Extinctopedia: Discover what we have lost, what is at risk, and how we can preserve the diversity of our fragile planet

by Serenella Quarello, Alessio Alcini (Illustrator), Margaret Greenan (Translator)

A Smithsonian collaboration–this journey of discovery through the animal kingdom, past and present, calls on us to educate ourselves and take action to save the amazing diversity of our planet. Every living creature contributes towards the richness and beauty of our planet. Each one has a reason to exist, from the giant panda to the pygmy possum, and if we lose them, it will be forever. Extinctopedia tells a complex story, not just of those who are extinct, but also of those in greatest peril, with explanations of what threatens their survival. It is also a story of hope – hope for animals who have been rediscovered, hope in the form of newly-discovered animals, and hope that we might hear the warning call and act to preserve the amazing biodiversity of our fragile planet for future generations to come.  Extinctopedia provides a fascinating catalog of life on earth and encourages the reader to find ways of preserving the incredible diversity of species, so we may all thrive and life itself can endure on this amazing and beautiful planet.
 

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals

64 pages, Hardcover

Published March 12, 2024

Reviews

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

STUNNING illustrations. I absolutely loved the artwork. Incredibly fascinating information as well. It’s easy enough to understand through most of it but i appreciated that the author didn’t make it seem like it was actually written for a child. Well written and presented for sure!

[Andréa]

Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extinctopedia, a Smithsonian book, was written by Serenella Quarello, illustrated by Alessio Alcini, and translated from Italian to English by Margaret Grennan, and published in 2024. This book has not yet received any awards, however, it is connected to individuals who have received accolades in science and conservation, such as Elizabeth Kolbert who won a Pulitzer Prize.

This nonfiction scientific informational book contains a plethora of facts about animal extinction topics including stories and facts about extinct animals, animals who are going extinct, how people are helping extinct animals, what you can do to help, and new discoveries. The book ends with an extensive index and glossary.

I thought this book was very interesting to view and read. I was expecting repetitive pictures of animals with extinction stories next to the pictures, however, this book is much more involved. It starts out with nine animal story/picture descriptions then moves on to discussing the “cabinet of wonders”. In this section, it was very interesting to read the extinct animal descriptions and see the pictures, though I wish the pictures were in full color rather than simple line drawings for better engagement. The book then goes into several other animal extinction topics with an abundance of information.

This book would be suitable for older readers. As it is about extinction, the death of animals and how they died is mentioned which may be too sad for younger readers. This would be a great book to pair with a lesson on animals. As an extension activity, students can pick an animal from the book, create a multimedia presentation (such as a diorama and/or a PowerPoint) about the animal, and present their presentation to the class.

I found this book on the National Science Teaching Association website (https://www.nsta.org/) and read it as an ebook through Hoopla. The pictures were vibrant and the text was easy to read. Reading the ebook, on some pages, it looked like one page extended into the other in a two page spread. Therefore, reading this book physically may increase the reader’s engagement as they will be able to see the full picture. I did find I could view this book on Hoopla’s website through my laptop and display the book on a bigger screen which effectively showed the entire two-page spread.

[Stephanie Bange · Rating 5 out of 5]

Translated from Italian by Margaret Greenan, this stunning, oversized browser is sure to pique the interest of young readers wanting to learn more about how and why animals become extinct.

It opens with a quote by Italian World Wildlife founder Fulco Pratesi that intends to grab the attention of potential young activists, then jumps into an overview of the staggering numbers of known living species of animals, examples of animals recently deemed extinct. Quarello continues to explain why animals should be preserved, gives examples of animals assumed extinct in error, how scientists keep track of endangered species, and shares examples of endangered, at-risk, and potential for being at-risk. She closes with suggestions on what can be done to help save species from extinction and gives hope for the future. Backmatter includes an index of animals and a glossary of terms.

Quarello’s text is beautifully translated by Greenan, very readable and well-spoken. Each two-page spread focuses on one aspect of extinction, has detailed sketches of the animals being discussed, details about each, with occasional captioned sidebar material. Sketches by Alessio Alcini are rich in detail, sometimes in full color and others in black and white. They are almost photoreal in quality, proof of meticulous research.

This book provides a fascinating introduction to the next generation of activist kids. Appropriate for all libraries, it is Highly Recommended for grades PreS -4.

[V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extinctopedia sets itself apart from other books we've seen about extinct or endangered animals because it includes information not only about why specific animals are extinct, but what we can learn from them still, who is at risk, who has been found again, and how we can protect the vulnerable. In short, it covers all aspects of extinction. Written in a conversational tone and directly addressing the readers, the creators of Extinctopedia forge a connection between the reader and the animals. Beautiful artwork and specific, named animal examples touch the heart while the global repercussions of extinction appeal to the scientific part of our minds.

Moving and empowering. I highly recommend it for any kids interested in extinction.

[Dave Schaafsma · Rating 4 out of 5]

"When we save species, we are actually saving ourselves"--Joel Sartore

If you do not want to/have the time to read the new edition of Elizabeth Kohlbert's The Sixth Extinction (which I suggest you do), take a look at this sort of companion volume, an illustrated set of high- and low-lights about species extinction, beautifully illustrated and invitingly laid out. With an index of dozens of animals/creatures mentioned in the text, and some bits of good news about a few we thought were extinct, but are not quite (yet?). And about the discovery of a few new species, always happening. A lively, entertaining and educational book, beautifully done.

[Shilo Quetchenbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is small book but it is packed with information about species that are endangered or extinct and what forces are driving them toward extinction. The pencil illustrations are delicate and beautiful and the text manages to be both a warning and hopeful. This is a great book to read with kiddos to help them understand the importance of protecting the species we still can. I will be reading it with my science-and-animal-loving kiddo soon and can already tell he will love it.

*Thanks to NetGalley and Red Comet Press for providing an early copy for review.

[Lynsaroo · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this oversized non-fiction you'll learn all about several species that have not survived that many threats to their existence. Not only are there realistic illustrations, but stories and facts on each creature. Not all hope is lost though. Studying those that have 🐾 perished helps us prevent a similar fate for other 🦎 creatures and continued education and awareness encourages people to make changes that will help bring our 🦏 endangered animals back to Least Concern status. Take a look at some of the animals that we can still save if we play our cards right.

[Jenna Stensland · Rating 5 out of 5]

These illustrations! They are amazing. This book is absolutely gorgeous. Read it just for that but it also has so much wonderful information to share! I loved learning the stories of extinct animals plus exploring the stories of those that are endangered and how we can protect them.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Kris Reguera · Rating 5 out of 5]

We loved this non fiction that also made us shed tears for all the species of animals in danger or already extinct. We learnt about animals we had never heard about, we cried for animals that humans annihilated, yet we read what gave us a little hope, too. What a great book to add to any library, or science class, or homeschool selection! The illustrations were also top.

[Karla Kitalong]

Beautifully illustrated. I think it's aimed at kids around 10 years old. I have a project in mind called the [visual?] rhetoric of extinction. I bought this book because the Smithsonian is a reputable educational agency, and I wanted to see how they address kids on this topic. Need to think about it some more.

[Megan Wrye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I was going to hate it when I opened the ebook and it was so small but honestly the information is great and in small blurbs you can read a little at a time. It has so much good information about the extinction lists and ratings for endangered and critical and so forth.

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reads a bit like an encyclopedia of animals that are either extinct or endangered for upper elementary and middle school students, although even older readers may appreciate and learn something from this book. I learned about some animals I had never heard about.

[Wahyu Awaludin · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful illustration