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Can We Save the Tiger?
The team behind the award-winning Ape returns with an inspiring look at a range of endangered species sure to engage every child who loves animals.
Tigers are pretty special — and so are ground iguanas and partula snails and even white-rumped vultures. But these and many other animals are in danger of disappearing altogether, joining the dodo, the marsupial wolf, the great auk, and countless other animals we will never see again. Using the experiences of a few endangered species as examples, Martin Jenkins highlights the ways human behavior can either threaten or conserve the amazing animals that share our planet. Vicky White’s stunning portraits of rare creatures offer a glimpse of nature’s grace and beauty — and give us a powerful reason to preserve it.
Tigers are pretty special — and so are ground iguanas and partula snails and even white-rumped vultures. But these and many other animals are in danger of disappearing altogether, joining the dodo, the marsupial wolf, the great auk, and countless other animals we will never see again. Using the experiences of a few endangered species as examples, Martin Jenkins highlights the ways human behavior can either threaten or conserve the amazing animals that share our planet. Vicky White’s stunning portraits of rare creatures offer a glimpse of nature’s grace and beauty — and give us a powerful reason to preserve it.
56 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2011
About the author
Martin Jenkins
56 books26 followersMartin Jenkins, a conservation biologist, has written several nonfiction books for children, including Ape, Grandma Elephant’s in Charge, The Emperor’s Egg, and Chameleons Are Cool. He lives in Cambridge, England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
March 2, 2017
Can We Save the Tiger? by Martin Jenkins is a children's book about endangered species and why it's important to try to save them.
When I first picked this up, I assumed it was going to be about Bengal tigers in general due to the cover illustration. It was a lovely surprise to see that the book touches on numerous different animals, some that are already endangered, and others that are on the brink of extinction.
Students love the illustrations and simple facts. It's a meaningful lesson for them to learn about how our human behaviors have altered the world and disrupted ecosystems.
This is perfect for schools, libraries, or a home library.
5*****
When I first picked this up, I assumed it was going to be about Bengal tigers in general due to the cover illustration. It was a lovely surprise to see that the book touches on numerous different animals, some that are already endangered, and others that are on the brink of extinction.
Students love the illustrations and simple facts. It's a meaningful lesson for them to learn about how our human behaviors have altered the world and disrupted ecosystems.
This is perfect for schools, libraries, or a home library.
5*****
May 6, 2022
Indeed, for a longer non fiction picture book geared towards (in my humble opinion) older children from about the the age of eight or so onwards (although even interested teenagers and adults might find Can We Save the Tiger? a good and decent general introduction to current, to 20th and 21st century extinctions primarily caused by human interference and human behaviour), yes, Martin Jenkins’ featured text for his Can We Save the Tiger is both wonderfully informative and is equally penned in an approachable manner that is easy to read and also rather personable and chatty. But thankfully and appreciatively, even with his use of approachability and talking to his readers on a simple and personal level, Martin Jenkins also resists textually falling into the trap of using artificial humour, word plays and the like, with his words in How Can We Save the Tiger always appearing academically rigorous enough as well as very clearly pointing out and never losing sight of the fact that the extinction and the disappearance of far far too many species of animals and plants since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution is a real and globally encompassing threat to biodiversity, to the earth and its denizens and not something to make light of or to make jokes about.
Now with regard to the actual contents and thematics of Can We Save the Tiger?, I do very much appreciate that Michael Jenkins tries to be balanced with regard to his writing. For it is most definitely rather refreshing that in Can We Save the Tiger? Jenkins does not just automatically and totally, utterly condemn and denigrate humans and humanity altogether regarding modern day animal extinctions, that Martin Jenkins points out the extinction crisis of the modern, of the current world and our collective responsibility and fault for this but also shows that we need to engage in conservation programs and efforts not unilaterally and one-sidedly but by working in tandem and in conjunction with local populations and taking the concerns of those same locals into consideration if there is to be any hope of even remotely conceding. For well and truly, one cannot simply for example condemn the fact that tigers are often shot by farmers when tigers stalking and killing livestock is a huge financial burden for in particular those farmers who own just a bit of land and a few cows, goats etc. and thankfully, Martin Jenkins sees and accepts this in Can We Save the Tiger and very clearly demonstrates that conservation is a global effort and one that requires everyone’s input. And albeit I personally do kind of wish that Jenkins were a bit rougher and critical regarding commercial fishing, whaling, the oil and gas industry and in particular the fact that rhino horns and elephant tusks are often sought after for traditional medicines, I also certainly understand Martin Jenkins toning things down a bit in Can We Save the Tiger?, as his more balanced and less blame casting approach does make for a much gentler introduction to extinction and might also get those on board for whom a more finger pointing approach towards the topic could be anathema.
Finally, as to the Vicky White’s illustrations for Can We Save the Tiger?, yes indeed, they make for a very nicely rendered accompanying visual trim, and I do enjoy the combination of black and white line drawings and full coloured pictures and that White’s artwork never visually overwhelms and overtakes Martin Jenkins’ printed words, his featured text. And really, the only reason why my rating for Can We Save the Tiger? is four and not five stars is that while I do appreciate the websites included, I also kind of wish that Martin Jenkins had not only provided online but also traditional dead tree book resources.
Now with regard to the actual contents and thematics of Can We Save the Tiger?, I do very much appreciate that Michael Jenkins tries to be balanced with regard to his writing. For it is most definitely rather refreshing that in Can We Save the Tiger? Jenkins does not just automatically and totally, utterly condemn and denigrate humans and humanity altogether regarding modern day animal extinctions, that Martin Jenkins points out the extinction crisis of the modern, of the current world and our collective responsibility and fault for this but also shows that we need to engage in conservation programs and efforts not unilaterally and one-sidedly but by working in tandem and in conjunction with local populations and taking the concerns of those same locals into consideration if there is to be any hope of even remotely conceding. For well and truly, one cannot simply for example condemn the fact that tigers are often shot by farmers when tigers stalking and killing livestock is a huge financial burden for in particular those farmers who own just a bit of land and a few cows, goats etc. and thankfully, Martin Jenkins sees and accepts this in Can We Save the Tiger and very clearly demonstrates that conservation is a global effort and one that requires everyone’s input. And albeit I personally do kind of wish that Jenkins were a bit rougher and critical regarding commercial fishing, whaling, the oil and gas industry and in particular the fact that rhino horns and elephant tusks are often sought after for traditional medicines, I also certainly understand Martin Jenkins toning things down a bit in Can We Save the Tiger?, as his more balanced and less blame casting approach does make for a much gentler introduction to extinction and might also get those on board for whom a more finger pointing approach towards the topic could be anathema.
Finally, as to the Vicky White’s illustrations for Can We Save the Tiger?, yes indeed, they make for a very nicely rendered accompanying visual trim, and I do enjoy the combination of black and white line drawings and full coloured pictures and that White’s artwork never visually overwhelms and overtakes Martin Jenkins’ printed words, his featured text. And really, the only reason why my rating for Can We Save the Tiger? is four and not five stars is that while I do appreciate the websites included, I also kind of wish that Martin Jenkins had not only provided online but also traditional dead tree book resources.
August 31, 2011
I am trying to read more nonfiction. In the last couple of days I have read both Kapako Rescue and Can we Save the Tiger? If I can find more nonfiction like these two books I will read a lot more nonfiction.
I might even say this is my favorite nonfiction book that I have ever read.
I might even say this is my favorite nonfiction book that I have ever read.
May 18, 2011
A very readable overview of endangered animals, with beautiful line drawings. Show the variety of animals and factors that lead to animals being endangered.
May 10, 2011
This is a fascinating look at endangered animals, some of which are now extinct, some of which are still on the brink of extinction, and some of which we have successfully saved and are no longer considered endangered. The illustrations are simply gorgeous; the picture of the tiger (cover and p. 11) is so lifelike and beautiful. The information provided in the narrative is informative, but not overwhelmingly detailed. It can easily be read at one sitting, unlike many other non-fiction science books. And I like how the narrative has a large font narrative with more details in the smaller blocks by the animals, so a parent can easily edit how much to read aloud. We really enjoyed reading this book together.
March 10, 2011
Lovely illustrations, and great information but not overwhelming. An excellent introduction to the concept of endangered and extinct animals. Lyrical and factual both. Good for 5 – 9 years old.
March 21, 2011
Absolutely stunning! Troubling but hopeful. Pair this title with J. Patrick Lewis's Swan Song: Poems of Extinction (Creative Editions, 2003).
July 29, 2011
Any book that mentions the kakapo gets bonus points.
July 6, 2011
One Sentence Review: Great nonfiction with an ecological bent that's significantly different from a lot of the standard fare out there.
May 16, 2014
This is an intelligently written book, that is filled with thought-provoking facts and stunning illustrations. Can We Save The Tiger is an absolute MUST for any library.
December 4, 2013
It isn't often that factual texts can be as accessible and pleasing to the eye as Martin Jenkins recent title 'can we save the tiger?'. The book fuses short choppy fact files with more in depth causal histories that explain why animals can become extinct and that it is within our power to stop these declines.
Aimed at slightly older readers (between 9-12) the book has gorgeous illustrations that convey the importance and beauty of a variety of animals that have suffered due to human influence. The book shows animals that have been lost, those currently at risk and those who have been brought back from the brink. The end highlights the dramatic impact of climate change and how thousands of species are affected.
This eye-catching eco-read gives a great opportunity for a sense of duty to be instilled into global caretakers of tomorrow. The prose, whilst easy to read, does not patronise or belittle the cause. The drawings are themed throughout in a style I liken to museum information boards and I found myself worrying for the future of these fantastic fauna.
Aimed at slightly older readers (between 9-12) the book has gorgeous illustrations that convey the importance and beauty of a variety of animals that have suffered due to human influence. The book shows animals that have been lost, those currently at risk and those who have been brought back from the brink. The end highlights the dramatic impact of climate change and how thousands of species are affected.
This eye-catching eco-read gives a great opportunity for a sense of duty to be instilled into global caretakers of tomorrow. The prose, whilst easy to read, does not patronise or belittle the cause. The drawings are themed throughout in a style I liken to museum information boards and I found myself worrying for the future of these fantastic fauna.
December 9, 2011
"Can We Save the Tiger?" is a beautifully written and illustrated children's book about the animals that are extinct or endangered because of what humans have done to their habitat. However it isn't one of those preachy books about global warming (I'm kinda sick of those). Instead it encourages people to really think about the effect our choices have on the animal species that live around us. We need to remember that we are not the only species who are entitled to this home we call Earth. I learned quite a bit about how introducing a species of animal not native to the land can wipe out animals that had lived there for thousands of years.
The illustrations are so beautiful and unique. While giving life to the animals they are portraying, they really pack a punch when the text reveals that we are so very close to losing them. I love the way the illustrations fade to black and white.
The illustrations are so beautiful and unique. While giving life to the animals they are portraying, they really pack a punch when the text reveals that we are so very close to losing them. I love the way the illustrations fade to black and white.
April 13, 2011
This is an excellent book about animals that are extinct, endangered, were nearly extinct and because of conservation efforts have been saved. The illustrations are beautiful. What I thought was especially interesting was one of the animals included was the kakapo, the world's largest parrot found in New Zealand. I am currently reading Kakapo Rescue: Saving the World's Strangest Parrot by Sy Montgomery.
November 10, 2011
Jenkins introduces reasons why animals become endangered and presents several examples of endangered animals for each cause. Concise information supports research and sparks interest in learning more about the animals. Vicky White's pencil and oil paint illustrations for each animal are amazing with lush detail worthy of an encyclopedia or art book.
April 2, 2017
Solid children's science book talking through the concept of species going extinct. Very good writing, good precise illustrations. And the choices of animals covered are a good mixture of the obvious and less obvious. Not really a read-it-yourself but not pitched all that high either. And not too short or too long. Not particular inspirational content, so not a new favorite. But worth reading.
January 19, 2012
I don't really like books with so obvious a point to make, but this one does it in a way that isn't too bothersome. The writing is very well done (lots of places to use as models) and the illustrations are really gorgeous.
Read
April 9, 2011Beautifully drawn and designed book.
October 7, 2012
Beautiful illustrations!
March 8, 2013
Great with my 4th graders!
April 30, 2016
Non-fiction at its best.
December 14, 2017
An important addition to any elementary school library!
February 24, 2021
Why did they name it Can We Save th Tiger? It was about more than tigers. Lots of information but not well put together.
August 26, 2011
http://nonfictiondetectives.blogspot....
The Nonfiction Detectives' review:
There has been a lot of buzz in the kidlit world about Can We Save the Tiger? ever since it was released in February. You might wonder why we haven't reviewed it yet. We launched The Nonfiction Detectives blog in late April, so we were just getting our site off the ground when bloggers and reviewers were singing the book's praises. So without further adieu, here is our review of Can We Save the Tiger?
Martin Jenkins and Vicky White have teamed up to create a beautiful tribute to endangered animals in the nonfiction picture book, Can We Save the Tiger? The book begins with an ode to extinct species (marsupial wolf, Stellar's sea cow, et al.) before the author turns his attention to endangered animals from around the globe such as the white-rumped vulture and the American bison. Using a narrative style and language accessible to young readers, Jenkins provides information about what caused various species to become endangered.
"Tigers are big and they're beautiful and they're fierce. And all this makes life difficult for them these days... And because they're beautiful, people have always hunted them for their skins. They also kill them for their bones and meat to use as medicines."
Martin doesn't oversimplify the problems that led to species dying out, instead he points out the complexities and different points of view that make the problems difficult to solve. For example, the author asks readers to see tigers from the point of view of a poor farmer in India:
"You might not be too happy if you found there was a hungry tiger living nearby. And if you knew that someone might pay you more for a tiger skin and some bones than you could earn in three whole months working in the field, then you might find it tempting to set a trap or two, even if you knew it was against the law."
Vicky White's detailed pencil sketches complement the information perfectly. Many of the illustrations are black and white accompanied by captions that contain facts about the animals. At times, oil paints are used to add a touch of color. White captures the spirit and beauty of each animal, big and small. The illustration of the tiger (also pictured on the cover) feels like it's a live animal looking right at the reader. Another page that stood out features a small illustration of a partula snail on a vast white background representing how few partula snails are left in the whole world. A stoic bison is pictured on another page illustrated in muted brown colors. The shading and textures make the illustration seem like a photograph. There is so much to appreciate in each illustration. Children will want to read this book over and over again.
Can We Save the Tiger? would make an excellent read aloud in an elementary classroom, and it's the perfect gift book for a young reader. Librarians should plan to add it to their nonfiction collections. It's a true gem and may inspire young readers to make a difference in the world.
6 Stars
Award worthy! Unfortunately, it appears that the illustrator lives in England and does not qualify for the Caldecott Medal. Sibert Medal, perhaps?
(Grades K-4)
The Nonfiction Detectives' review:
There has been a lot of buzz in the kidlit world about Can We Save the Tiger? ever since it was released in February. You might wonder why we haven't reviewed it yet. We launched The Nonfiction Detectives blog in late April, so we were just getting our site off the ground when bloggers and reviewers were singing the book's praises. So without further adieu, here is our review of Can We Save the Tiger?
Martin Jenkins and Vicky White have teamed up to create a beautiful tribute to endangered animals in the nonfiction picture book, Can We Save the Tiger? The book begins with an ode to extinct species (marsupial wolf, Stellar's sea cow, et al.) before the author turns his attention to endangered animals from around the globe such as the white-rumped vulture and the American bison. Using a narrative style and language accessible to young readers, Jenkins provides information about what caused various species to become endangered.
"Tigers are big and they're beautiful and they're fierce. And all this makes life difficult for them these days... And because they're beautiful, people have always hunted them for their skins. They also kill them for their bones and meat to use as medicines."
Martin doesn't oversimplify the problems that led to species dying out, instead he points out the complexities and different points of view that make the problems difficult to solve. For example, the author asks readers to see tigers from the point of view of a poor farmer in India:
"You might not be too happy if you found there was a hungry tiger living nearby. And if you knew that someone might pay you more for a tiger skin and some bones than you could earn in three whole months working in the field, then you might find it tempting to set a trap or two, even if you knew it was against the law."
Vicky White's detailed pencil sketches complement the information perfectly. Many of the illustrations are black and white accompanied by captions that contain facts about the animals. At times, oil paints are used to add a touch of color. White captures the spirit and beauty of each animal, big and small. The illustration of the tiger (also pictured on the cover) feels like it's a live animal looking right at the reader. Another page that stood out features a small illustration of a partula snail on a vast white background representing how few partula snails are left in the whole world. A stoic bison is pictured on another page illustrated in muted brown colors. The shading and textures make the illustration seem like a photograph. There is so much to appreciate in each illustration. Children will want to read this book over and over again.
Can We Save the Tiger? would make an excellent read aloud in an elementary classroom, and it's the perfect gift book for a young reader. Librarians should plan to add it to their nonfiction collections. It's a true gem and may inspire young readers to make a difference in the world.
6 Stars
Award worthy! Unfortunately, it appears that the illustrator lives in England and does not qualify for the Caldecott Medal. Sibert Medal, perhaps?
(Grades K-4)
March 12, 2019
Great kids book about extinction and prevention.
April 14, 2012
"The world is quite a big place, you know. But it's not that big, when you consider how much there is to squeeze into it. ....... Us humans have changed the world a lot over the years, to make room for ourselves and to produce the things we need...... Some of the other animals and plants that we share the Earth with have coped with the changes very well. But some haven't."
Martin Jenkins, a conservation biologist, accompanies us around the world on a 56 page journey of phenomenal fauna. From animals we will never see again, such as the Stellar's Sea Cow (last ween in 1768) and the Broad-faced Potoroo (last seen in 1875) to some of the present day animals struggling for survival, such as the Ground Iguanas of the West Indies or the White Rumped Vulture of SE Asia. He explains many of the complexities of the threats: of how introducing a non indigenous animal influences indigenous flora and fauna, how modern farming techniques may help feed humans, but can destroy animals. He speaks of success stories, such as the bison populations of North America, and species on the brink of extinction like the Kakapo bird of New Zealand. He writes in detail but with clarity and passion on behalf of our co-planet dwellers. Every single page of this large, long picture book contains incredible pencil drawings, with occasional color, of these magnificent species. The book is worth the artwork alone. Vicky White, the illustrator, worked as a zookeeper for many years before doing an MA in natural history illustration from London’s Royal College of Art.
Why I like this book: This book will fascinate and inspire children. A clear case is presented for the fate of all these species lying in our hands. While much good has been done, so much still remains to fight for and our children can participate in this preservation of the gracious beauty we have all around us. I would love to have some of this art work on my walls, it is truly exquisite. Tigers, seals, parrots, rhinoceros peer at you from the pages, inviting you to become involved. This is a book of balance; of sadness and progress of failure and hope. It presents the call for our involvement to conserve our world as a call to compassion and action for the 17,000 animals and plants presently in danger. This is a book I would recommend for every school library for the inevitable classes on endangered species. I think it gives one of the most articulate overviews out there.
Martin Jenkins, a conservation biologist, accompanies us around the world on a 56 page journey of phenomenal fauna. From animals we will never see again, such as the Stellar's Sea Cow (last ween in 1768) and the Broad-faced Potoroo (last seen in 1875) to some of the present day animals struggling for survival, such as the Ground Iguanas of the West Indies or the White Rumped Vulture of SE Asia. He explains many of the complexities of the threats: of how introducing a non indigenous animal influences indigenous flora and fauna, how modern farming techniques may help feed humans, but can destroy animals. He speaks of success stories, such as the bison populations of North America, and species on the brink of extinction like the Kakapo bird of New Zealand. He writes in detail but with clarity and passion on behalf of our co-planet dwellers. Every single page of this large, long picture book contains incredible pencil drawings, with occasional color, of these magnificent species. The book is worth the artwork alone. Vicky White, the illustrator, worked as a zookeeper for many years before doing an MA in natural history illustration from London’s Royal College of Art.
Why I like this book: This book will fascinate and inspire children. A clear case is presented for the fate of all these species lying in our hands. While much good has been done, so much still remains to fight for and our children can participate in this preservation of the gracious beauty we have all around us. I would love to have some of this art work on my walls, it is truly exquisite. Tigers, seals, parrots, rhinoceros peer at you from the pages, inviting you to become involved. This is a book of balance; of sadness and progress of failure and hope. It presents the call for our involvement to conserve our world as a call to compassion and action for the 17,000 animals and plants presently in danger. This is a book I would recommend for every school library for the inevitable classes on endangered species. I think it gives one of the most articulate overviews out there.
June 3, 2014
Using straightforward but compelling language, Jenkins starts by introducing the concept of what makes animals extinct. "Some of the other animals and plants that we share the Earth with have coped with the changes very well. But some haven't. In fact, some have coped so badly that they're not here any more. They're extinct./ This means we'll never see a live dodo.../ or a Steller's sea cow, or a marsupial wolf, or a great auk..." (pp. 6-8) With clear writing, an almost conversational tone, and large print size, this book makes a great choice for 3rd through 5th graders reading nonfiction on their own.
Jenkins next turns to species that are barely hanging on: tigers, Asian elephants, sloth bears and the partula snail. Jenkins explains the pressure that humans put on large animals like the tiger, who need plenty of room and prey for hunting. Fierce tigers usually eat deer and other wild animals, but when human developments spread into tigers' territory, conflicts arise. I found Jenkins' description of the problems with introduced species particularly interesting.
Vicky White's illustrations, especially with the large scale of the book, will draw children right in. Using pencils and oil painting, White portrays animals close up in many different positions, often spreading across both pages for dramatic effect. The extinct animals are shown in soft, grey colors, and other animals like the Giant African Land Snail almost gleam in their realistic portrayal.
Jenkins ends on a positive note, emphasizing the hard work of conservationists who are hard at work saving different species. He recognizes that this is complicated work, but urges young people to act and help save endangered animals. If you and your child find this topic interesting, follow it up with Kakapo Rescue: Saving the World's Strangest Parrot, by Sy Montgomery and Nic Bishop. Part of the Scientists in the Field series, this is an in-depth look at how scientists, conservationists and volunteers are working hard to bring an endangered species back from the brink of extinction.
Jenkins next turns to species that are barely hanging on: tigers, Asian elephants, sloth bears and the partula snail. Jenkins explains the pressure that humans put on large animals like the tiger, who need plenty of room and prey for hunting. Fierce tigers usually eat deer and other wild animals, but when human developments spread into tigers' territory, conflicts arise. I found Jenkins' description of the problems with introduced species particularly interesting.
Vicky White's illustrations, especially with the large scale of the book, will draw children right in. Using pencils and oil painting, White portrays animals close up in many different positions, often spreading across both pages for dramatic effect. The extinct animals are shown in soft, grey colors, and other animals like the Giant African Land Snail almost gleam in their realistic portrayal.
Jenkins ends on a positive note, emphasizing the hard work of conservationists who are hard at work saving different species. He recognizes that this is complicated work, but urges young people to act and help save endangered animals. If you and your child find this topic interesting, follow it up with Kakapo Rescue: Saving the World's Strangest Parrot, by Sy Montgomery and Nic Bishop. Part of the Scientists in the Field series, this is an in-depth look at how scientists, conservationists and volunteers are working hard to bring an endangered species back from the brink of extinction.
January 22, 2012
Ages: 4-10 years
An introduction to extinct & endangered species including the tiger, sloth bear, partula snails, bison, kakapos, and several more. Jenkins provides explanations regarding the dwindling numbers including beauty, ferocity, need for big stretches of land, introduction of nonnative predators, and disease. Jenkins doesn't ruthlessly blame humans for inhumanity but reveals the reasoning behind past actions--reasons that can be overcome. Jenkins explains success stories and the potential for much more. His last quote has a beautiful simplicity:
"When it comes to looking after all the species that are already endangered, there's such a lot to do that sometimes it might all seem to be too much, especially when there are so many other important things to worry about. But if we stop trying, the chances are that pretty soon we'll end up with a world where there are no tigers or elephants, or sawfishes or whooping cranes, or albatrosses or ground iguanas. And I think that would be a shame, don't you?"
I hate to over exaggerate and call something a masterpiece, but this is pretty darn close. The artwork is engrossing, astonishing, and accurate (the artist has traveled across the world to draw and paint animals in the wild). Large pages and the charcoal medium capture movement, grace, and natural beauty from the tiger to the vulture. Jenkins' expertise on endangered animals derives from his consultant undertaking for the World Conservation Monitoring Centre, which checks on the status of endangered species around the world. Jenkins doesn't sugar coat the situation, but states that giving up protection efforts is not really an option. A conversational tone, this book is best read out loud and is a great introduction to programs on endangered species.
An introduction to extinct & endangered species including the tiger, sloth bear, partula snails, bison, kakapos, and several more. Jenkins provides explanations regarding the dwindling numbers including beauty, ferocity, need for big stretches of land, introduction of nonnative predators, and disease. Jenkins doesn't ruthlessly blame humans for inhumanity but reveals the reasoning behind past actions--reasons that can be overcome. Jenkins explains success stories and the potential for much more. His last quote has a beautiful simplicity:
"When it comes to looking after all the species that are already endangered, there's such a lot to do that sometimes it might all seem to be too much, especially when there are so many other important things to worry about. But if we stop trying, the chances are that pretty soon we'll end up with a world where there are no tigers or elephants, or sawfishes or whooping cranes, or albatrosses or ground iguanas. And I think that would be a shame, don't you?"
I hate to over exaggerate and call something a masterpiece, but this is pretty darn close. The artwork is engrossing, astonishing, and accurate (the artist has traveled across the world to draw and paint animals in the wild). Large pages and the charcoal medium capture movement, grace, and natural beauty from the tiger to the vulture. Jenkins' expertise on endangered animals derives from his consultant undertaking for the World Conservation Monitoring Centre, which checks on the status of endangered species around the world. Jenkins doesn't sugar coat the situation, but states that giving up protection efforts is not really an option. A conversational tone, this book is best read out loud and is a great introduction to programs on endangered species.
June 11, 2012
Alison For Big Book Little Book
This is a bit different to all the other reviews I’ve done as this isn’t a fiction book, but a non-fiction book. It’s a book that gives you facts and information rather than telling a story. But then that doesn’t quite sum it up either. The style of writing in this book does make it sound like the author is telling a story; it’s just in this case it’s true. I struggled to work out what age group this book is aimed at. There is quite a lot of writing and some of the words are quite complex, it’s not an early reader. The style however does seem to be aiming towards educating quite young children. I know if I read it to my pre schooler he would ask masses of questions (we are really going through the ‘why?’ stage at the moment), but then that could well be what the author intended.
That all being said this is a lovely book and I do think the style of writing makes it. It takes a difficult subject for little ones to understand and makes it interesting and fun. There are masses of facts held within the book and I know that I did learn at lot from it. The illustrations really complimented the words. Largely line drawn, they had fantastic detail whilst at the same time appeared very simple. Perfect for little ones and a great starting point for conversations about animals nearing extinction, it certainly made me want to go out and learn more, and as a librarian anything that may make children want to learn more about a subject definitely has the thumbs up from me. I found this a rare book, an information book that I actually enjoyed reading, one that I would turn to read for enjoyment rather than research.
Verdict: A lovely fact book on animals for young children that should really start the questions going.
This is a bit different to all the other reviews I’ve done as this isn’t a fiction book, but a non-fiction book. It’s a book that gives you facts and information rather than telling a story. But then that doesn’t quite sum it up either. The style of writing in this book does make it sound like the author is telling a story; it’s just in this case it’s true. I struggled to work out what age group this book is aimed at. There is quite a lot of writing and some of the words are quite complex, it’s not an early reader. The style however does seem to be aiming towards educating quite young children. I know if I read it to my pre schooler he would ask masses of questions (we are really going through the ‘why?’ stage at the moment), but then that could well be what the author intended.
That all being said this is a lovely book and I do think the style of writing makes it. It takes a difficult subject for little ones to understand and makes it interesting and fun. There are masses of facts held within the book and I know that I did learn at lot from it. The illustrations really complimented the words. Largely line drawn, they had fantastic detail whilst at the same time appeared very simple. Perfect for little ones and a great starting point for conversations about animals nearing extinction, it certainly made me want to go out and learn more, and as a librarian anything that may make children want to learn more about a subject definitely has the thumbs up from me. I found this a rare book, an information book that I actually enjoyed reading, one that I would turn to read for enjoyment rather than research.
Verdict: A lovely fact book on animals for young children that should really start the questions going.
February 2, 2012
I loved when you looked at each page it looked like you could pull the animal out of it! You can’t believe someone even drew it! This is a very good book. It tells you a TON about endangered animals. I really recommend this book!
I love the realistic style of the Illustrations in this book. It really gets you into the story and how we need to help save the animals that are endangered. I love how they emphasize the animal by putting them in color, in a black and white picture. I would recommend this book.
I really liked this animal picture book. The illustrations were so wonderful that I thought the animals were going to right pop out of the book. This book tells you about animals and if there in danger. This book tells you how to treat animals.
Wow. It looks like I could touch the animals. Vicky White `s book is really good.
Can we save the tiger is the best animal book ever, it really inspires you to save animals.
The illustrator did a very nice job of describing the story in illustrations and words!
I think can we save the tiger was the greatest white used a lot of color and texture. Book ever that I read in my life so far
I like this book because it’s really interesting it is interesting because it has a lot of color and well drone pictures and the colors are magnificent I think Vicky White did a great job I also liked the book because it felt like I could touch the buffalo.
I liked the book. I like that the illustrator made the animals like you could actually touch them. Especially
the bison. And I like how he made the animals really stand out.
I love the realistic style of the Illustrations in this book. It really gets you into the story and how we need to help save the animals that are endangered. I love how they emphasize the animal by putting them in color, in a black and white picture. I would recommend this book.
I really liked this animal picture book. The illustrations were so wonderful that I thought the animals were going to right pop out of the book. This book tells you about animals and if there in danger. This book tells you how to treat animals.
Wow. It looks like I could touch the animals. Vicky White `s book is really good.
Can we save the tiger is the best animal book ever, it really inspires you to save animals.
The illustrator did a very nice job of describing the story in illustrations and words!
I think can we save the tiger was the greatest white used a lot of color and texture. Book ever that I read in my life so far
I like this book because it’s really interesting it is interesting because it has a lot of color and well drone pictures and the colors are magnificent I think Vicky White did a great job I also liked the book because it felt like I could touch the buffalo.
I liked the book. I like that the illustrator made the animals like you could actually touch them. Especially
the bison. And I like how he made the animals really stand out.
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March 30, 2014Twin Text: How to Heal a Broken Wing by Bob Graham. Copyright 2008.
Rationale: How to heal a broken wing is, at its heart, a book about the extent of human kindness and love. The fictional short story about a young boy who finds a bird with a broken wing and his attempts to nurse it back to health, as well as the various methods he uses to keep it healthy and on the mend is beautiful. Paired with a book about various endangered species and the environmental or man made effects that have made them that way, is an attempt to instill responsibility and empathy into students at a young age. The two books together could, if handled correctly, help the children to see how people can affect the world in a negative way.
Text Structure: This book contains several different elements of structure combined. An established structure of discussing tigers, as well as other animals is paired with in depth descriptions of the animals and their plight. Showing what has caused these animals to become endangered shows clear cause and effect structure, and the timeline of them becoming endangered is a chronological structure.
Strategy Application: I think the strongest method of showing these students the large numbers of endangered species and species that have become extinct since they have been born through either presentation software, or video, as well as man made reasons that the animals are becoming endangered, could help expand the students' understanding of the material that they read.
Review: (2011, December 01) School Library Journal http://www.booksinprint.com/DetailedV...
Rationale: How to heal a broken wing is, at its heart, a book about the extent of human kindness and love. The fictional short story about a young boy who finds a bird with a broken wing and his attempts to nurse it back to health, as well as the various methods he uses to keep it healthy and on the mend is beautiful. Paired with a book about various endangered species and the environmental or man made effects that have made them that way, is an attempt to instill responsibility and empathy into students at a young age. The two books together could, if handled correctly, help the children to see how people can affect the world in a negative way.
Text Structure: This book contains several different elements of structure combined. An established structure of discussing tigers, as well as other animals is paired with in depth descriptions of the animals and their plight. Showing what has caused these animals to become endangered shows clear cause and effect structure, and the timeline of them becoming endangered is a chronological structure.
Strategy Application: I think the strongest method of showing these students the large numbers of endangered species and species that have become extinct since they have been born through either presentation software, or video, as well as man made reasons that the animals are becoming endangered, could help expand the students' understanding of the material that they read.
Review: (2011, December 01) School Library Journal http://www.booksinprint.com/DetailedV...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews