Heath Hen (Endlings: The Last Species)

Gr 2-4 This series examines eight animals that have gone extinct... or have they? The books take a unique perspective on extinction by telling the stories of the last animal in each species, otherwise known as the "endling," and their loving caretakers. For example, readers meet the Pinta Island Tortoise named Lonesome George and his caretaker, Fausto Llerena. Each book explains the reason for the species extinction, the care given to the endling, and scientist's attempts to repopulate the species through cloning and in vitro fertilization. Readers will have compassion for these animals that unjustly went extinct and for their life stories. The book covers and page backgrounds are sepia toned with overlaid color photographs. The text is limited to one paragraph per page but delivers a large amount of useful information over each of the book's 24 pages. While more dynamically designed book covers would have increased shelf appeal, a good book talk will easily win over readers. Each title includes a table of contents, glossary, additional resources, index, about the author, and a list of three similar animals under threat of extinction. VERDICT While not as visually appealing as other books on the shelf, these titles will adequately fill the need for hard to find books on extinct animals. 

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