katiesmom

1. Bibliography

Jenkins, Steve. 2006. Almost Gone the World’s Rarest Animals. New York: HarperCollins. ISBN 10:0-06-053598-9

2. Plot Summary

Jenkins begins by reminding us that even the smallest animal has a purpose in preserving the balance of nature. He then describes 21 different species of animals from “Lonesome George” the only known surviving Abington Island Tortoise (Jenkins, 25) to the California condor, whose numbers are less than 200 but are slowly making a comeback thanks to conservation efforts (Jenkins, 8). Included are species that are officially extinct and will never be seen again and species saved from extinction by the intervention and efforts of people who protect habitats and work to increase their numbers by breeding them in captivity and releasing them back into the wild.

3. Critical Analysis

A quick check of websites dedicated to endangered species proves the accuracy of this book for five to nine year olds. Although the book does not list all endangered species; a wide variety from all over the world are included. From the Miami blue butterfly in Florida, the golden lion tamarin in Brazil, the addax, a large antelope, from the Sahara Desert in Africa, the assam rabbit from India and Nepal, the amur leopard in Russia, China, and Korea, to the northern hairy-nosed wombat the author takes the reader on a clearly organized world tour of endangered species. He includes interesting facts about height, weight, and what has caused them to become endangered. The Yangtze river dolphin for instance “may grow to be eight feet long and weigh up to five hundred pounds…pollution, collisions with ships’ propellers, and construction on the river have greatly endangered these creatures. There were…fewer than two dozen in 2000″ (Jenkins, 10). The book’s design allows for one to two clear and concise pages dedicated to providing information about each species. Jenkins, who also illustrated Almost Gone and won a Caldecott Honor for What Do You Do With a Tail Like This?, provides a large, colorful drawing of each species in order for children to see how each animal looks. To further spark the readers interest and encourage further research into endangered and extinct species, Jenkins includes animals that are already extinct such as the Tasmanian wolf, last seen in 1936, and animals who have been saved from extinction such as the North American whooping crane.

4. Review excerpts

School Library Journal: “This engaging title is informative as well as visually stunning. Jenkins captures the essence of his subjects with appropriately colored, cut-paper collage illustrations on stark white backgrounds. Each endangered animal is introduced in a single paragraph that typically contains a fact or two about its range, behavior, diet, and those conditions that threaten its welfare. The actual number remaining is poignantly noted. A middle section, Gone Forever, memorializes animals no longer on Earth with an indication of when they were last seen. In a hopeful third section, Jenkins discusses the Indian crocodile, whooping crane, and Alpine ibex, three animals that are coming back, due to the efforts to protect their habitats. All the animals included in this book are numbered and appropriately placed on a double-page world map.”

5. Connections

Include this book in studies of endangered species, and the effects we humans have on the environment. The illustrations are excellent for showing how the animals look. Pair it with V for Vanishing by Patricia Mullins or Will We Miss Them? by Alexandria Wright.

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