• Age: 8 to 12
• Grade: 3 to 7

How to Save a Species brings readers as close as they may ever get to some of the most endangered animals and plants on earth. Highlighting the efforts of scientists, communities and campaign groups, it includes astonishing success stories of species that have been saved from the edge of extinction, as well as urgent cases needing instant action.
With a logbook-style layout and full-color photographs throughout, the book profiles 17 of the world's 100 most endangered species, as identified by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) – a list reflecting research from thousands of experts from around the world, including co-author Dr. Jonathan Baillie. (The full list is provided at the back of the book.)
Readers will delve into the world of animals and plants both rare and interesting, such as the humpback whale, spoon-billed sandpiper, wild yam, and pygmy three-toed sloth. They will come away with a newfound understanding of the cooperative work and action plans needed from both scientists and citizens to protect animals from extinction.

ELLEN BUTCHER works for the Zoological Society of London. She worked on a team that published a new list of the species closest to extinction called Priceless or Worthless.

Ellen Butcher's profile page

DR. JONATHAN BAILLIE is Conservation Programmes Director at the Zoological Society of London, where he is responsible for conservation projects focusing on threatened species in more than 30 countries. In January of 2006 he founded the EDGE of Existence program, which focuses on Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) species. Dr. Baillie has also contributed to some of the most influential documents on the status of the world's species, including the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and the WWF Living Planet Report. He lives in London, England.

Jonathan Baillie's profile page

MARILYN BAILLIE has enjoyed a varied career as an award-winning children's writer, a nursery school teacher, a lecturer at the Royal Ontario Museum, and a children's magazine and book editor. She is the author of numerous beloved children's books including Nose to Toes, Small Wonders: Baby Animals in the Wild, Amazing Things Animals Do, Animals at the EDGE: Saving the World's Rarest Creatures, and Whoosh! A Watery World of Wonderful Creatures. She is a former editor of chickaDEE magazine and lives in Toronto, Canada.

Marilyn Baillie's profile page

• Short-listed, A Canadian Children's Book Centre Best Book for Kids and Teens (starred selection)
• Short-listed, Ontario Library Association Silver Birch Express (Non-Fiction) Award

"...an engaging look at endangered species and what is being done, or needs to be done, to save them... Children will be fascinated, and hopefully alarmed, at the sometimes low numbers of each species remaining in the wild."

Booklist

"A thorough exploration of several endangered animals, which may well encourage readers to take an active interest in protecting wildlife."

Publishers Weekly

"Teachers seeking a useful resource for elementary students in their classes (as well as something that can increase their own expertise in this area) will be pleased to have this in their collection."

Canadian Teacher Magazine

"This book for middle school children makes for an informative and engaging read that could complement any science lesson on the topic of endangered species."

Green Teacher Magazine

"This slim volume provides an up-to-date overview of several animals and plants that are endangered."

Library Media Connection

"Striking photographs and clear explanatory text... An appealing and effective way to convey an important message."

Kirkus Reviews

"This book introduces readers to 17 different species and discusses what the threats are, and what actions have been taken."

Ithaca Child

"What makes this an excellent book is how the writers convey a positive message about a serious worldwide issue... highly recommended for both school and public libraries."

Resource Links

"Serves as a great introduction to conservation biology, and will hook readers with its fascinating images."

Quill & Quire