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Gone Wild: An Endangered Animal Alphabet
Feast your eyes on these amazing creatures before they disappear. This stampede of wild animals, from Chinese Alligator to Grevy's Zebra, are so rare, they're all endangered. David McLiman's bold and playful illustrations transform each letter into a work of art, graphically rendered with animal characteristics. Scales, horns, even insect wings transform the alphabet into animated life. Once you take this eye-opening safari, you'll never look at letters or animals with the same way again. A striking work of art and a zoological adventure, Gone Wild is sure to be loved by children and adults alike.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published September 5, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 218 reviews
August 10, 2019
I had to get this book ILL as our library no longer carries it. I don’t like the library not carrying the Caldecott books, but I understand somewhat why many people don’t read this one. It’s not an exciting book. This is an alphabet book about all the animals going extinct. It’s important to think about, but it’s also a downer and not fun to read before bed. Plus, David does a black and white drawing of the letter looking somewhat like the animal and there isn’t a good picture of what the real endangered animal looks like. Some of these things I don’t know and I would like to know what they really look like.
I do think we need to protect these animals. We all depend on each other and when we lose a species, our safety is threatened as well. There are over 1.5 million species known, which is a lot. It’s obviously important to have that many different animals around. There is a reason for diversity. Many of these endangered animals are in other countries where, it’s not easy to do a lot for them.
I think this book could have been done much better. I get the Alphabet, but use the letter as a starting page and then show the animal. I didn’t think the artwork was stunning or anything and it makes me think this Caldecott was not given for artwork, but for what the book is doing. The only problem is, it’s not much fun for kids.
The kids were frustrated that they couldn’t really see the pictures of the animals. It was just a letter and a little text where they live and what is threatening them. The nephew didn’t like this. It’s boring he said and gave it 1 star. My niece likes fact books, but she didn’t think this was a good one either. She gave this 2 stars. She did find some of it interesting.
In my opinion, this was a missed opportunity.
I do think we need to protect these animals. We all depend on each other and when we lose a species, our safety is threatened as well. There are over 1.5 million species known, which is a lot. It’s obviously important to have that many different animals around. There is a reason for diversity. Many of these endangered animals are in other countries where, it’s not easy to do a lot for them.
I think this book could have been done much better. I get the Alphabet, but use the letter as a starting page and then show the animal. I didn’t think the artwork was stunning or anything and it makes me think this Caldecott was not given for artwork, but for what the book is doing. The only problem is, it’s not much fun for kids.
The kids were frustrated that they couldn’t really see the pictures of the animals. It was just a letter and a little text where they live and what is threatening them. The nephew didn’t like this. It’s boring he said and gave it 1 star. My niece likes fact books, but she didn’t think this was a good one either. She gave this 2 stars. She did find some of it interesting.
In my opinion, this was a missed opportunity.
August 18, 2019
A picture book which could be seen as a kiddie companion to Elizabeth Kohlbert's The Sixth Extinction or as an homage to Edmund Gorey's morbid alphabet books, such as The Gashlycrumb Tinies (with each letter representing an amusingly gruesome death). But it's not quite right for kiddies, though, as the black and white to-be-extinct animals, one per letter, cannot be appreciated as such except possibly by adults. As an adult, I liked the connections to Gorey and the Anthropcene. What brings my rating up from 2 to 3 stars is the macabre dimension of a book meant to amuse and entertain in the midst of such real tragedy. I know that may not be amusing to all readers, and maybe tomorrow I might feel differently about it.
Here you can see a couple of the letters:
https://www.the-best-childrens-books....
Gorey's (to me) related version of the alphabet:
https://www.awesomeinventions.com/the...
Here you can see a couple of the letters:
https://www.the-best-childrens-books....
Gorey's (to me) related version of the alphabet:
https://www.awesomeinventions.com/the...
June 23, 2015
This is an alphabet book using endangered species as the learning device. While there is much to appreciate and admire in the books construction and artwork, there are also some shortcomings and areas that could be improved upon to make it more child friendly. The end product feels more geared toward adults than to the young children first learning their ABC's. Not surprisingly, this is the authors' first "children's book" as it seems far too sophisticated for children. This clearly is a book meant to appeal more to adults.
As it is, the black & red illustrations are quite splendidly done, but the overall layout feels clinical. That is, the creatures from whom the letters are drawn lack any sense of reality, they simply do not come to life. The pictures of the animals are themselves only monochromatic drawings. It would have given more life to the animals to have had actual photo images of them. There is, in the back of the book, a greater description of each creature, but these could have been better placed on the letter pages themselves, rather than relegating them to a glossary. Further, the names of the creatures are all too small and misplaced, making them difficult to acknowledge.
In short, while the look of this book is quite well done, it fails as a true learning resource for children because it misses the mark of this audience, being attractive to more mature tastes. A simpler book, with actual pictures of the animals would fit the bill much more adequately.
As it is, the black & red illustrations are quite splendidly done, but the overall layout feels clinical. That is, the creatures from whom the letters are drawn lack any sense of reality, they simply do not come to life. The pictures of the animals are themselves only monochromatic drawings. It would have given more life to the animals to have had actual photo images of them. There is, in the back of the book, a greater description of each creature, but these could have been better placed on the letter pages themselves, rather than relegating them to a glossary. Further, the names of the creatures are all too small and misplaced, making them difficult to acknowledge.
In short, while the look of this book is quite well done, it fails as a true learning resource for children because it misses the mark of this audience, being attractive to more mature tastes. A simpler book, with actual pictures of the animals would fit the bill much more adequately.
February 3, 2011
This alphabet book was awarded a Caldecott honor in 2007. It includes the black and white illustrations of endangered animals in the shape of the alphabet letter that the animal's name begins with. The author, David McLimans, uses black and white illustrations to highlight the letter forms within the animal representations. Each page includes an information box that lists 5 descriptive topics about the animal: scientific class, habitat, geographic range, threats, and current species endangered status. The list is similar to how an encyclopedia would organize the information or how a child would be asked to include it in a written report. The appendix includes a few sentences further describing the animals.
I would use this book with primary or intermediate students to discuss endangered animals, but it could also help when learning about pollution, overpopulation, loss of habitats, etc. It could be interesting to study how different activities affect different types of animals. For example, pollution affects fish or insects, but farming and loss of habitat affect larger animals. I was surpised to find that there is a species of rabbit included on the endangered list.
Caldecott honor in 2007
I would use this book with primary or intermediate students to discuss endangered animals, but it could also help when learning about pollution, overpopulation, loss of habitats, etc. It could be interesting to study how different activities affect different types of animals. For example, pollution affects fish or insects, but farming and loss of habitat affect larger animals. I was surpised to find that there is a species of rabbit included on the endangered list.
Caldecott honor in 2007
August 10, 2016
I quite liked the designs of the letters, but I'm not sure who the intended audience is for this book. It's not suitable for teaching a small child the alphabet, because the letters are confusingly distorted and embellished, and the rest of the text about the animals is pretty advanced. Maybe more for older kids who are interested in animals and, uh... calligraphy?
At the end there is a paragraph with information about each animal. I appreciated this, but wished they had been accompanied by photographs instead of simplified silhouette figures.
At the end there is a paragraph with information about each animal. I appreciated this, but wished they had been accompanied by photographs instead of simplified silhouette figures.
August 31, 2022
Probably every one of these animals is in worse shape now than when the book was written. That makes me sad. We are failing in our efforts to maintain a stable and sustainable planet.
October 15, 2011
Genre: Children’s Book, Alphabet, Informational, Science
Summary:
Endangered animals are highlighted using each letter of the alphabet as it occurs in their name. Each letter is draw with an incorporation of the animal itself and a small box on each page provides relevant scientific information. A glossary at the end supplies additional information and a host of resources to further explore the animals individually and the issue of saving endangered species.
The illustrations are done in a highly contrasted black and white with red accenting important information. The use of white space is equally as important as it provides additional detail and dimension to the illustrations. The end papers show images of the animals in red that then repeat on each page.
Positives/Negatives:
The repetition of the type of information on each page creates a pattern of expectation in the reader and begins to develop a schema for classifying each animal by its class, habitat, range, threats, and current status. In formalizing the presentation of the information it is predictable and educational without intruding on the vivid illustrations of each letter.
The red graphic of each animal reinforces the use of some aspect of the graphic in the letter allowing the reader to connect the larger complete image with the partial one. While the connection may not be immediately obvious with some investigation the parallels can clearly be drawn, providing reinforcement of the concept and the animals designation using each letter.
Examples:
The T for Andean Tapir page has a graphic letter that is a less obvious representation of the animal however, when seen in the context of the additional red illustration the inspiration for the design is clear. Even the small attention to the bottom of the letter to make feet like that of the Tapir may not be consciously processed by a child, but still strengthen the symbolism of the letter.
The K for Keys Short-Winged Conehead Katydid is another whimsical graphic. While it highlights one specific attribute of the insect’s anatomy, it’s leg; the connection is apparent and memorable. While a child will probably not remember the entire name, they will remember the graphic and that katydid begins with a K rather than a C.
Curriculum Connections:
The scientific nature and presentation of this book easily lend themselves to science units on: individual species, a collection of a subgroup of animals with the text, habitat, endangered animals, range and geography, and the class designation system.
Grouping the animals by similar characteristics also provides practice creating and sorting items into categories and then researching further similar traits, habitats, etc. Looking for food chains, ecosystems, and other larger groupings also allows the children to make connections between the animals in addition to their endangered status.
As an art exercise combining the image of an animal and that of the first letter in the name can be done with a variety of animals that fall under different categories, for example: animals that are living in the rainforest, animals that make up one food chain, and animals within the same class.
In looking more specifically at the issue of endangered animals, the children can develop a plan for a way to educate others and what they can do to support the efforts to save these animals. The children can go on an “educate” campaign within their school, write letters to organizations, raise money for donations, or create a play about endangered animals.
Summary:
Endangered animals are highlighted using each letter of the alphabet as it occurs in their name. Each letter is draw with an incorporation of the animal itself and a small box on each page provides relevant scientific information. A glossary at the end supplies additional information and a host of resources to further explore the animals individually and the issue of saving endangered species.
The illustrations are done in a highly contrasted black and white with red accenting important information. The use of white space is equally as important as it provides additional detail and dimension to the illustrations. The end papers show images of the animals in red that then repeat on each page.
Positives/Negatives:
The repetition of the type of information on each page creates a pattern of expectation in the reader and begins to develop a schema for classifying each animal by its class, habitat, range, threats, and current status. In formalizing the presentation of the information it is predictable and educational without intruding on the vivid illustrations of each letter.
The red graphic of each animal reinforces the use of some aspect of the graphic in the letter allowing the reader to connect the larger complete image with the partial one. While the connection may not be immediately obvious with some investigation the parallels can clearly be drawn, providing reinforcement of the concept and the animals designation using each letter.
Examples:
The T for Andean Tapir page has a graphic letter that is a less obvious representation of the animal however, when seen in the context of the additional red illustration the inspiration for the design is clear. Even the small attention to the bottom of the letter to make feet like that of the Tapir may not be consciously processed by a child, but still strengthen the symbolism of the letter.
The K for Keys Short-Winged Conehead Katydid is another whimsical graphic. While it highlights one specific attribute of the insect’s anatomy, it’s leg; the connection is apparent and memorable. While a child will probably not remember the entire name, they will remember the graphic and that katydid begins with a K rather than a C.
Curriculum Connections:
The scientific nature and presentation of this book easily lend themselves to science units on: individual species, a collection of a subgroup of animals with the text, habitat, endangered animals, range and geography, and the class designation system.
Grouping the animals by similar characteristics also provides practice creating and sorting items into categories and then researching further similar traits, habitats, etc. Looking for food chains, ecosystems, and other larger groupings also allows the children to make connections between the animals in addition to their endangered status.
As an art exercise combining the image of an animal and that of the first letter in the name can be done with a variety of animals that fall under different categories, for example: animals that are living in the rainforest, animals that make up one food chain, and animals within the same class.
In looking more specifically at the issue of endangered animals, the children can develop a plan for a way to educate others and what they can do to support the efforts to save these animals. The children can go on an “educate” campaign within their school, write letters to organizations, raise money for donations, or create a play about endangered animals.
November 7, 2010
This is an engaging alphabet book featuring endangered animals. The introduction of the book is a must-read! It defines how each animal is rated based on the threat level facing each species: critically endangered, endangered and vulnerable. This vocabulary is useful to readers of any age as they explore endangered animals. More specifically, each page gives bullet-like information about the animals’ class, habitat, range (where they live), threats and the status of their endangerment. This book can be used as a quick tool for finding brief, yet important information about a specific endangered animal. I would use this book with students in grades 1 through high school depending on how deep of a discussion or research we would be conducting on endangered animals. Incorporating other books about endangered animals is essential if teaching this specific topic as this book does not offer enough information in which to report. People of all ages will be intrigued to learn about endangered animals in this simple yet informative alphabet book.
The illustrations are unique and are well-deserving of the Caldecott Honor Book award. The author/illustrator only uses red and black with a white background for each page. Each alphabet letter is printed in black and represents the endangered animal by its pictorial details that make the letter look like the animal. The introduction of the book notes that the letters were intended to portray pictograms which were developed centuries ago. The alphabet letters are printed in large font while the actual name of the endangered animal is located at the top corner of each page, similar to the text arrangement of a dictionary. The specific information about each animal is located in a red-framed rectangular box at the lower corner of each page.
The illustrations are unique and are well-deserving of the Caldecott Honor Book award. The author/illustrator only uses red and black with a white background for each page. Each alphabet letter is printed in black and represents the endangered animal by its pictorial details that make the letter look like the animal. The introduction of the book notes that the letters were intended to portray pictograms which were developed centuries ago. The alphabet letters are printed in large font while the actual name of the endangered animal is located at the top corner of each page, similar to the text arrangement of a dictionary. The specific information about each animal is located in a red-framed rectangular box at the lower corner of each page.
February 14, 2013
This minimalist combination of alphabet book and informational book makes interesting use of metonym. The more I looked, the more I appreciated how McLimans used a representative part of the animal to connect to the alphabet letter (most of the time). The red ink illustrations of the whole animal help us notice how this works. The cleanness of each page, with its clear placement of the black illustration and the red vignette for information it is very easy to look at and pay attention to each element on the page. Even the titles at the top of each page are clearly set apart from everything else.
Part of me is thinking about how children prefer photographs in informational books, and another part is respecting the high definition of his drawings. It would be interesting to see how kids would read this book with an iPad cued up to google images--if they want to see a picture of an animal they read about, they don't need it to be in the book anymore. The internet should be freeing illustrators up to be less bound to photographic representation.
The explanation at the beginning was thick, and might have been spread across the entire book as a subtext (but that would have ruined the style of the pages). I wondered why each animal was repeated again with more information at the end? Maybe McLimans or an editor sensed the book's market as an informational text rather than an alphabet book? The book does enable inquiry questions to be hooked to animals students find themselves drawn to. But this confuses purposes. The book's strength is the experience of the illustrations. The fact that it's based on information and research didn't need to become such a big part of this book. Patricia Mullins also already did this idea back in 1997--did McLimans review that book?
Part of me is thinking about how children prefer photographs in informational books, and another part is respecting the high definition of his drawings. It would be interesting to see how kids would read this book with an iPad cued up to google images--if they want to see a picture of an animal they read about, they don't need it to be in the book anymore. The internet should be freeing illustrators up to be less bound to photographic representation.
The explanation at the beginning was thick, and might have been spread across the entire book as a subtext (but that would have ruined the style of the pages). I wondered why each animal was repeated again with more information at the end? Maybe McLimans or an editor sensed the book's market as an informational text rather than an alphabet book? The book does enable inquiry questions to be hooked to animals students find themselves drawn to. But this confuses purposes. The book's strength is the experience of the illustrations. The fact that it's based on information and research didn't need to become such a big part of this book. Patricia Mullins also already did this idea back in 1997--did McLimans review that book?
March 31, 2015
McLimans has taken the conventional alphabet book and spiced things up by replacing boring old "apple" with "Chinese Alligator." Each animal is then depicted as the letter they represent. This was the only issue I had with the book; a few of the animals, much like the alligator for the letter 'A', are so contorted as to be nearly unrecognizable. But there were only two or three of these where it felt like the author was really pushing it. He does, however, provide a small, stylized picture of the animal on the page alongside some relevant information.
Overall, though, a great, quick introduction to both endangered animals and the levels of endangerment. The author provides a brief introduction explaining the categories used to classify each animal, and then, at the end, goes more into detail as to why each animal is endangered along with a list of organizations that help endangered animals and further reading. Although this book is obviously intended for younger audiences, I feel like it could easily find its home on a biologist's bookshelf.
Overall, though, a great, quick introduction to both endangered animals and the levels of endangerment. The author provides a brief introduction explaining the categories used to classify each animal, and then, at the end, goes more into detail as to why each animal is endangered along with a list of organizations that help endangered animals and further reading. Although this book is obviously intended for younger audiences, I feel like it could easily find its home on a biologist's bookshelf.
October 30, 2009
Gone Wild is a starkly simple alphabet book that introduces readers to some of the animals that endanger in extinction. "D" for Blue Duck a native of New Zealand that is endangered because of habitat loss. Each letter is drawn to represent the animal. The latin name, class, habitat, range, threats and status tell a little more about the animal. The illustrations of the letters are creative in how David McLimans chose to depict each animal but it lacks color with black and red being the only colors. This is not a "learn your ABC's" book geared toward preschoolers but rather an interesting picture book for older kids and adults. It has a lot of information and is a great way to introduce kids to endangered species that need our protection.
Read
September 10, 2018"Gone Wild:An Endangered Animal Alphabet" by David McLimans has won the Caldecott Honor in 2007. What I love about this book is that it speaks about the endangered animals through the alphabet. For example, the letter B is about the Madagascar Tree Boa. I really like how each letter is a picture of the endangered animal. The typography used in the picture book really is interesting an grabs the attention of readers. The illustrator could have easily just placed regular letters of the alphabet on the pages but instead, it uses the body of the animal to create the alphabet. I also like how in the letters there is much detail added to them and its almost as if the letters of the texture of the animals body to them. This makes it very appealing to readers. I would definitely use this picture book to teach literacy as well as some science for Kindergarten and 1st grade students, although it can be used for all students!
February 26, 2020
Genre: Caldecott Honor Book
Awards: Caldecott Honor Book
Audience: Ages 3-5
Summary: Each page is filled with information about an endangered animal that starts with each the letter throughout the alphabet. The animal makes the shape of the animal.
a. This book is a Caldecott book because it has the Caldecott sticker and was on a list for it. It won this award through it’s unique artistic style to make an alphabet book about endangered animals.
b. The shape of the creative letters and animals in the book stood out to me. The animals fitting to make the shape of their beginning letter was impressive. By making the animals letters, the readers could remain more interested in an informative book.
c. This is an individual read type of book. As an almost adult, I can barely pronounce some of the words, so I would not want to be responsible to read that to children. The main ideas from the pages are interesting, but not all of it is mandatory to read to get the picture.
Awards: Caldecott Honor Book
Audience: Ages 3-5
Summary: Each page is filled with information about an endangered animal that starts with each the letter throughout the alphabet. The animal makes the shape of the animal.
a. This book is a Caldecott book because it has the Caldecott sticker and was on a list for it. It won this award through it’s unique artistic style to make an alphabet book about endangered animals.
b. The shape of the creative letters and animals in the book stood out to me. The animals fitting to make the shape of their beginning letter was impressive. By making the animals letters, the readers could remain more interested in an informative book.
c. This is an individual read type of book. As an almost adult, I can barely pronounce some of the words, so I would not want to be responsible to read that to children. The main ideas from the pages are interesting, but not all of it is mandatory to read to get the picture.
February 26, 2020
Ratings:3/5
Awards: Caldecott Medal
Genre: Alphabet book
Audience:4-7 years
Summary: a fun interactive alphabet book that teaches not only about the alphabet but, endangered species and facts about them as well.
Specific Genre Prompts
-Each animal is paired with the same corresponding letter. For example C is for Chimpanzee. Not only does the child learn his/her alphabets but interesting facts about endangered species
-One thing that I found really neat is that the animal was shaped into its corresponding letter. The illustrator was really creative and thought outside the box with that idea.
-Since it is an alphabet book i would use it as to build language and help the child learn how to read.
Awards: Caldecott Medal
Genre: Alphabet book
Audience:4-7 years
Summary: a fun interactive alphabet book that teaches not only about the alphabet but, endangered species and facts about them as well.
Specific Genre Prompts
-Each animal is paired with the same corresponding letter. For example C is for Chimpanzee. Not only does the child learn his/her alphabets but interesting facts about endangered species
-One thing that I found really neat is that the animal was shaped into its corresponding letter. The illustrator was really creative and thought outside the box with that idea.
-Since it is an alphabet book i would use it as to build language and help the child learn how to read.
February 4, 2020
Genre: Alphabet Picture Book
Awards: Caldecott Honor Award
Audience: Preschool-1st grade
This is an alphabet book, with illustrations of endangered exotic animals, and also has facts about the species. As well.
A. It is an alphabet book that matches the letters to the specific endangered animals with the same letter. They have an easier category of animal written next to technical term for beginning readers.
B. The shape of the animal was illustrated into the shape of the corresponding letter. It allowed us to view the composition of the entire animal, while still learning the alphabet.
C. I would use this book to help build language skills and help beginning readers learn to annunciate their letters to create words and sentences.
Awards: Caldecott Honor Award
Audience: Preschool-1st grade
This is an alphabet book, with illustrations of endangered exotic animals, and also has facts about the species. As well.
A. It is an alphabet book that matches the letters to the specific endangered animals with the same letter. They have an easier category of animal written next to technical term for beginning readers.
B. The shape of the animal was illustrated into the shape of the corresponding letter. It allowed us to view the composition of the entire animal, while still learning the alphabet.
C. I would use this book to help build language skills and help beginning readers learn to annunciate their letters to create words and sentences.
November 17, 2020
Very informative, with awesome papercut illustrations. It makes me a little sad to thing about how this list may have change since this was published.
September 18, 2012
Picture Book Critique #3
Gone Wild: An Endangered Animal Alphabet
By: David McLimans
1. Picture Book Genre: Alphabet
2. Brief Summary: As a Caldecott Honor Book Gone Wild: An Endangered Animal Alphabet by David McLimans uses intriguing black and white pictures of animal features made into the letters of the alphabet to highlight a variety of endangered species throughout the world. Each page features a different animal beginning with the appropriate letter of the alphabet in order and having a large image of the letter centered in the page with a corresponding feature integrated into the letter image itself. Also introduced on the page is a small textbox that shows an image of the animal, animal class, habitat information, range or location of animal, threats to animal and status (vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered).
3.
A. Area for comment: There is no doubt that the best element of this book is the illustrations that are simply yet extraordinarily unique. Each page features a different animal beginning with the corresponding letter of the alphabet and it is the large letter in the middle of the page that makes the book intriguing as each large letter incorporates an animal feature.
B. Professional Evaluation: The simplicity of the book allows for students to truly focus on the specific characteristics of each animal featured; however, this book is definitely geared toward the upper elementary grade levels as it is brief and contains very precise information about each animal. The illustrations of the letters integrating features of each animal was absolutely interesting; however, the issue I found with the book was specific to the text itself as the information was short and very particular to the categories listed above. This book does provide students with noteworthy information on animals that are rare and possibly unknown but does not go into enough detail to be exceptionally useful in the classroom. Overall, this book would be good to have in the classroom library as it is unique and provides good information, however, would not be overly useful when learning about more detailed information about various animals.
C. Specific Example: The illustrations features in this book are, as mentioned above, quite exceptional. For example, on the pages featuring both L and M respectively the bottom “leg” of the L in made into the claw of the snow leopard while the L itself is large and spotted in a similar pattern to the snow pattern. The M features a Prairie Sphinx Moth and the middle section of the M is turned into the moth itself. Each letter is as unique as the animals they represent and it is a fun way to look at and learn about endangered animals.
4. Curriculum Connection: There is no question that this book features a number of animals that are rare and most likely unknown while providing a plethora of information regarding specific characteristics of each animal. It is for this reason that this book can be used for a number of activities in the classroom, either when students are looking up specific information about a particular animal or simply to gain more knowledge about endangered animals in general. The book also absolutely sheds light on the precise threats that each of these animals face in their natural habitats and at the end of the book gives more detailed information about each animal featured. While, in my opinion, this book is geared more toward upper elementary to middle school aged students it can also be used by teachers to introduce various animals to younger elementary students.
Gone Wild: An Endangered Animal Alphabet
By: David McLimans
1. Picture Book Genre: Alphabet
2. Brief Summary: As a Caldecott Honor Book Gone Wild: An Endangered Animal Alphabet by David McLimans uses intriguing black and white pictures of animal features made into the letters of the alphabet to highlight a variety of endangered species throughout the world. Each page features a different animal beginning with the appropriate letter of the alphabet in order and having a large image of the letter centered in the page with a corresponding feature integrated into the letter image itself. Also introduced on the page is a small textbox that shows an image of the animal, animal class, habitat information, range or location of animal, threats to animal and status (vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered).
3.
A. Area for comment: There is no doubt that the best element of this book is the illustrations that are simply yet extraordinarily unique. Each page features a different animal beginning with the corresponding letter of the alphabet and it is the large letter in the middle of the page that makes the book intriguing as each large letter incorporates an animal feature.
B. Professional Evaluation: The simplicity of the book allows for students to truly focus on the specific characteristics of each animal featured; however, this book is definitely geared toward the upper elementary grade levels as it is brief and contains very precise information about each animal. The illustrations of the letters integrating features of each animal was absolutely interesting; however, the issue I found with the book was specific to the text itself as the information was short and very particular to the categories listed above. This book does provide students with noteworthy information on animals that are rare and possibly unknown but does not go into enough detail to be exceptionally useful in the classroom. Overall, this book would be good to have in the classroom library as it is unique and provides good information, however, would not be overly useful when learning about more detailed information about various animals.
C. Specific Example: The illustrations features in this book are, as mentioned above, quite exceptional. For example, on the pages featuring both L and M respectively the bottom “leg” of the L in made into the claw of the snow leopard while the L itself is large and spotted in a similar pattern to the snow pattern. The M features a Prairie Sphinx Moth and the middle section of the M is turned into the moth itself. Each letter is as unique as the animals they represent and it is a fun way to look at and learn about endangered animals.
4. Curriculum Connection: There is no question that this book features a number of animals that are rare and most likely unknown while providing a plethora of information regarding specific characteristics of each animal. It is for this reason that this book can be used for a number of activities in the classroom, either when students are looking up specific information about a particular animal or simply to gain more knowledge about endangered animals in general. The book also absolutely sheds light on the precise threats that each of these animals face in their natural habitats and at the end of the book gives more detailed information about each animal featured. While, in my opinion, this book is geared more toward upper elementary to middle school aged students it can also be used by teachers to introduce various animals to younger elementary students.
Read
October 8, 2013A black and white alphabet book that allows children to learn not only the alphabet but different types of endangered species as well.
This book could also be used with elementary children during a unit on endangered species. It features not only the names of the endangered species but their class, habitat, range, threats, and status as well. It could be used to assist younger children with letter recognition of both capital and lower case letters.
I loved this book. I thought it was an interesting way to teach about endangered species. The illustrations were amazing and really helped me to picture these animals. I also liked that McLimans included an introduction explaining why he took this approach.
McLimans did an excellent job with the illustrations. All of illustrations are black and white. McLimans was able to portray each animal using the shape of the letter in a way that the animal was easily recognizable. I think it was risky avoiding color because the pictures could have ended up looking like inkblots, but it was executed well. He even used the animals for the lettering on the cover page.
I believe that the intended audience for this book was middle elementary school students (grades 2, 3, and 4) but I think it could also be used with younger children.
This book could also be used with elementary children during a unit on endangered species. It features not only the names of the endangered species but their class, habitat, range, threats, and status as well. It could be used to assist younger children with letter recognition of both capital and lower case letters.
I loved this book. I thought it was an interesting way to teach about endangered species. The illustrations were amazing and really helped me to picture these animals. I also liked that McLimans included an introduction explaining why he took this approach.
McLimans did an excellent job with the illustrations. All of illustrations are black and white. McLimans was able to portray each animal using the shape of the letter in a way that the animal was easily recognizable. I think it was risky avoiding color because the pictures could have ended up looking like inkblots, but it was executed well. He even used the animals for the lettering on the cover page.
I believe that the intended audience for this book was middle elementary school students (grades 2, 3, and 4) but I think it could also be used with younger children.
February 4, 2015
Gone Wild: An Endangered Animal Alphabet by David McMilimans was an OK book. McMiliman used animals to shape the different letters which would be great to help children associate letters with words that they see regularly, such as animals. The thought was there and it was creative BUT the animals chosen for the letters were too advanced for elementary aged kids (I did not know what some of the animals were). Some of the animals used would also confuse children. He used Madagascar Tree Boa for the letter B. Although Boa begins with B, snake does not. Most children would see the the snake forming the letter B and begin to associate the letter B with a snake when Snake begins with the letter S. He also used Naked Characin for C. The illustration of the animal looked like a fish which again would have children begin associating fish with the letter C when Fish begins with the letter F.
Although the thought was there and it was a good idea, it was not done to teach children the letters of the alphabet. I do not recommend this book and think it could be done in a much better, more conceptual for children way.
Although the thought was there and it was a good idea, it was not done to teach children the letters of the alphabet. I do not recommend this book and think it could be done in a much better, more conceptual for children way.
August 8, 2012
Originally I thought this book would be an interesting take on an alphabet book, esp one that has one a Caldecott Honor. I thought it was supposed to be meant as an alphabet book for younger kids, but with the amount of writing and kind of writing (i.e. English name & scientific Latin name for the birds, insects and animals in the book), I would say it could easily be just an informational book for up to grade 7. I found the information on the endangered animals very interesting, though I don't know how you could keep the attention span of under grade 3 child.
September 30, 2017
Interesting. Not your typical children's book.
It's an alphabet book. Each letter of the alphabet is in the shape of an animal that is endangered. The text consists of only a description of each animal, the region the animal lives, its endangered status, and the technical and common names. All in black and white.
It's an alphabet book. Each letter of the alphabet is in the shape of an animal that is endangered. The text consists of only a description of each animal, the region the animal lives, its endangered status, and the technical and common names. All in black and white.
May 19, 2014
This Caldecott Honor book features an alphabet of endangered animals using clever black-and-white illustrations that turn each letter into the target animal. Additional information about each animal's habitat, threats, etc. are included in the back of the book.
October 21, 2016
Beautifully drawn letters match a different endangered animal/creature throughout the alphabet. However, the best part of this book is found at the end where every animal/creature is briefly discussed, including where it can be found and what has led to its endangerment.
January 12, 2018
The alphabet is told through Adrinka-style symbolic renditions of each letter and interesting and unexpected animals.
September 26, 2018
It's a neat and (sadly) needed take on alphabet books bring a gentle awareness to the fragility of life and our ecosystems.
August 22, 2017
• 2007 Caldecott Honor Book •
This is a beautiful, unique book! However, I think adults would appreciate this a lot more than children. Each page lists a letter, an animal in the shape of the letter, and lists the class, habitat, range, threats and status. Sometimes the letter just really doesn't look anything like the animal, and the image feels really forced. Also, I had some minor frustrations with the typography: the name of the animal should have been larger because it gets really lost, and the box on each page was too tight and close to the words making it a bit hard to read. I wish there'd been an actual photo of the animal, or maybe a map of where it was from (a map would have been really interesting). At the end of the book, is a list of each animal and a more detailed description of each. I don't understand why the descriptions were separated like that.
I like how different this book is though. I love the simplicity of it, and I love that it's trying to bring attention to endangered animals!
I'm giving this 4 stars because I really enjoyed it. As a children's book though, I'd give it less.
Materials used: pencil, pen, brush India ink, bristol board and computer
Typeface used: unlisted
This is a beautiful, unique book! However, I think adults would appreciate this a lot more than children. Each page lists a letter, an animal in the shape of the letter, and lists the class, habitat, range, threats and status. Sometimes the letter just really doesn't look anything like the animal, and the image feels really forced. Also, I had some minor frustrations with the typography: the name of the animal should have been larger because it gets really lost, and the box on each page was too tight and close to the words making it a bit hard to read. I wish there'd been an actual photo of the animal, or maybe a map of where it was from (a map would have been really interesting). At the end of the book, is a list of each animal and a more detailed description of each. I don't understand why the descriptions were separated like that.
I like how different this book is though. I love the simplicity of it, and I love that it's trying to bring attention to endangered animals!
I'm giving this 4 stars because I really enjoyed it. As a children's book though, I'd give it less.
Materials used: pencil, pen, brush India ink, bristol board and computer
Typeface used: unlisted
November 12, 2018
Summary:
This nonfiction text gives an endangered animal for every letter of the alphabet. Each page includes the animals latin name, its class, the range of where you can find it, the habitat it lives in, the status of the animals endangerment, and the threats it faces.
Evaluation:
This book is filled with latin phrases and other big words than could be confusing to the reader. The book would have been better if the author would have added real images of each animal for each letter. Although it's not very visually appealing, it gives important information to help the reader understand 26 different types of endangered animals.
Teaching Idea:
This book would be useful in introducing 4th grade science content such as endangerment and changes in the ecosystem and the roles the changes play. Students can explore each letter of the alphabet and associate it with the animal given. Students should determine the important information from the page and write: Animal name, it's endangerment status, and the threats it faces in its habitat. Students could also do further research on the habitat the animals live in.
This nonfiction text gives an endangered animal for every letter of the alphabet. Each page includes the animals latin name, its class, the range of where you can find it, the habitat it lives in, the status of the animals endangerment, and the threats it faces.
Evaluation:
This book is filled with latin phrases and other big words than could be confusing to the reader. The book would have been better if the author would have added real images of each animal for each letter. Although it's not very visually appealing, it gives important information to help the reader understand 26 different types of endangered animals.
Teaching Idea:
This book would be useful in introducing 4th grade science content such as endangerment and changes in the ecosystem and the roles the changes play. Students can explore each letter of the alphabet and associate it with the animal given. Students should determine the important information from the page and write: Animal name, it's endangerment status, and the threats it faces in its habitat. Students could also do further research on the habitat the animals live in.
September 18, 2017
13. Summary: McLimans, uses the alphabet as a way to learn about endangered species. Each letter is designed to represent an endangered animal. Each page provides a short description of the class, habitat, range, threats and statues of the animal. At the end of the book it provides a more detailed descpription of the animal and resources the reader can use to find more information.
Evaluation: The design of the letters are very creative, but I do not think it is very helpful for a child learning their ABC’s. The letters are sophisticated and contorted in a way to form the shape of the animal. The letters would come across as confusing for the students. It would have been helpful to have more pictures of the actual animals in color.
Teaching Idea: I would have students pick a letter from a basket. The letter would correspond to an animal. They would have to research the animal and create a poster with the theme of “save the..” and “protect the…” The students would have to explain where the animal lives, the class and what is threatening the animal.
Evaluation: The design of the letters are very creative, but I do not think it is very helpful for a child learning their ABC’s. The letters are sophisticated and contorted in a way to form the shape of the animal. The letters would come across as confusing for the students. It would have been helpful to have more pictures of the actual animals in color.
Teaching Idea: I would have students pick a letter from a basket. The letter would correspond to an animal. They would have to research the animal and create a poster with the theme of “save the..” and “protect the…” The students would have to explain where the animal lives, the class and what is threatening the animal.
September 17, 2018
GONE WILD is an interesting picture book written and illustrated by David McLimans. The book’s pages resemble what readers may see within an encyclopedia; pictures of endangered species, reasons why they are threatened, their habitat, range, endangered status, as well as their scientific names. This book would be a great resource to use when introducing the topic of endangered animals to students in a science lesson. But because of the context of the material it would definitely be something that older students should flip through. This is because younger students may have a hard time grasping the full context of the book. Overall, McLimans’ book is extremely educational and takes a unique spin on the classic Alphabet concept book. From combining each alphabet letter with illustrations of the endangered species, to choosing to only print the pictures throughout the book in white, black, and red, there is something interesting waiting to be discovered on each page.
July 17, 2017
McLimans, D. (2006). Gone Wild: An Endangered Animal Alphabet. New York: Walker & Company.
Category: Science informational.
McLimans does an excellent job of integrating multiple subjects in this book. This book combines reading, the alphabet and animal facts in one engaging picture book. Twenty six different endangered animals are listed for each of the alphabet letters. For example, “A” stands for the Chinese Alligator and each page provides details on their habitats, threats and endangered statuses; some animals are at more risk than others. I would recommend this book to upper elementary students as this book provides more details about some of their favorite animals. This book also introduces to students the effects of poaching and endangering animals. Students will be engaged yet worried as they read and discover that animals are becoming extinct every single day.
Category: Science informational.
McLimans does an excellent job of integrating multiple subjects in this book. This book combines reading, the alphabet and animal facts in one engaging picture book. Twenty six different endangered animals are listed for each of the alphabet letters. For example, “A” stands for the Chinese Alligator and each page provides details on their habitats, threats and endangered statuses; some animals are at more risk than others. I would recommend this book to upper elementary students as this book provides more details about some of their favorite animals. This book also introduces to students the effects of poaching and endangering animals. Students will be engaged yet worried as they read and discover that animals are becoming extinct every single day.
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