Ehrlich and Haley team up again in this informative exploration of extinct and endangered animals. In clear and descriptive language, Ehrlich explains why the animals are gone or almost gone. He peppers the text with poems, too, but they’re a distraction. Many of them are just plain uninspired, including the titular verse: “Oh you can’t see a dodo at the zoo. / You can look until your face is turning blue. / Even if it makes you mad, / Or very, very sad, / You still can’t see a dodo at the zoo.” Haley’s playful illustrations, which appear to be rendered in pen and ink, have a childlike appeal. Though flawed, this is a good introduction to the subject and will likely whet reader’s appetites. (glossary) (Picture book/nonfiction. 5-10)
