Red Alert! Endangered Animals Around the World

by Catherine Barr, Anne Wilson (Illustrator)

An interactive look at endangered animals imploring readers to discover fifteen species facing extinction.

Inspired and endorsed by the "Red List" database of animals in peril maintained by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) this brightly illustrated book introduces species from six different habitats on six continents. Blending approachable text, secondary facts and lush art, Red Alert! offers full portraits of animals such as the Chinese giant salamander, the snow leopard, the blue whale, and the giant panda, and provides young activists additional resources for how they can help save these beautiful creatures.

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Picture Books, Juvenile

48 pages, Hardcover

Published July 3, 2018

About the author

Insta: catherinebarrbooks

I was inspired to write my first book The Story of Life by my two girls, for whom I searched in vain for the story (rather than a text book) of evolution – in 2015. Previous to unexpectedly becoming a children's author, I worked for Greenpeace International as a campaigner on wildlife issues for many years, before becoming an Editor at the Natural History Museum in London, where I wrote summer exhibitions on Myths, Monsters and Dinosaurs. I now write narrative nonfiction that I hope will spark questions, interest and action.

I am a proud Patron of Reading for a local school and visit schools and festivals with workshops inspired by my books. I love what I do and hope my books inspire curious and challenging conversations, as well as wonder for the natural world.

Reviews

[Christina Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up mainly because I was so please to see a pangolin featured - they are the world's most endangered mammal, yet many people have never heard of them. This is a great introduction to endangered species around the world, with just enough information to get readers interested without overwhelming them. I would have liked to see more than 15 animals featured, but I did like how there were links to find more information or do something to help at the end of the book.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Catherine Barr’s book on endangered animals provides excellent, introductory information on a diverse collection of animals from all over the world who are facing possible extinction. Each animal has a spread across two pages which gives the reader basic facts on appearance, habitat, a few interesting behaviors and possible reasons for its dwindling population along with beautiful done illustrations. The final pages provide websites for additional research into each animal as well. There are also pictures and a list of more animals who are currently in dire straits. Reading and interest level for “Red Alert” is likely 4th through 6th grade, but libraries serving extremely conservative populations may object to several statements that clearly stem from a worldview based on evolution rather than a creationist viewpoint. Thanks for the dARC, Edelweiss.

[Pam Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

The design of this book is so interesting. The endpapers are maps of the world with the various animals represented. The beginning asks the reader to "Pick a Place", then "Choose a Creature", then go to the page noted to read about the animal. Each page shares information about the animal, why the animal is in danger, a few facts, along with the scientific name of the animal. The back matter includes how you can help the creatures, the story of this "red list", and a list of other animals on the red list. I do wish the book included definitions for the various labels of "extinct, "vulnerable", etc.

[Kellee Moye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed at http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=1...

Red Alert is different than any other book like this that I’ve read. It is a choose your own adventure-like nonfiction book about endangered animals in different habitats around the world. Each animal has a full spread with a nonfiction narrative about them, facts, and why the animal is in danger. The book then ends with ways to save the creatures. The beautiful illustrations bring the animals to life while the interesting information shows the critical situations these animals are facing.

[Kirsty]

This book is unlike the ordinary fiction book. It is so interesting, colourful and unique. Each page is met with a new animal, and their story is told in style of a narrative. This is extremely engaging for Ks2 children.. I used this book with a class of Year 4/5's during their environmental topic. We eventually created our own pages to add to the book about different endangered animals and they absolutely loved it!!

[LadyH39 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great book, me and my son learned lots and enjoyed it. Nice artwork too

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.