ALA Booklist (Tue Apr 01 00:00:00 CST 1997)

for reading aloud. The double-page-spread color illustrations--one for each endangered species discussed--make this book a great read-aloud for the young animal lover. Independent readers will enjoy the brief treatment of habitat, physical characteristics, and habits of 12 different North American species facing extinction. Included are Florida panthers, Oahu tree snails, gray bats, American peregrine falcons, wildflowers, and more. The text on each species includes threats to each animal and practical suggestions for conservation. The repeated Can we save them? question leaves the reader with a sense of urgency, yet hope for the disappearing life forms on our continent. The book concludes with an annotated map showing where each species can be found. (Reviewed April 1, 1997)

Horn Book (Thu Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2010)

In Valkyrie Cain's third adventure, she and skeletal mentor Skulduggery continue to negotiate the complicated politics of their magical underground society while maintaining Valkyrie's double life and, of course, saving the planet. The plot twists are thrilling and nonstop, and the world-building continues to deepen.

Kirkus Reviews (Mon Feb 06 00:00:00 CST 2023)

In his first book, Dobson introduces nearly a dozen endangered species, mostly animals from North America, and says: Let's see what we can do to help these species survive.'' Every spread uses the verso to introduce a creature (or, in one case, wildflowers) and the recto to discuss possible or ongoing actions intended to save it. <p> In his first book, Dobson introduces nearly a dozen endangered species, mostly animals from North America, and says:Let's see what we can do to help these species survive.'' Every spread uses the verso to introduce a creature (or, in one case, wildflowers) and the recto to discuss possible or ongoing actions intended to save it. Included are the Florida panther, Oahu tree snail, gray bat, American burying beetle, peregrine falcon, eastern indigo snake, cui-cu (a fish), Peary caribou, eastern timber wolf, Kirtland's warbler, and Puerto Rican parrot. Worthwhile information is marred by a didactic tone and misleading solutions. The conversational use of we'' andyou'' will leave youngsters with the impression that they are to go find caves for gray bats, set out dead chickens for American burying beetles, allow controlled forest fires to refresh'' the habitat of the eastern indigo snake, and restore Florida marshes and forests for Florida panthers. Dobson offers more plausible solutions as well, reminding readers not to buy products that involve endangered species or to keep them as pets, to help raise money or volunteer, and not to pollute. Attractive gouache paintings include a map of North America indicating locations of the species covered. Unfortunately, the fact box on wildflowers declares that quinine is a wildflower product, when it is obtained from the bark of the cinchona tree, and also states that quinine is acure'' for malaria, instead of a treatment for its symptoms. (Picture book/nonfiction. 7-10)</p> "

School Library Journal

Gr 1-3--This introduction to endangered species spotlights a dozen North American animals and wildflowers that are bordering on extinction. The well-organized text keeps readers focused on individual species by repeatedly asking the question, "Can we save the...?" The full-color, double-spread format works well: the text on the verso gives facts about an animal, its habitat, and reasons it is disappearing, while the recto describes ways in which people are working to protect the species and what youngsters can do to help them. A wide cross section of climates and habitats is presented, as is a variety in species including insects, reptiles, birds, and mammals. One double-page spread is devoted to wildflowers. The colorful illustrations reflect natural habitats and enhance the presentation without overpowering it. Dobson's writing is generally clear and factual although he occasionally digresses with statements such as "Homo sapiens are kind of funny looking" and that wildflowers "all share one thing--they have silly-sounding names." An additional choice for youngsters looking to expand their understanding of the interrelatedness of all living things.--Diane Nunn, Richard E. Byrd Elementary School, Glen Rock, NJ