Author pens a perfect Christmas gift

Reminiscent of the magical collaborations between Thornton Burgess and Harrison Cady, author Martha Baxter Haake and illustrator Aline Fourier have brought to life the story of a small family of wolves who are unlike any others. In “Erskine Wolf,” readers experience a world where a youngster, like the book’s namesake hero, lives a life in many ways similar to their own.

Erskine lives in a cozy cave overlooking the McKenzie River along with his parents and three siblings. And comfy it is – outfitted with a mudroom, oriental rugs, a big kitchen and a family room, as well as a bathroom with a large clawfoot tub.

Like Grandfather Frog or Billy Mink - characters in Burgess’ Old Mother West Wind series – Haake introduces us to the personalities of other family members. Brothers Bryson and Ed Wolf are usually rowdy and often in trouble. Sister Angeline is the family athlete. Father Wolf is a famous howler who has won all the howling contests at county fairs and Mother Wolf allows her offspring to learn from experience while keeping an eye on their activities.

Central to the story is bright Erskine, a brave ringleader who leads the family on an adventure into the dark recesses of their Oregon cave home. There they discover the mystery of their lost wolf past. The journey brings many surprises and unexpected gifts.

Animals have always played an important part in Marty Haake’s life. She and husband, Dick, share their land with coyotes, a herd of elk, an occasional black bear and a visiting cougar. Their Leaburg farm itself has a small herd of Highland cattle, one llama and a miniature burro, along with a German Shepherd and a good trout stream. So far, she has not seen Erskine Wolf or his family, but knows that will change when the weather turns hot and they come down to use the farm’s swimming pool.

This book is sure to bring a grin with every page. It is available for $15.00 + $4.49 S&H at: http://www.erskinewolf.com or at the Spring Creek Holly Farm, 43137 McKenzie Hwy. in Leaburg.