? Scientists spent years observing life returning to the mountain following the eruption of Mount St. Helens on May 18, 1980. This fictionalized story is based on their surprising observations of how life returns to an area that has been totally changed or destroyed.

"Laurie O'Keefe's detailed illustrations bring Terry Jennings' story to life as the animals on the mountain scurry to find safety when the volcano erupts. The story tackles the harsh reality of what happens in the immediate aftermath, but goes on to show how the area recovers and life returns over the years. Especially for boys or kinesthetic learners who like non-fiction, or for anyone who loves animals and nature, this book is sure to be a hit."
-Learning Table

"Gopher to the Rescue! A Volcano Recovery Story is a good balance of engaging narrative and nonfiction information. The text is straightforward enough that young readers will enjoy it, but dense enough to be a springboard for many science topics like environmental changes, volcanoes, habitats, landforms, food chains, and so forth. The illustrations (by Laurie O’Keefe) are rich and detailed, revealing not only the beauty of the woodlands but the desolation of the area after the eruption. This book is a beautiful story of the resilience of nature and a testimony of hope in the midst of disaster."
Books For Learning

Author/Illustrator Info:

Terry Catasús Jennings (pronounced cat ah soos) has been heavily involved in the arts for the past 20 years, serving as a Cultural Arts Chair in her children’s schools. She is a contributor to the National Science Resource Center’s (NSRC) Science and Technology for Children and Science and Technology Concepts for Middle Grades series. Her articles have appeared in The Washington Post, Long Island News Day and Ranger Rick and she wrote a family humor column for her local newspaper, The Reston Connection, for four years. Gopher to the Rescue: A Volcano Recovery Story is her first picture book. Terry is a member of SCBWI. She and her husband live in Northern Virginia. Visit Terry's blog at http://www.kcswildfacts.com/Terry-Catasus-Jennings.html/.

Laurie O’Keefe’s undergraduate degree in zoology and her graduate degree in human anatomy have helped with her scientific illustrations in the medical and scientific fields. Her client list reads like a “Who’s Who” in scientific illustrations from text books and magazines to zoos and museums. Gopher to the Rescue! A Volcano Recovery Story is her first picture book. Laurie lives and works from her home studio, located on Orcas Island, WA. To see more of Laurie's artwork visit www.laurieokeefe.com