If it’s possible to produce a coffee-table book for kids, Raincoast Books has done it. Talented West Coast artist Ron Parker, the illustrator of Raincoast’s Voices of the Wild, has once again combined his love and respect for nature with his beautiful images of Rocky Mountain wildlife to produce an art/natural history book for older children and their families. Whether you simply want to admire the 14 paintings, many of them on double-page spreads, or take the time to read the brief write-ups accompanying each one, you’ll come away with an insight into Parker’s work.

Parker begins with a highly descriptive, first-person narrative that introduces himself as well as the seasons depicted in his artwork. Readers visit the Rocky Mountains throughout the year and get a glimpse of winter storms, serene summer scenes, spring thaw, and the fall rut. Each of the animals – 11 mammals and three birds – is painted in a natural setting with fantastic detail. Each painting has a short description that may include an anecdote of how the work came about, Parker’s inspiration, and a few tidbits about the creature’s habitat and habits. Given the type size and the level of vocabulary, the text seems geared more for an adult audience but could be read by older children (10+) with some help. The art can be enjoyed by any age.

Rocky Mountain Wildlife is one of those books that are difficult to categorize. It would fit well into the nature section, art section, coffee-table display, children’s, or adult department. Wherever it ends up, it’s a beautiful book that may inspire an interest in nature and art, or reinforce a love that already exists.