50 Reasons to Love Animals

Starred review from March 15, 2020
In her latest animal survey, Barr focuses on select wild residents of six habitats threatened by climate change or other human misuse. The tally begins and ends with elephants but encompasses creatures including puffins, penguins, blue whales, and Bengal tigers. The number included exceeds the 50 singled out for empathy-building observations such as "Giraffes give birth standing up, so their babies start life with a bump as they fall to the ground!" or "Octopuses...solve problems, use tools and, if bored, they play!" Introductory paragraphs on, mostly, the perilous state of each habitat ("Around the world oceans are polluted--awash with plastic") supplement the titular 50 reasons, and the author tucks in frequent suggestions for low-effort ways young activists can show concern. As in 10 Reasons To Love a Bear (2018) and its predecessors, the smiling, googly-eyed animals in Clulow's comfortably spacious natural scenes require some getting used to, and some scenes are overlabeled (do readers really need captions for "ice" or "lake"?). Still, the creatures and settings are easily recognizable, and the message is delivered clearly but without the scary urgency of the author's Red Alert! Endangered Animals Around the World, illustrated by Anne Wilson (2018). An eye-opener, though the readiest audience probably already loves them. (Informational picture book. 6-8)

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May 1, 2020

PreS-Gr 2-This nonfiction picture book showcases several ecosystems (dry savannas, coral reefs, icy tundras, and tropical rainforests) and explores environmental issues. Each spread provides a brief description of a biome and a few short facts about its inhabitants. Animals, plants, and interesting features are identified in the colorful artwork. Endangered species are highlighted. Activities that offer additional information about these endangered creatures and their environment are provided. Barr does a great job of writing for a young audience and effectively incorporates accurate terminology and unfamiliar vocabulary. Children will be drawn to Clulow's beautiful and enticing digital illustrations, reminiscent of Steve Jenkins's style. While too wordy to be used as a read-aloud with a young audience, the book would likely do well as a read-aloud for older children or shared one-on-one with younger children. VERDICT This would be an excellent book to share with a small group or to hand to any child who loves animals.-Kristin Williamson, Metropolitan Library System, OK

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