• Author is a seasoned children's presenter with 8 years of experience as a science centre Science Communicator for kids, and is eager to do appearances and events and is active on social media
• The often wacky nature of urban ecology, including the scientists’ DIY tools, from bug vacuums to a ratmobile, to a weather station on the back of a bike
• Fun urban animals! Bats, coyotes, bees, bears...
• BIPOC scientists featured; exploration of intersections between science and social justice; introduces readers to bias
• Shows the very real impact of urban ecology research that goes beyond individual species; ie. how cities can fight the effects of climate change, what it means to be in “conflict” with urban animals and how we can reduce those conflicts; species and ecosystem protection/conservation
• Urban ecology challenges encourage readers to look for signs of wildlife in their own communities; discusses community (aka citizen) science
• STEM curriculum connections
• Shows that science careers can be fun, active, and “outside the box/lab”
• Other features: TOC, key terms, Tools of the Trade sidebars, selected sources, index

CYLITA GUY, PhD is a Toronto-based ecologist, data scientist, and science communicator who studies bats. In her downtime, you can find your friendly neighborhood batgirl chasing her next big outdoor adventure.

CORNELIA LI is a Chinese-born illustrator based in Toronto. She is intrigued by narrative weaved into daily interactions between people and their surroundings and sets out to capture this relationship by externalizing ideas and emotions into visual elements.

“A high-interest, intriguing piece of work . . . Curious readers will find this book easy to read and will learn plenty along the way. Teachers could use it to start a discussion or begin a unit on the ecosystems in urban areas.”

- School Library Connection, 11/21

“If city ecology is your thing, this is a good starter book for any age.”

- SMS Nonfiction Book Reviews, 01/21/22

“Acute yet entertaining writing on an exciting and diverse cohort of real-life scientists makes this book a wonderful urban ecology text for an elementary or even middle school library.”

- School Library Journal, 02/22

“This is Cylita Guy’s first book of nonfiction, and she does it up right. . . . Each scientist, whose work is highlighted, shares stories, research, and adventure. They also offer a challenge for readers . . . Their stories are funny, terrifying, and intense. They offer good advice, entertain, and inform. Questions asked require critical thinking, and discussion.”

- Sal’s Ficiton Addiction, 02/19/22

“Gripping narrative . . . Highly recommended for school and public library collections.”

- Canadian Children’s Book News, Fall/21

“Will satisfy curious readers!”

- Best Books for Kids and Teens, Fall/21