Solid information and excellent photographs make these titles in the Animals at Risk series a good choice for kids beginning to learn about endangered species. Each book explains how the subject animal has become nearly extinct and what is being done to increase their numbers. Pictures of adorable prairie dogs and a discussion of how they communicate through barks enliven Prairie Dogs in Danger. Once the prairie was overrun with these small rodents, but today some are dying out. All books in the series feature captions that advance the text and short, informative "Wild Facts." A fine introduction to a subject children will continue to learn about.

HARASYMIW, N. D. Condors in Danger . ISBN 978-1-4339-9154-7 ; ISBN 978-1-4339-9157-8 . MAIMONE, Sofia . Snow Leopards in Danger . ISBN 978-1-4339-9174-5 ; ISBN 978-1-4339-9733-4 . MINEO, Ella . Sea Otters in Danger . ISBN 978-1-4339-9169-1 ; ISBN 978-1-4339-9172-1 . SHEA, Adele . Wolves in Danger . ISBN 978-1-4339-9178-3 ; ISBN 978-1-4339-9181-3 . SNYDER, Lydia . Rhinos in Danger . ISBN 978-1-4339-9159-2 ; ISBN 978-1-4339-9162-2 . ea vol: 24p. (Animals at Risk Series). chart. further reading. glossary. illus. index. map. photos. reprods. websites. Gareth Stevens . 2013. lib. ed. $22.60; ebk. $22.60. Gr 2-3 Combining basic species facts with information about endangerment threats, this set introduces animal conservation to younger readers. Opening pages describe behavior and physical features, with population status mentioned briefly. By easing into the bad news and coupling it with details of scientific efforts to address threats, the books strike a balance between alarming threats, potential solutions, and positive trends such as the recoveries of sea otters and white rhinos. The well-spaced main paragraphs are clearly written. "Wild Facts" text boxes provide tidbits of additional information. Species differences are neatly identified, as in the comparison of gray wolves' status to that of red wolves. Population numbers are easily accessible within the narratives, though Prairie Dogs regrettably lacks this data. Appealing full-page photographs mostly feature the animals in their habitats, avoiding images of capture and suffering and supporting the sensitive approach that is appropriate for the intended age level.