Gone Wild: An Endangered Animal Alphabet
Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this Caldecott Honor alphabet book isn't meant for kids just learning their ABCs. Each letter incorporates elements of a specific endangered animal -- including some rather obscure ones like giant earwigs. The animal facts section at the end will probably be of interest to kids and tweens, but also upsetting; it cites many reasons that these animals are losing their habitats and their lives. The resources section points kids to ways to help save animals and habitats, but it's only a small part of the book.
Families can talk about all the unique animals pictured and the ingenious ways they peek out of the bold letters. Did you know some of these creatures existed? What other animals are they like that you know about already? Why do you think humans have such a big impact on animals? Is it just as important to save less-cuddly creatures like earwigs as it is to save adorable pandas? Kids can engage in art projects, too, crafting large letters and adding personalities. And families can volunteer to clean up the habitats of some of their favorite local animals.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Carrie R. Wheadon
Just going on its illustrations, GONE WILD is an inventive gem. In the first 26 pages, animal characteristics creep and crawl out of big block letters: The floppy ears, snouts, long necks, and wild eyes belong to endangered animals starting with every letter of the alphabet. It's an intricate and award-worthy art project.
But sit down with this book with any kid learning their ABCs, and you'll end up having to explain why some animals have dwindling habitats or are overfished or hunted to near-extinction. On page 27, each animal gets its own bio with basic stats and reasons for why it's headed the way of the dodo bird.
Another minus is that many of the featured animals are rare and unfamiliar. While older kids may find the odd ducks and insects novel, younger ones would probably prefer critters they're used to -- and illustrations that feature cuddly faces instead of giant earwigs. (Also, the caption explaining the myth that gave earwigs their name isn't something you want to spark a squeamish kid's imagination with.) It's not surprising that this is the author's first children's book.
For tweens who love art class or are involved in their school's environmental groups, this could be a rewarding choice. And there are a few resources offered at the end showing kids where to find out more and take action.
Plot Summary:
Through art and bios, this alphabet book highlights 26 animals on the brink of extinction. Bold, single-letter illustrations are juxtaposed with animal characteristics such as ears, snouts, beaks, and hooves. Basic stats on each animal explain why it's endangered.
Related Books:
ABC Books to Learn By:
A Merry Little Christmas: Celebrate from A to Z by Mary Englebreit
Alligators All Around by Maurice Sendak
Dr. Seuss's ABCs
ABC T-Rex by Bernard Most
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr.
Other Books for Animal-Loving Kids:
Encyclopedia Preshistorica: Sharks and Other Sea Monsters by Matthew Reinhart
Owen & Mzee by Isabelle Hatkoff, et al.
Koko's Kitten by Dr. Patterson
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ViolenceFrank commentary on why these animals are endangered. |
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Social BehaviorEncourages taking an interest in why animals are endangered. |
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