Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews (Fri May 27 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

The practice of repopulating nearly extinct animals and plant life is explained and illustrated in great detail.What do the Arabian onyx, the Iberian lynx, and the peregrine falcon have in common? Each of these animals was in danger of becoming extinct or of disappearing from a home habitat, at least until researchers stepped in to protect them. This exhaustive volume tells the stories of several dozen animals and plants that were brought back from the brink. The book explains the concept of rewilding up front, showing how biologists are able to help these creatures gain numbers and then reenter nature. But far from a glossing over of what happens then, Steen also explains why some of these efforts fail, arguments against the practice (for instance, introducing predators near populated areas is potentially risky), and, most importantly, how to help these efforts. In detailing why environmental changes caused by humans can cause a chain reaction leading to the decimation of, say, the Kihansi spray toad, the team offers a nuanced view of why bad things can happen to ecosystems even unintentionally. Most interesting is that each species and habitat is a whole new challenge; there's no one-size-fits-all cure-all that can restore a balance in nature, and sometimes achieving balance isn't possible. This nuanced view holds throughout the book's 80 finely illustrated pages, where the animals are presented not as cutesy anthropomorphized creatures but in a realistic, no-less-endearing style. For younger readers, it may not be a volume that's consumed in one sitting, but there's enough variety of stories and helpful additions, such as a glossary and a "What Can You Do?" page, that it's a book worth returning to multiple times. (This book was reviewed digitally.)A fascinating primer on the intricacies of ecosystems. (index) (Informational picture book. 8-10)

ALA Booklist (Fri Sep 16 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

Rewilding projects across the world aim to reintroduce wildlife to areas from which it has disappeared, usually due to habitat change or being overhunted. This comprehensive overview gives a brief introduction to the topic before focusing on a wide range of rewilding projects, from working with condors in California to beavers in England and Kihansi spray toads in Tanzania. Double-­page spreads that are well designed and thought-provoking depict a large, colorful scene of an animal in its natural environment and feature smaller spot art surrounding text boxes. Each project description presents the reasons for the loss of wildlife, the rewilding plan, the successes and failures of the plan, and how the wildlife is faring today. Interspersed spreads also consider relevant issues, including why species disappear, rewilding unwanted animals (like rattlesnakes) versus "charismatic creatures" (like bears), plants in danger, how to measure success, and even criticisms of rewilding. Throughout the book, essential terminology is explained within the text. A final spread offers readers mini ecology tips to help protect and advocate for their local environments.

Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

The practice of repopulating nearly extinct animals and plant life is explained and illustrated in great detail.What do the Arabian onyx, the Iberian lynx, and the peregrine falcon have in common? Each of these animals was in danger of becoming extinct or of disappearing from a home habitat, at least until researchers stepped in to protect them. This exhaustive volume tells the stories of several dozen animals and plants that were brought back from the brink. The book explains the concept of rewilding up front, showing how biologists are able to help these creatures gain numbers and then reenter nature. But far from a glossing over of what happens then, Steen also explains why some of these efforts fail, arguments against the practice (for instance, introducing predators near populated areas is potentially risky), and, most importantly, how to help these efforts. In detailing why environmental changes caused by humans can cause a chain reaction leading to the decimation of, say, the Kihansi spray toad, the team offers a nuanced view of why bad things can happen to ecosystems even unintentionally. Most interesting is that each species and habitat is a whole new challenge; there's no one-size-fits-all cure-all that can restore a balance in nature, and sometimes achieving balance isn't possible. This nuanced view holds throughout the book's 80 finely illustrated pages, where the animals are presented not as cutesy anthropomorphized creatures but in a realistic, no-less-endearing style. For younger readers, it may not be a volume that's consumed in one sitting, but there's enough variety of stories and helpful additions, such as a glossary and a "What Can You Do?" page, that it's a book worth returning to multiple times. (This book was reviewed digitally.)A fascinating primer on the intricacies of ecosystems. (index) (Informational picture book. 8-10)

School Library Journal (Sat Oct 01 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

Gr 3–8— Herpetologist Steen ( Secrets of Snakes ) is known as an effective science communicator, especially via his Twitter account (@AlongsideWild). This book demonstrates his skill at presenting the concept of rewilding while detailing the challenges, successes, and failures of these efforts. Information is presented in short vignettes that offer broad details related to animals reintroduced into what had formerly been their own habitats. Especially interesting are explanations of entire ecosystems that support a species such as the Channel Island foxes that needed non-native pigs removed so predatory golden eagles could be eliminated as well. The fact that ecosystems are interconnected and require extraordinary efforts and creativity to be reestablished is clear. Steen calls out companies that "treat their workers poorly" or "use slaves to catch fish" without providing more context or specific sources. Some of this messaging around food industry labor ethics may come across as confusing given the audience, most of whom don't usually purchase their own food (but may be prompted to do further research or talk with their caregiver about ethical food choices). Known for combining watercolor, colored pencil, and tempera, gifted illustrator, Fedele clearly depicts the animals with layouts that represent their environmental challenges creating visually fascinating spreads for each. Text appears as insets around the images. Included is a short list of what kids can do, an index, and a glossary. VERDICT This is a worthy book that clearly links animals to their environment and the impact humans have on their survival. It is well-crafted, accessible, and important for all library collections.— Janet S. Thompson