Build Me an Ark:
A Life with Animals

This is the story of a life and spirit guided by animals. Brenda Peterson was raised in the High Sierras on a national forest lookout station, and wildlife had a daily, defining influence on her life. Peterson explores her deep connection with animals, from watching grizzlies in Montana's Rockies, to keeping Siberian huskies as pets in New York City, to her work for the restoration of wild wolves. Her lively storytelling bridges the worlds of human and animal, as she fascinates us with intimate stories of her studies of wild dolphins, whales, and orcas. Peterson reveals how animal bonds have enriched her life and led her toward a wider epiphany: As a species we cannot live without other animals.

Selected as a "Best Spiritual Book of 2001" by Spirituality and Health magazine.

Praise for Build Me an Ark:

"Brenda Peterson fashions a sturdy ark of words and images that convince us that we must look out for these fellow travelers and carry them high in our love and esteem."
– Spirituality and Health magazine

"A lifelong love of animals combined with a jeweler’s eye for multifaceted philosophical meanings provide Peterson with a wealth of fascinating anecdotes and insights in this engaging memoir."
– Publishers Weekly

"The story of a life and spirit guided by animals . . . Build Me an Ark is based in science and very well written."
– Booklist

"Peterson is an engaging, persuasive storyteller . . . Compassionate stories that will surely delight the animal lover . . . A fine addition to the literature on humane natural history"
– Science Books & Films

"It is such empathy for both humans and the natural world that sets this remarkable author apart."
– Bloomsbury Review

"A Peterson essay can take off like a flock of birds . . . She sings to us about ourselves."
– Parabola

"Each passionate story examines the way humans commune or collide with the natural world, so that a pearl of wisdom is always found beneath the surface. Peterson writes with spiritual maturity and environmental authority."
– Amazon.com Spirituality editor