Vanishing Animals of Wide Open Spaces

Christy Conte is a Toronto-based freelance writer.

The problem with much of the literature in this genre is that
entertainment value is all too often sacrificed for the sake of “the
message.” Lydia Bailey has successfully avoided relentless didacticism
in producing a series that kids will find both informative and
entertaining. (The other volumes are Vanishing Animals of the Water and
Vanishing Animals of the Jungle and Forest.)

Of the 11 endangered species showcased in this volume, some are
familiar (e.g., elephant, lion, cheetah), others less so (Komodo dragon,
puna rhea). In each case, Bailey manages to cite several peculiarities
of the species that are sure to fascinate young readers. Illustrator
Olena Kassian has chosen to depict most of the animals in family groups
and traditional settings.

Bailey’s last example is that of the quagga, a wild horse now
extinct. She closes with that common refrain about “working together
and caring enough” as prerequisites for rescuing endangered species.
To further extend the book’s usefulness, she might have given her
young audience more serviceable advice along the lines of, say,
establishing a school environmental club or joining one of the many
international organizations active in this area. Recommended.