I enjoyed this story of a young boy's life and the people in it, especially his Shoshone friend who shows him all of what nature means to his people. Well written with some poetry pieces that got to the heart of this author's message. Anyone who lends to the environmental movement, as well as the care and love of the animal world, will enjoy this read tremendously. ( )

As a member giveaway (thank you) this was not something I would buy normally but I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a bit 'preachy' at times with rather long-winded environmental lectures but perhaps if you haven't got as much knowledge about these things it would be necessary (I have studied biology to degree-level and ecology is a particular interest). I love the native-American view about nature as I understand it and it is closely aligned to the Mother Earth view of pre-Christian England which I love too. (We would all be better off if we had followed their way of thinking!). The great illustrations bring a lot to the enjoyable reading of the book Calan is a fantastic character and the writing really makes him feel like a real person. I liked the large print of the book, it made it a much easier read! The book is a great mix really, with so many emotions and life events captured well. ( )

Fun read. Different from what I would normally read, but good all the same.
There were beautiful pictures in color every chapter, and a lovely layout.
The font was slightly larger, which I actually enjoyed. It made it easier to read. ( )

My book, on my book shelf for 'Compare Books' function.
A first chapter review with illustrations is located at : https://lgcullens.com/early-trials
and a list of reviews from around the web is located at : https://lgcullens.com/tpi-reviews

First of all thanks to L.G. Cullens for sending me this book which i had won in a giveaway. To summarize the book it is about Calan's life story. From his childhood to his old age. Author has written this book to tell the readers that respect the natural resources and also protect the animals. Dont kill animals for a hobby but for survival. Calan while staying with his aunt he learnt that the natural behavior of animals like wolf eating the sheep and goat should not be harmed. If they are creating nuisance then the wolf should be dealt with. Calan use to not understand her aunt and uncle when they use to say that it the way it is. Calan understands the meaning of natural resources when he goes for trekking with his friend drek. Where drek makes him understand the life of a shoshone tribe to which derek belongs. Calan while living in city gets very uncomfortable with the way of the city where people dont respect the natural resources. While his small stunt as a crew member of a photographer while traveling in a car a bit tarantula is seen in the drivers thighs to which calan tries not to harm it and throw outside the window. One narration is exceptionally good that is while derek his friend goes to visit a doctor for his health issue. He sees a owl in the day light and is little surprised to see that owl. When doctor informs him that he has leukemia, then derek tells him that while visiting calan his dog was very sad and was upset while derek was living. So he gets to know that animals know things before hand that his human counter part is suffereing from something and also the owl has come to inform him about his health.while in his old age while going in rounds with his dogs in the woods. A young lad shoots a grouse and also his dogs which is done only for his pleasure. The last chapter is phenomenal to read as it makes us understand many things related to the living things in this world. Overall i would say good refreshing story of natural resource and a Goodread.. :) ( )