Review by Booklist Review
The stories of eight endlings, the last known survivors of a given species, are shared in this eye-opening picture book. After a brief introduction, each endling is featured on a double-page spread that includes a striking watercolor illustration accompanied by the animal's date of death, species name, a short poem, and information about the extinction of their species. Following these profiles is a thought-provoking spread wherein the author asks which familiar species will be the next endling, along with a list of animals readers will know all too well. Seven suggestions for "How Kids Can Make a Change" follow the main text. Beautiful ink-and-watercolor illustrations bring to life each animal, and each portrait is endowed with sadness that we will never gaze upon the beauty of these animals ever again. Readers are introduced to a variety of species, from the unusual Tasmanian tiger to the giant Pinta Island tortoise to the very small and slow-moving Polynesian tree snail, as well as to the far-reaching consequences of human activity. This beautiful dedication to these special animals brings the reality and the irreversible finality of extinction to the forefront and calls on readers to act now, before so many other animals become endlings. Highly recommended for all collections.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
