Frances Backhouse studied biology in university and worked as a park naturalist and a biologist before becoming an environmental journalist and author. She is the author of Beavers: Radical Rodents and Ecosystem Engineers and Grizzly Bears: Guardians of the Wilderness, as well as six books for adults. Her home office in Victoria, British Columbia, looks out over her backyard, where birds flitting about often distract her from writing. Sometimes at dusk a barred owl comes and perches in one of the tall oak trees, swiveling its head as it searches for reckless squirrels.

Part of the nonfiction Orca Wild series for middle-grade readers and illustrated with color photographs throughout, this book introduces kids to owls in North America. It discusses owl habitat, biology and threats to survival, and how scientists, conservationists and young people are working to protect owls everywhere.