According to a 2019 United Nations report on endangered species, dozens of plant and animal species are going extinct every day. And while there is a natural extinction rate for some species, most of them can be traced back to human beings and how we treat the planet and the living beings that we share it with. All this to say that it is incredibly important for young readers to understand how they can help protect endangered and threatened species from extinction. These ten books, which spotlight animals under threat, just might help inspire them to do so.
100 Endangered Species by Rachel Hudson
Perhaps you’ve heard of the orangutan, but have you ever heard of a Moscardón or a purple-faced langur? Each page of this wildly comprehensive book features an animal on the IUCN Red List, ranging from low risk to critically endangered. In addition to information about their habitats, locations, and threats, each animal is accompanied by a colorful and charming illustration to bring them to life. Hutton does a fantastic job of condensing information about each animal in two or three paragraphs, giving young bookworms just enough to engage but not overwhelm. Readers can learn about animals they know, ones they may not have known of before, and what they can do to help these unique creatures thrive.
Odder: An Otter’s Story by Katherine Applegate, Illustrated by Charles Santoso
This picture book adaptation of Applegate’s charming middle grade novel introduces younger readers to the loveable Odder, a Pacific sea otter who spends her days frolicking with her mother in the ocean. After being separated from her mom as a pup, Odder is cared for by humans at an aquarium, who care for her until she is ready to be released into the wild. However, Odder is only back in the ocean for a short time before she is badly injured in a shark attack, and her human rescuers come to her aid once more. Now facing a lifetime in captivity due to her injuries, Odder finds an unexpected talent that repays her human friends and helps other rescued otters to thrive.
The Secret Life of a Sea Turtle by Maddalena Bearzi, Illustrated by Alex Boersma
Sea turtles are among the most vulnerable, endangered, and threatened species, in no small part because their existence is tenuous from the moment they hatch. Following one sea turtle from egg to adulthood, readers get an intimate lesson in the many threats — both wild and manmade — that sea turtles face, from their perilous trip from the nest to the sea, run-ins with predators and fishing nets, and the miraculous journey that mother turtles must make to lay eggs of their own. Gorgeously detailed illustrations and refreshingly honest text capture not only the peril of turtlehood but the natural beauty of these creatures as well, leaving young readers in awe (and, hopefully, motivated to protect these turtles’ existence).
The Crane and the Keeper by Meeg Pincus, Illustrated by Gillian Eilidh O’Mara
After imprinting on a human as a chick, white-naped crane Walnut grew up with the mistaken impression that she, too, was a person. Rejected by several zoos due to her inability to be kept with other birds, she arrived at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo Conservation Biology Institute, where the staff hoped they could persuade the endangered bird to breed. But how do you get a bird who can’t stand other birds to choose a mate? Enter crane keeper Chris Crowe, who spent years earning Walnut’s trust and helping her raise seven chicks over her lifespan. Not only a sweet tale of an unexpected bond between human and animal, but also an important lesson on humanity’s responsibility to care for the animals we have placed in danger of extinction.
The Great Pollinator Count by Susan Edwards Richmond, Illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman
Mellie is excited to participate in her Science Club’s Great Pollinator Count. She’s hoping to be paired with her best friend, Sylvie, but Ms. Bombus ends up pairing her with Jason, a new student who would rather be doing anything other than spending the afternoon counting stinging insects. However, Mellie’s enthusiasm for the Count thaws the ice between her and Jason, and they end the day with a successful count… and perhaps a new friend. We may not think of bumblebees and butterflies as endangered, but the sad fact is that many species of both are. Fortunately, this charming story lovingly mixes a classic tale of friendship with a fascinating look at pollinator ecosystems, which may inspire kids to start a pollinator count of their own.
Hello Hello by Brendan Wenzel
Using a tremendously clever visual device in which each animal shares something in common with the one on either side of it, readers are taken through a wild tour of the animal kingdom. It could be something small — a similarly-shaped yet distinctive nose, a shared pattern, or a familiar physical frame — but with each of these little details, we can see how a giant whale shark can be connected to a tiny chameleon, and everything in between. Finally, it’s revealed that human beings are part of this chain, too, and we should do our best to protect the wonderful diversity of life we are connected to. A fantastic glossary is also included in the back to learn about each animal species, the majority of which are endangered or threatened.
Last: The Story of a White Rhino by Nicola Davies
Fair warning: this one is a rough but important read. Based on the true story of the last-known male Northern white rhinoceros, Sudan, the reader meets a rhino who spends his day in a cold, gray city with nothing to do but pace his enclosure. He misses the warmth and joy of a childhood spent with his mother… before the day she “collapsed” (her death by poachers is handled with subtlety, yet unmistakable to older readers). Alone, the rhino wonders if he is the “last.” While the book has a somewhat happy outcome for the rhino — he is relocated to live the rest of his days in Africa with others of his kind — zoologist Davies is frank about the white rhinos’ fate in the endnotes; after Sudan’s passing in 2018, only two white female rhinos remain on Earth to this day.
Pangolina by Jane Goodall, Illustrated by Daishu Ma
In this picture book by world-renowned naturalist Jane Goodall, we meet Pangolina, a curious little pangolin who is venturing into adulthood after a loving and nurturing childhood with her mother. Older and wiser animal friends attempt to help, yet one day Pangolina faces a threat that she cannot anticipate: human beings who force her into a trap and bring her to market, offering her for sale as wild game. Fortunately, a kind little girl named Ai comes to her rescue, and Pangolina is released back into the wild. Goodall’s heartwarming text and Ma’s emotional illustrations combine to create a story that deftly explores the complexities of animal trafficking while conveying the overall message that animals have rights and feelings, too.
Don’t Let Them Disappear: 12 Endangered Species Across the Globe by Chelsea Clinton, Illustrated by Gianna Marino
A great primer for easing little readers into the subject of species conservation, this title looks at twelve of the best-known endangered species from around the world, including blue whales, giant pandas, and mountain gorillas. Combining fun facts about the animals’ daily lives and life cycle with more serious information on the threats to their species and endangered status, Clinton wraps up this intro to species protection by offering a wealth of resources and age-appropriate conservation efforts that nature lovers of any age can participate in. For those looking to introduce kids to the concept of species endangerment, this book is a great option, as it balances warmth and sentiment with an important call to action.
A Wild Child’s Guide to Endangered Animals by Millie Marotta
For the young wildlife enthusiast, however, this title is a must-read. A hefty compendium features 43 familiar and lesser-known endangered species from all over the globe, each accompanied by stunningly detailed artwork and a compelling look at what makes them utterly unique. From the incredible ability of the humphead wrasse to change genders, to the courtship dance of the tiger tail seahorse, to the phenomenal proboscis of the giant anteater, to the “most beautiful bird in the world,” the agami heron, little nature lovers will love this field guide to the wonderful world of animal diversity, and give them all the more reasons to advocate for their protection and conservation.
We hope you and your young readers enjoy these books on endangered animals and that they inspire you to learn more about species conservation, especially how you can do your part to protect these incredible animals from extinction. Happy reading!
Want more kids’ reads about conservation? Check out our article on Books That Will Inspire Kids to Protect Our Remarkable Earth.
For all of our recommendations for mini bookworms, check out our Bookshop bookshelf.
