WILD AT HEART

Griffith and Bron pay tribute to two biologists whose advocacy spurred the creation of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska and other protected areas across the United States.

Olaus and Mardy Murie bonded over a shared love of the outdoors; they married in 1924. After years of travel, they became staunch and successful advocates for establishing wildlife preserves. While Griffith’s account is inspiring, Bron’s intricate, graceful illustrations may prove the stronger draw. She depicts the couple hiking through rugged northerly landscapes to observe wild creatures in their natural habitats, dancing around a remote campfire beneath starry skies, or animatedly sharing stories and insights with attentive groups—of bears and other beasts, as well as racially diverse human audiences. Throughout, the pages light up with the joy the Muries took in being together, in being outside, and in being links in a wondrous “chain of life.” Commendably, the author, too, is meticulous. His backmatter includes more biographical detail about the Muries (with photos), acknowledges the help they received from local Inuit and Ojibwe residents, and notes frankly that Olaus most likely “collected” Indigenous ancestral remains (which are currently being repatriated) and animal specimens for museums. Griffith leaves it to readers to decide whether that’s a permanent blot on an otherwise admirable legacy.

A moving salute to lives lived in service to nature.