Dear Author Pamela J. Howard,
‘Hey Baby’—The Elk that Survived! is a tender, child-friendly story about compassion, persistence, and a young elk’s return to the wild. Set during a harsh Colorado winter, the book follows PJ and Annie as they discover an injured yearling elk beside Terry Robinson Road. The elk, later known as Hey Baby, can’t move after injuring his leg, leaving him vulnerable to the cold, hunger, and isolation. Although no one comes to help, PJ and Annie bring him water and hay each day and gradually earn his trust.
The cover art echoes the story and creates an atmosphere that reflects the essence of Hey Baby’s survival journey. Snowflakes drift silently in the frosty air, emphasizing the challenging, snowy backdrop that influences the tale.
The book’s greatest strength is its emotional clarity. I felt Hey Baby’s fear and loneliness, as well as PJ and Annie’s concern for him. Another strength is its vivid sense of place. The snowy valley, pine tree, nighttime owl calls, and eventual spring sunshine make the setting feel alive. The gradual shift from icy isolation to green grass and reunion with the herd mirrors his recovery in a simple, effective way. I sat alone, reading with a big grin while Baby healed, then hopped a fence to rejoin the herd and, afterward, seemed to nod to Annie before going back to the mountains.
I had to pause a few times when I noticed grammar mistakes and missing punctuation, such as unmatched quotes. A final copy edit would improve the book’s polish and readability.
Overall, this is a heartfelt wildlife-rescue story that is easy to connect with. This story delivers a tender yet important message, blending empathy for animals with respect for their freedom in the wild. I enjoyed reading it and think it will be a favorite with young readers.
Warmly,
Poppy Scolnik for Dear Author Book Reviews/Speak Up Talk Radio