My Books!
As the published author of two books, I am excited to share my Black Bear experiences, photographs, and stories with you. I hope that you find them interesting and informative, bringing you a deeper appreciation and desire to help our four-legged, black, furry friends. Published in 2010, my first book, "Oh No, Gertrude!", has now sold more than 13,000 copies in National Parks across the USA. After six more years of intensive field study, I decided to write my second book about Black Bears to share my continued fascination, love, and knowledge of these magnificent creatures. I am so pleased to announce the release of my second book, "My Life With Black Bears", a collection of my stories, photographs, and experiences with my Bear friends. The book includes many insights about Black Bear behavior that I have gained through the years, and I hope that it helps people to learn even more about how special these creatures are and how worthy they are of
our love and protection.
As the published author of two books, I am excited to share my Black Bear experiences, photographs, and stories with you. I hope that you find them interesting and informative, bringing you a deeper appreciation and desire to help our four-legged, black, furry friends. Published in 2010, my first book, "Oh No, Gertrude!", has now sold more than 13,000 copies in National Parks across the USA. After six more years of intensive field study, I decided to write my second book about Black Bears to share my continued fascination, love, and knowledge of these magnificent creatures. I am so pleased to announce the release of my second book, "My Life With Black Bears", a collection of my stories, photographs, and experiences with my Bear friends. The book includes many insights about Black Bear behavior that I have gained through the years, and I hope that it helps people to learn even more about how special these creatures are and how worthy they are of
our love and protection.
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"Oh No, Gertrude!" is a full-color picture book for children of all ages that tells the true story of Gertrude, a Black Bear who got into trouble because of naughty people. I wrote this book when I was 10 years old to help raise awareness about what people can do to help keep bears safe. It is carried in National Parks around the USA and has sold more than 8,000 copies so far!
I was honored to work with wildlife photographer Rodney Cammauf whose stunning photographs accompany the story about Gertrude. I never set out to be an author, but when I met Gertrude in 2009 and discovered that she was put in trouble because of naughty people, I knew I had to do something to protect her and all of the bears that I love so very much. That same year I met Rodney Cammauf, a park ranger and professional photographer, and when I saw the amazing photos he had of Gertrude I knew we could work together to make a difference in the life of bears! "An insightful, and accurate book- everyone young and old needs to hear the message Gabriel presents here: we have a people problem not a bear problem! The future of these present, intelligent, misunderstood animals depends on it. Gabriel is an amazing boy who has a profound love of wild animals coupled with an innate understanding of bears-this type of understanding is a gift, one that few in this world have." - Chris Day, Naturalist and co-star wit the bears in the National Wildlife Federation film, BEARS IMAX
Shenandoah National Park Book Reading
Gabriel proudly poses in the National Park Bookstore where his book is sold.
After a book reading in Shenandoah National Park Gabriel took time to sign copies of "Oh No, Gertrude!", inspiring other children to write their stories too!
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HOT OFF THE PRESS!
My Life With Black Bears Stories and Photographs of Adventures with my Bear Friends. My Life With Black Bears is a collection of stories and photographs about some of my favorite encounters with Black Bears. Each year I spend hundreds of hours among bears, studying their behavior and following bear families through the generations. My Life with Black Bears is my way of sharing my passion for Black Bears and my commitment to their protection. I invite you to read and learn about these amazing creatures! Kenn Kaufman, Naturalist and Author, writes about this book: "Gabriel Mapel is a talented young naturalist with an astonishing connection to wildlife. Through years of careful observation, he has gained an unparalleled first-hand knowledge of the lives of Black Bears as individuals. In this remarkable and awe-inspiring book, Gabriel gives us a unique chance to look inside the world of these magnificent animals." Chris Day, Naturalist and co-star with the Bears in the National Geographic film BEARS IMAX writes about this book:
"Gabriel is a young man blessed with an innate understanding and love of bears - he has been given the gift of observation and the patience it takes to really "see" what is before him. We are all lucky that he also takes the time to record and share his experiences and thoughts with us. The bears have a much needed ally and advocate in Gabriel." From the Back Cover: "Gabriel has a very special connection with bears, and it is astonishing that such a young person has had such profound experiences with, and has such a deep understanding of, these amazing creatures. This book is an opportunity to learn from Gabriel about the life of Black Bears, and it inspires and encourages us to do our part to make sure that these amazing animals are understood and protected." 
Gabriel now volunteers as an interpretive ranger for the National Park Service. He watched a bear with Ben and his family and presenting them with a copy of "Gertrude" when they were through.
Ranger Gabriel helps a young park visitor with his Junior Ranger Booklet.
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