Featuring fifteen animals and two plants, this book offers succinct information on the habitat, numbers remaining (there are only four Red River giant softshell turtles left!), and action needed to save each endangered species. Clear color photographs of the species and scientists, a map, and a list of the one hundred most threatened species round out this worthy introduction to conservation. Websites. Glos., ind.

Striking photographs and clear explanatory text introduce 15 highly endangered species and two brought back from the edge of extinction, examples of the "very wonderful, very rare" living things with which humans share our world.Working from the International Union for Conservation of Nature's "Red List of Threatened Species," the authors have selected a variety of animals, insects and plants from around the world to exemplify the issue. Four pages of introduction explain the problem and topics touched on in subsequent double-spread "chapters": field research, numbers and threats, action plans and scientists involved. Appropriately for young readers, success stories come first: the humpback whale and New Zealand's black robin. Subsequent spreads cover species from Przewalski's horse on the Mongolian steppes to kestrels in Mauritius. Each creature gets a spread with a photograph, a few paragraphs of engaging, descriptive text, and sidebar notes: number, location, threats and what needs to be done. Many of these species have been captive-bred and released. Others will require community engagement and enforcement of existing protective laws. The design is attractive and the organization clear. A map serves as an index to species covered and also locates other creatures that make up the top 100 from the Zoological Society of London's "Priceless or Worthless?" list. An appealing and effective way to convey an important message. (glossary, index) (Nonfiction. 10-15)

Formatted to look like a scrapbook, this slim volume provides an up-to-date overview of several animals and plants that are endangered. The authors explain what it means to be "endangered" and share several success stories, then give a general overview of the scientific process necessary to save a species. Information about highlighted species includes the number currently alive in the world, where they live, what has caused them to be endangered, and what needs to be done to save them. Sharp color photographs show each in their native habitat. Backmatter includes a chart of the 100 species and a world map of where they are located. Stephanie Bange, Director, Educational Resource Center, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio. ADDITIONAL SELECTION

Marilyn and Jonathan Baillie, the team behind Animals at the Edge, return to the subject of endangered animals, partnering with Butcher of the Zoological Society of London to introduce 17 rare animals in a lively, photograph-filled format. Subjects include the humpback whale, lemur, softshell turtle, and pygmy three-toed sloth. Each animal is described by characteristics and habitat, along with discussions of the reasons for their endangerment. Q&A-style sidebars provide quick summaries of each animal, and quotations from scientists working to preserve the individual species appear throughout. A thorough exploration of several endangered animals, which may well encourage readers to take an active interest in protecting wildlife. Ages 8–12. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.