A spectacular, visually stunning celebration of wildlife—and gentle counting book—that can be enjoyed by the entire family.Exquisite charcoal drawings of ten endangered creatures—lions, elephants, giraffes, pandas, tigers, chimpanzees, penguins, turtles, macaws, and zebras—startle the viewer with their size and astonishing detail. A poetic text notes each creature’s particular qualities and behavior, while providing a quiet counting exercise and a reminder that these animals must be cherished and protected.
Katie Cotton studied English at Oxford University and worked in education before becoming a writer and editor of children's picture books. She lives in London.
Stephen Walton is a self-taught, award-winning artist who works at Bury Art Museum in Manchester, U.K. He lives in England.
Arresting charcoal portraits of endangered animals, drawn in near-photographic detail, command attention in this counting book...Endnotes offering information about the animals and their endangered statuses conclude this powerful tribute to vulnerable creatures.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Walton’s photo-realistic charcoal portraits are exquisitely rendered, and the decision to depict several from a head-on perspective ensures that readers will make direct eye contact and empathize with these creatures...this handsome offering makes an excellent introduction to this topic.
—Booklist
A large part of its allure relies on its large size and the conscientious design of the pages...It's beautifully executed.
—Kirkus Reviews
A stunning portrait of beautiful creatures in a book with a strong environmental message.
—School Library Journal
A profound and transfixing look at the endangered animal residents of our world.
—USA Today
