Margarita with her search and rescue dogs, Chance (yellow Lab) and Maggi (Aussie/heeler cross).
FEBRUARY 2023: DESTINY FINDS HER WAY How a Rescued Baby Sloth Learned to be Wild
Explore the Costa Rican rainforest with Destiny, a rescued orphan baby sloth who must learn to return to the wild, in this heartwarming true story from Newbery Honor winner Margarita Engle and photographer Sam Trull. Destiny must learn to be strong and confident after she loses the use of one of her eyes. Without her mother to protect her or teach her, Destiny is found and taken to a rescue center in Costa Rica. The little sloth soon befriends other orphaned sloths. Her poor eyesight, however, makes it hard for her to keep her balance. Eventually Destiny begins to use all of her senses to explore the world around her. But can she learn to climb? Can she master the other skills she needs to survive on her own? And will Destiny be brave enough to return to her wild, forest home?
It's the Festival of Lights in Nepal, and today is the day to honor dogs! Brothers Alu and Bhalu wander the streets of Kathmandu, passing by twirling kites and bamboo swings, looking for a dog to feed. But as night falls, their task begins to feel hopeless, until they spot a small black dog who is in need of a friend. This sweet story presents an important Hindu holiday through the eyes of two young boys, making it relatable for both those familiar with the holiday and those reading about it for the first time.
Honors:
Core Mosaic Program Selection, New York City Dept. of Education
ORANGUTANKA A Story in Poems
Released in March 2015, this picture book tells an exuberant orangutan celebration written in bold poems in the tanka style.
This book was inspired by Margarita's visit to a wildlife refuge in the Malaysian part of Borneo. A portion of royalties will go to the Orangutan Legacy Forest on the Indonesian side of Borneo.
Book trailer for Orangutanka by Margarita Engle, illustrated by Renee Kurilla
Margarita's new dog-themed picture book for young children is available in stores now.
This cozy story gently teaches children what to do if they lose their way, and reassures them that a search-and-rescue dog can find them wherever they are. And once a child is found, the dog will bring people to make sure that everyone gets home safe and sound.
Full of interesting facts about search-and-rescue dogs and tips for young children in case they get lost, When You Wander is a fascinating peek into the world of these amazing dogs and the children they save.
Margarita's dog-themed chapter book in verse for 8 to 12 year old readers, is available in stores now. It is an expanded version of Margarita's Trail Magic story in the Because of Shoe anthology.
When Tony’s mother is sent to jail, he is sent to stay with a great uncle he has never met in Sierra Nevada. It is a daunting move—Tony’s new world bears no semblance to his previous one. But slowly, against a remote and remarkable backdrop, the scars from Tony’s troubled past begin to heal.
With his Tió and a search-and-rescue dog named Gabe by his side, he learns how to track wild animals, is welcomed to the Cowboy Church, and makes new friends at the Mountain School. Most importantly though, it is through Gabe that Tony discovers unconditional love for the first time, in Mountain Dog by Margarita Engle.