We all know that the tiger and the panda are in danger - but what about the numbat, the Malaysian tapir or the Kerry slug? They too may vanish, and they too have their part to play on Planet Zoo. In this passionate, personal book Simon Barnes presents us with 100 animals currently threatened by extinction and in need of human help to survive. By no means a catalogue of disaster, it tells us what can be done to save them, shows the knock-on effect of each animal's likely disappearance on its habitat and on the food chain, and emphasizes that for all those species that seem to be vanishing, new ones are constantly being discovered. Simon Barnes writes with infectious excitement about the wonders of wildlife, and brilliantly makes the connection between these diverse species. It is an inspiring, thought-provoking and entertaining book for anyone interested in natural history, and Alan Marks's spontaneous watercolours make it beautiful to look at too.
Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
The dinosaurs' fate looms over the subjects of Planet Zoo: One Hundred Animals We Can't Afford to Lose by Simon Barnes, illus. by Alan Marks. Barnes, wildlife journalist for the London Times, relays his fact-filled, environmentalist message in an intimate tone: "The animal that is always supposed to have inspired the myth of the mermaid is the dugong.... The sailor who confuses one of these gentle, fat-faced beasts with a beautiful woman must have been at sea an awfully long time." Thoughtfully incorporated into each spread, Marks's detailed watercolors of creatures in motion give the book a powerful visual rhythm.
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Gr 7 Up-Although Barnes repeatedly states that he wants to instill hope rather than despair, it is hard to imagine that many readers will complete this book without feelings of sadness and loss. Offering two- to three-page reflections on each of 100 animals, the author provides only minimal facts that are the staple of most nature books. He considers representatives from many groups of the animal kingdom and various habitats to hammer home two key points: humans kill animals directly through hunting and poison, and indirectly by destroying habitats. After discussing 90 animals close to extinction, Barnes concludes with success stories. Marks's watercolor paintings capture the majesty and uniqueness of each creature. Teens involved in environmental projects will welcome his book, and the author may convert others to the cause. However, his call to join conservation organizations would yield better results among North American readers if the four contact organizations located in Great Britain (where the book was originally published) had been supplemented for U.S. audiences. Still, the book is a worthy choice for collections in need of materials to promote reflection and discussion about environmental concerns.
Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
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