James Oliver Curwood (1878–1927) was an American writer, journalist, and adventurer who spent most of his life in Michigan, near the Canadian border. He was an avid hunter and naturalist, spending many years in the harsh wilderness of Northern Canada, which became the primary source of inspiration for his work. In his works, Curwood sought to capture the beauty and grandeur of nature, as well as the complex relationships between humans and animals, where the struggle for survival blends with loyalty and friendship.

This volume includes two stories. "Vagabonds of the North" tells the story of the unusual friendship between Micah, a puppy, and Niva, a bear cub. Their meeting in the remote northern taiga seems accidental, but it is their mutual affection that helps these two cubs of different species survive the perils of the wild. The story is imbued with the warmth and attention to the animal world so characteristic of Curwood.

The second story, "The Wolf Hunters," reveals a different face to the northern wilderness: a harsh world full of trials, where man encounters not only the forces of nature but also predators, with whom he must fight for his life.

Curwood's books, written vividly and engagingly, instill in young readers a love of nature and respect for its inhabitants. It's no wonder his works remain among the most beloved by both children and adults.