Endangered Komodo Dragons

Children's Literature

A solemn-looking Komodo dragon stares intently from the cover of this book, peaking one's interest in learning more about this unique and rare creature. Readers will not be disappointed once they open the pages to find many more effective photographs. An attractive overall layout adds to the readability of the book, making it easy to follow the text. Several aspects of Komodo dragons are covered—such as habitat, food, and problems that these reptiles face. Extinction is their major problem, but other issues such as poaching, lack of food, and loss of habitat are contributing factors. But Komodo dragons do have a chance, as readers will learn, thanks to the efforts of park rangers and zoo staff who are working to protect and reproduce them. A glossary, an index, and a list of websites with Komodo dragon information are included. This title is part of the "Earth's Endangered Animal Species" series. 2005, Crabtree Publishing Company, and Ages 7 to 10.
—Cherie Ilg Haas

School Library Journal

Gr 3-5-These basic introductions offer well-designed and interesting overviews of three endangered animals. Each volume includes information about habitat, behavior, life cycle, communication, and other topics useful for reports. Threats to survival, particularly from habitat loss, and conservation efforts also receive attention. Photographs and diagrams provide additional detail, but there are no maps pinpointing where the animals live. Some overlap of illustrations and content exists with Kalman and Amanda Bishop's The Life Cycle of a Wolf (Crabtree, 2002), and Mary K. Dornhoffer and Robert F. Scherrer's Wolves (Compass Point, 2004) provides similar coverage. Deborah Dennard's Gorillas (NorthWord, 2003) goes into more depth for somewhat older readers while Seymour Simon's Gorillas (HarperCollins, 2000) uses a more narrative approach. Kalman provides helpful resources for those beginning their search for material for reports or to satisfy personal curiosity.-Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.