Another outstanding science book from a prolific author, this focusing on efforts to save the largest North American bird from extinction, and greatly enhanced by stunning color photos by the designer of the California condor release program, who's also bird curator at the L.A. Zoo. Wallace's knowledge and appreciation of these majestic, ugly relics of an earlier time are evident in his vivid, carefully selected photos. By 1986, habitat destruction, hunters, and poisons had reduced the condor population to 26. A joint effort by zoos and naturalists developed a rescue program that involved trapping the remaining birds and putting them in breeding ``condorminiums,'' where their eggs were removed to stimulate extra eggs, which were incubated; young birds were hand reared and prepared for release to the wild. By year-end 1992, the population had reached 64 and specialists were cautiously optimistic. An inspiring story of scientists in action. Index. (Nonfiction. 9-12)
Pub Date: March 1, 1993
ISBN: 0-15-257990-7
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 1993
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Perfect for eager readers of animal adventures.
The first in a new series by the pseudonymous authorial collaboration, this one focusing on pandas.
In the midst of a devastating flood, a giant panda reaches the security of a cave where she can safely birth her cubs. In an initially confusing timeline, the tale then takes up much later with Leaf, who is maturing among a group of pandas in a barren countryside. On the other side of an uncrossable river, Rain, another intrepid panda, is growing up in the Southern Forest, where more previously solitary pandas have gathered. When Sunset Deepwood, the prophesying Dragon Speaker, returns—seemingly from the dead—Rain is immediately suspicious of his behavior, especially concerning his secret meetings with antagonistic monkeys. The storyline switches between these two females and Ghost, a clumsy all-white male who has grown up with his presumed littermates under the tender care of their snow leopard mother, Winter. Although he knows he differs from the other cubs in significant ways, Ghost has no idea he’s actually a panda. After a large earthquake, Leaf comes under the care of Shadowhunter, a tiger who’s sworn to reunite triplet pandas who are destined together to become the next Dragon Speakers, setting up another entry in the series. The animals are well depicted, with clear personalities, and the challenges they face are daunting, nicely sustaining the suspense. Illustrations not seen.
Perfect for eager readers of animal adventures. (map) (Fantasy. 9-12)Pub Date: Sept. 28, 2021
ISBN: 978-0-06-302192-1
Page Count: 256
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: July 27, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2021
A charming story.
Getting through rough times is better with a friend.
Marvel McKenna has issues, specifically generalized anxiety disorder that is affecting her ability to complete sixth grade. That, combined with an embarrassing moment in front of the entire school, subsequent bullying from classmate Jamie, and a fear that she’s not bonding with her often absent Navy father, creates an oppressive environment that’s stifling Marvel. The sweet taste of hope arrives with Butter, a myotonic—or fainting—goat Marvel courageously saves from Jamie and a group of older students who are tormenting her. When Marvel learns about emotional support animals, she makes it her mission to officially turn Butter into one so she can keep her permanently and feel as brave at school as she does when she’s taking care of her new goat bestie. This story set in a suburb near San Francisco is engaging; tweens will love Marvel’s candid narration as she slowly transforms into a healthier version of herself. Readers who value realism may roll their eyes once or twice at the number of lucky breaks Marvel has with Butter, but those looking for a feel-good beach-read vibe will have few complaints. Main characters default to White.
A charming story. (Fiction. 9-12)Pub Date: July 20, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-338-66219-1
Page Count: 320
Publisher: Scholastic
Review Posted Online: May 18, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
© Copyright 2025 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
