You Can't See a Dodo at the Zoo

Publishers Weekly

And speaking of zoos... in the fifth book of the series, Fred Ehrlich explains why You Can't See a Dodo at the Zoo, illus. by Amanda Haley. In addition to the Dodo (covered in the "Extinct Birds" chapter), Ehrlich covers dinosaurs, plus extinct mammals such as woolly mammoths, before discussing endangered animals, for whom there is still time to help (manatees, whooping cranes, etc.). Haley's pen-and-ink and watercolor wash illustrations add just the right note of humor without detracting from the seriousness of the book's message. Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Children's Literature - Dianne Ochiltree

Dinosaurs are the creatures thought of first when the topic of extinction comes to mind. But young readers may not know that many other animals have become extinct in the course of history. For example, how about the dodo bird of this charming book's title, which has only been extinct for about three hundred years? The author shows us, with funny poems and lively explanatory text, that every category of living thing has experienced extinction from Tyrannosaurus rex to the saber-toothed tiger to the bandicoot to the quagga to the rat kangaroo…and much, much more. Amanda Haley's drawings are cheerfully whimsical and fluid. Her renderings imaginatively depict all those colorful used-to-be characters of the wild with kid-centric humor. The author tackles the subject of endangered animals, too, with fascinating facts and funny poems. Included is a complete glossary of scientific terms at the end of the book. A great choice for home, library or classroom shelves. A rare combination of facts presented in a fanciful and accessible way… let's hope this book never becomes extinct! Reviewer: Dianne Ochiltree

Children's Literature

"Oh, you can't see a dodo at the zoo. You can look until your face is turning blue." From the poetic beginning to the author's serious conclusion, this book will have kids turning pages to learn about extinct and endangered animals. Written to entertain and to inform, the book is a delight to read. Most kids will know more about dinosaurs, mammoths, and saber-toothed tigers than is presented here, but they might not know about dodos, moas, bandicoots or quaggas. Explanations about what extinct and endangered mean, and why some animals have disappeared or are threatened, are easy to understand. Hopefully kids and adults alike will read the author's one-page conclusion and become aware that every change we make affects other living creatures and that we can make responsible decisions about how we can take care of ourselves while doing the least harm to other living things. Playful illustrations and lots of lighthearted rhymes, more often silly than not, will keep kids reading from beginning to end. A wonderful across-the-curriculum combination of zoology and poetry. 2005, Blue Apple Books, Ages 5 to 10.
—Anita Barnes Lowen

School Library Journal

Gr 2-4-This book includes chapters on dinosaurs, birds, and mammals that are extinct, followed by a section explaining why other species like whooping cranes, Tasmanian devils, and piping plovers are endangered. The scientific information is clear and interesting. For example, a discussion of why dinosaurs became extinct includes four different theories in a straightforward manner. The bright cartoons add interest and appeal to the text. The author also includes short verses that are forced and ineffective. For example, "Dodos lived near Madagascar./Your mom may not know where that is,/so you'd better not ask her!" A manatee is described in the following way: "The manatee has a squishy snout/And big, fat flippers to paddle about./Though it isn't pretty to you or me,/It is to another manatee." Unfortunately, these lame attempts at humor trivialize the important topic.-Rebecca Sheridan, Easttown Library & Information Center, Berwyn, PA Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

Ehrlich and Haley team up again in this informative exploration of extinct and endangered animals. In clear and descriptive language, Ehrlich explains why the animals are gone or almost gone. He peppers the text with poems, too, but they're a distraction. Many of them are just plain uninspired, including the titular verse: "Oh you can't see a dodo at the zoo. / You can look until your face is turning blue. / Even if it makes you mad, / Or very, very sad, / You still can't see a dodo at the zoo." Haley's playful illustrations, which appear to be rendered in pen and ink, have a childlike appeal. Though flawed, this is a good introduction to the subject and will likely whet reader's appetites. (glossary) (Picture book/nonfiction. 5-10)