This artistically created book tells the story of a young girl growing up among wildlife researchers in the northwoods. She finds her way into womanhood through the important relationships in her life, including the old Finnish ladies who share the sauna, two wolverines escaped from their observation pen, and the northern native people with whom she spends a winter. Generously illustrated with delicate watercolors, the story is beautiful and gentle, yet it will move you to tears and make you grin.