Fifteen endangered animals from the International Union for Conservation of Nature's "Red List" are profiled, each with a brief two-page spread that includes colorful illustrations of the animal in its habitat and information on why it's endangered. Two pages at the end suggest ways kids can help (organizations' websites included). Other sources will be needed for serious research, but this is an interesting introduction to wildlife conservation.

K-Gr 3 A very brief introduction to 15 animals on the Red List, a grouping of endangered species created by scientists working for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In the book, for each creature, there are two descriptive paragraphs, several bulleted facts, and a short survey of some dangers it is currently encountering. Rather than read from beginning to end, students are asked to choose a place (deserts, forests, mountains grasslands, rivers, or oceans), choose an animal (by selecting an illustration), turn to the pages where the creature is discussed, and then turn to the back to find out ways they can help, which typically consists of referral to a website. There are many directions to follow, but the purpose for this is unclear. This is an attractively illustrated and formatted book that children might enjoy looking at, but not enough information is provided to connect the work of the IUCN with the plight of endangered animals or to truly understand the problems these creatures are facing. VERDICT Consider to jump-start motivated learners to do more research; otherwise an additional purchase. Myra Zarnowski, City University of New York