Author Deborah Kerbel provides a timely and unique perspective on climate change and the human impact on animal species. Kerbel's fascinating historical accounts of each "endling" promote critical thinking across the curriculum about the future of our planet. Elementary students can use this nonfiction text to explore science as they investigate the interconnectedness of animals and threats to the ecosystems that they call home. In Social Studies, students in grades one and two can use the content of this text to identify ways that we shape the local environment and how local actions can have global consequences and vice versa. Students in grades three and four can use their creative thinking skills in ADST to plan and design safe-haven habitats for animals that are currently under threat of extinction and problem-solve to think of ways to prevent this from happening in the future.

Cautions / Content Warnings: Explores human-caused destruction and extinction of animals.
Other End Matter: The author provides a list of "How Kids Can Make a Change" to help prevent the extinction of animals in the future at the end of the book.
Images: Colour illustrations
Bibliography: No
Index: No

Source: Books BC - BC Books for Schools

DEBORAH KERBEL a écrit des livres pour les jeunes adultes, les préadolescents et les lecteurs débutants. Ses romans ont été présélectionnés pour les Prix littéraires du Gouverneur général, le prix du livre de l’année pour les jeunes adultes de l’Association canadienne des bibliothèques et le Manitoba Young Reader’s Choice Award. Elle vit à Toronto avec son mari, ses deux adolescents et Freddie, leur chien adopté.

 

DEBORAH KERBEL was born in London, England, and now lives in Thornhill, Ontario with her husband, son and daughter, and a rescue dog named Freddie. Deborah has written a number of picture books, and is the author of four young adult and two middle-grade novels, including My Deal with the Universe. Her books have been shortlisted for the Governor General’s Literary Award, the Canadian Library Association’s YA Book Award, and many readers’ choice awards. Visit her online at www.deborahkerbel.com.

Deborah Kerbel's profile page

Aimée van Drimmelen is an artist, designer and musician based on the traditional territories of the Lək̓ʷəŋən-speaking Peoples (Victoria, British Columbia). Her illustrations have been featured in a variety of publications, including The Walrus, Reader’s Digest and POETRY Magazine, and she was the artist in residence at the Royal BC Museum for two years. Drawing inspiration from the natural world and ecosystems, Aimée collects plant materials from around her region to make inks.

 

Aimée van Drimmelen's profile page

• Commended, Bank Street College of Education Children's Book Committee Best Children's Books of the Year
• Long-listed, The Nature Generation Green Earth Book Award
• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens

“Invites young readers to intimately access the stories of eight animals whose species no longer exist…Executes beautifully painted natural ink artwork for all of the animals, rendering them extremely lifelike.”

Children's Literature

“Will inspire children to learn and develop a deep love for the fauna around them.”

Canadian Children's Book News

“Lovely...A short, beautifully illustrated text with high-level vocabulary; a solid addition to libraries needing more books discussing extinction and its cost.”

School Library Journal

“A thoughtful picture book that should give us all pause as we ponder the interconnectedness of life on Earth.”

Quill & Quire

“This collection of endlings may inspire curious readers to further consider the threats of habitat loss, hunting, poisoning and invasive species competition that can lead to species extinction. Recommended.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

★“This beautiful dedication to these special animals brings the reality and the irreversible finality of extinction to the forefront and calls on readers to act now, before so many other animals become endlings. Highly recommended for all collections.”

Booklist, starred review