Jean Craighead George

Deep in the shadows of the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, a gentle giant is stirring. It is February, the time of the spring thaw, and a black bear is finally emerging from her long winter hibernation. Her first steps out of the den mark the beginning of a fascinating new chapter in the wild. Follow along as this incredible creature embarks on a full year of survival, discovery, and instinct. From her first hungry search for food in the chilly early spring to the warm, busy days of summer, you will experience the forest exactly as she does. Every season brings a fresh challenge to the mountain landscape. You will watch the bear navigate changing weather, hunt for elusive meals, and prepare once again for the returning cold. This close-up journey offers a true, vivid look at the daily life and natural rhythms of one of America's most magnificent wild animals.

The January night is bitterly cold, and a thick blanket of snow covers the Catskill Mountains. Most creatures are fast asleep, but the forest is far from empty. High in the bare branches, a majestic great horned owl awakens. Driven by ancient instincts to find a mate, he takes to the freezing sky, his massive wings gliding silently through the darkness. You will fly right alongside him as he soars above the moonlit landscape, observing the secret lives of the nocturnal animals bustling below. Watch as mice scurry beneath the snow crust, raccoons forage in the shadows, and deer move quietly through the trees. The owl's keen eyes miss nothing in the deep winter woods. This quiet, beautifully detailed journey reveals the hidden magic of the nighttime wilderness. Experience the crisp winter air and the thrill of the hunt in a story that brings the peaceful yet powerful world of the owls to life.