A Smithsonian collaboration–this journey of discovery through the animal kingdom, past and present, calls on us to educate ourselves and take action to save the amazing diversity of our planet.
An NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Book
Every living creature contributes towards the richness and beauty of our planet. Each one has a reason to exist, from the giant panda to the pygmy possum, and if we lose them, it will be forever. Extinctopedia tells a complex story, not just of those who are extinct, but also of those in greatest peril, with explanations of what threatens their survival. It is also a story of hope – hope for animals who have been rediscovered, hope in the form of newly-discovered animals, and hope that we might hear the warning call and act to preserve the amazing biodiversity of our fragile planet for future generations to come.
- Read stories about animals that are no longer with us
- Discover endangered animals at risk of extinction
- Learn about organizations which aim to protect animal life
- Find out about strategies for preserving biodiversity
Extinctopedia provides a fascinating catalog of life on earth and encourages the reader to find ways of preserving the incredible diversity of species, so we may all thrive and life itself can endure on this amazing and beautiful planet.
Praise
An NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Book
—National Science Teachers Association
"This gorgeously illustrated book dives into many species that are extinct, were declared extinct but rediscovered, and are endangered. . . Biodiversity is thoroughly explained and beautifully depicted throughout, and while this book gets into the reasons why animals have gone extinct, it also offers ways that society can work to preserve endangered species . . . VERDICT An excellent purchase for elementary and middle school nonfiction collections in need of more animal conservation and preservation books to complement life sciences curriculum and student interest."
—School Library Journal
"An elegant . . . gallery of rarities. . . A wide-angled survey of threatened and recently extinct animals worldwide. . . Along with crafting arrays of expertly depicted, naturally posed wildlife portraits in monochrome and pale colors, Alcini tucks in several fanciful or trenchant vignettes . . . as an unusually broad cross-section of species that are going or gone, as well as a graphic demonstration of the beauty and diversity of what we lose when they die out, this will leave a marked impression on young audiences."
—Kirkus Reviews
". . . superbly illustrated informational picture book . . . The clarity and precisions of Alicini's illustrations are reminiscent of Brian Selznick's work . . . This informative and visually engaging guide serves as a reminder to take care of our planet and its population lest we "lose small yet significant forms of diversity and beauty."
—Shelf Awareness
A Reading Rockets Summer Reading Pick
—Reading Rockets
