Gorgeous art—detailed drawings of endangered species—is only one of the striking elements of this oversize (10 x 12 inches) volume. The open, engaging tone of the narrative is just as compelling. Author Martin Jenkins shares information about a variety of endangered creatures, from where those remaining can be found to how and why they have become endangered. His casual, conversational style conveys both appreciation and urgency, and is not without hope. But he makes clear that hope is rooted in action. “If we stop trying, the chances are pretty soon we’ll end up with a world where there are no tigers or elephants ... And I think that would be a shame, don’t you?” Vicky White’s stunning pencil and oil paint illustrations are primarily in black and white, though some are softly colored. (Age 8 and older)