Hug Time. Written and illustrated by Patrick McDonnell. Little, Brown, 2007. 48 pages. A cat named Jules, who like most companion animals is so full of love that he wants to hug everyone, travels the world hugging and reassuring each and every endangered species in this wonderful storybook about the gift of love. Fiction picture book. Interest level: Gr. PreS-2.

Interrupted Journey: Saving Endangered Sea Turtles. Written by Kathryn Lasky and photographed by Christopher G. Knight. Candlewick Press, 2001. 48 pages. A ten-year-old boy on patrol for endangered sea turtles with his mother finds a stranded and nearly frozen juvenile Kemp Ridley. The boy and his mother, trained volunteers, know exactly what to do and after veterinary care and rehabilitation, the turtle is ready for release five months later. The risky life cycle of Kemp Ridley turtles is chronicled in detail including an explanation of how they sometimes end up in the wrong place. ASPCA Henry Bergh Children's Book, Nonfiction: Environment and Ecology Award. Nonfiction photo essay. Interest level Gr. 3-6.

PI-Shu the Little Panda. Written and illustrated by John Butler. Peachtree Publishers, 2001. 32 pages. The simple yet compelling narrative and exquisite illustrations will appeal to children while imparting necessary information about habitat destruction which endangers many animals. Children will empathize with the pandas whose forest home is cut down and burned forcing them to move. Fiction picture book. Interest level Gr. PreS-2.

She's Wearing a Dead Bird on Her Head! Written by Kathryn Lasky. Illustrated by David Catrow. Hyperion Books for Children, 1995. 40 pages. A fictionalized account of the late nineteenth-century bird protection advocates Harriet Hemenway and Minna Hall, who founded the Massachusetts Audubon Society. Historical fiction picture book. Interest level Gr. K-3.

Tigress. Written by Nick Dowson. Illustrated by Jane Chapman. Candlewick Press, 2004. 32 pages. A mother tiger cares for her young in this fascinating and beautifully illustrated book which ends as the cubs are ready to go out on their own. Additional tiger facts supplement the narrative on each two-page spread. To learn more about the plight of tigers visit World Wildlife Fund. Fiction picture book. Interest level: Gr. K-3.

Tracks of a Panda. Written by Nick Dowson. Illustrated by Yu Rong. Candlewick Press, 2007. 32 pages. Chronicles the birth and growth of a Panda, as his mother nurtures him while struggling to survive through ever increasing loss of habitat. Additional Panda facts supplement the narrative on each two-page spread. This well written book also features an index. To learn more about one of the most endangered animals, visit World Wildlife Fund. Fiction picture book. Interest level: Gr. K-3.

Turtle Girl. Written by Carole Crowe. Illustrated by Jim Postier. Boyds Mills Press, 2008. 30 pages. As her late grandmother taught her, Magdalena protects the tiny sea turtle hatchlings that nest near her home and is comforted by doing so. Magdalena’s good work in helping an endangered species will inspire many readers. Fiction picture book. Interest level: Gr. 2-4.

White Owl, Barn Owl. Written by Nicola Davies. Illustrated by Michael Foreman. Candlewick Press, 2007. 29 pages. Although not listed on the U.S. endangered species list, many states have classified the common barn owl as threatened or endangered because their numbers are declining due to loss of habitat. This well researched story tells readers how they can help. Fiction picture book. Interest level: Gr. K-3.

Lessons& Links About Endangered Wildlife:

Why Are They Endangered? lesson for Grades 3 - 5 from the UFT Humane Education Committee, the (ASPCA) and (HEART).

Kid's Planet by Defenders of Wildlife.
Rainforest Action Network's page for kids and teachers - Rainforest Heroes.

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