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Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science, Stage 2
Almost Gone: The World's Rarest Animals – A Beautifully Illustrated Science Book About Endangered Species for Kids (Ages 4-8)
Read and find out about endangered animals in this colorfully illustrated nonfiction picture book. Have you seen a northern hairy-nosed wombat or an eastern barred bandicoot? These animals are so rare, they might disappear forever, and they're not alone. Read and find out about some of the animals that are almost gone. With gorgeous art from Caldecott Honor-winning artist Steve Jenkins, "this engaging title is informative as well as visually stunning." ( School Library Journal starred review) This is a clear and appealing science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom. It's a Level 2 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out, which means the book explores more challenging concepts for children in the primary grades. The 100+ titles in this leading nonfiction series are: Top 10 reasons to love LRFOs: Books in this series support the Common Core Learning Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) standards. Let's-Read-and-Find-Out is the winner of the American Association for the Advancement of Science/Subaru Science Books & Films Prize for Outstanding Science Series.
40 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
5 people are currently reading
286 people want to read
About the author
Steve Jenkins
135 books238 followersSteve was born in 1952 in Hickory, North Carolina. His father, who would become a physics professor and astronomer (and recently his co-author on a book about the Solar System), was in the military and, later, working on science degrees at several different universities. We moved often. Steve lived in North Carolina, Panama, Virginia, Kansas, and Colorado. Wherever he lived, he kept a menagerie of lizards, turtles, spiders, and other animals, collected rocks and fossils, and blew things up in his small chemistry lab.
Because he moved often, Steve didn't have a large group of friends, and he spent a lot of time with books. His parents read to him until he could read himself, and he became an obsessive reader.
His interest in science led me to believe that I'd be a scientist himself. At the last minute, he chose instead to go to art school in North Carolina, where he studied graphic design. After graduation he moved to New York City, where he worked in advertising and design, first in large firms and then with his wife, Robin Page, in their own small graphic design firm. Robin, also an author and illustrator, is his frequent collaborator — they've made sixteen children's books together.
Their daughter Page was born in 1986 and our son, Alec, two years later. They began reading to them when they were just a few months old, and Steve became interested in making children's books himself. My wife and I read to our two older children almost every night until hisdaughter was 12 or 13, long after they were reading on their own. It was, in many ways, the best part of the day.
In 1994 they moved to from New York City to Boulder, Colorado, where they work in a studio attached to their house, which was built in the 1880s and often functions as if it were still the 19th century.
Their youngest son, Jamie, was born in 1998. The questions his children asked over the years have been the inspiration for many of their books.
Librarian's Note: There is more than one author with this name in the Goodreads database.
Because he moved often, Steve didn't have a large group of friends, and he spent a lot of time with books. His parents read to him until he could read himself, and he became an obsessive reader.
His interest in science led me to believe that I'd be a scientist himself. At the last minute, he chose instead to go to art school in North Carolina, where he studied graphic design. After graduation he moved to New York City, where he worked in advertising and design, first in large firms and then with his wife, Robin Page, in their own small graphic design firm. Robin, also an author and illustrator, is his frequent collaborator — they've made sixteen children's books together.
Their daughter Page was born in 1986 and our son, Alec, two years later. They began reading to them when they were just a few months old, and Steve became interested in making children's books himself. My wife and I read to our two older children almost every night until hisdaughter was 12 or 13, long after they were reading on their own. It was, in many ways, the best part of the day.
In 1994 they moved to from New York City to Boulder, Colorado, where they work in a studio attached to their house, which was built in the 1880s and often functions as if it were still the 19th century.
Their youngest son, Jamie, was born in 1998. The questions his children asked over the years have been the inspiration for many of their books.
Librarian's Note: There is more than one author with this name in the Goodreads database.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 17, 2017
کتاب تصویری خوبیه راجع به گونه های در حال انقراض، البته اگه تا الان کلا منقرض نشده باشن. سیستم روایت داستان با اینکه خطی هست، نه تنها حوصله سر بر نیست، بلکه کاملا جذابه. علاوه بر اون، تصویر گری های زیبایی هم درش صورت گرفته که جذابیت قضیه رو بیشتر میکنه. اطلاعات خوبی راجع به گونه های مختلف حیوانات میده و واقعا کتاب اطلاعاتیه مفیدیه، هم برای کودکان و هم برای بزرگسالان.
November 11, 2009
Almost gone is an informational book about endangered species. At the beginning of the book it gives a child friendly definition on what makes a species of animals endangered. Throughout the book it gives a brief overview of each identified animal, it's history, and how it became endangered. At the end of the story is has a list of the animals with numbers next to them. There is a corresponding map so that students are able to identify where the animals live around the world.
This wonderful book would be great to use with older elementary and middle school students. The illustrations are simple, yet detailed enough for students to understand the significant characteristics of each animal. I really enjoyed the beginning of the book where the author talked about what it means to be an endangered species. I also felt that the map at the end of the story was very meaningful, especially for visual learners. This book provided several passages to help learners remember endangered animals!
This wonderful book would be great to use with older elementary and middle school students. The illustrations are simple, yet detailed enough for students to understand the significant characteristics of each animal. I really enjoyed the beginning of the book where the author talked about what it means to be an endangered species. I also felt that the map at the end of the story was very meaningful, especially for visual learners. This book provided several passages to help learners remember endangered animals!
January 3, 2015
A lovely and informative intro to some endangered species. It cleverly starts off by introducing the idea and consequences of extinction using an everyday backyard bird species and then proceeds to give the reader some quick facts and estimated animals left for a number of endangered species. It also includes information on some extinct animals and some species that have recovered. The accompanying illustrations are absolutely gorgeous cut paper full of detail and wonderful textures that represent each species splendidly. A great read for classrooms and anyone who loves animals.
March 28, 2019
This book is great for many reasons: it raises awareness of critically #endangered and #extinct species, it explains what people have done to cause their decline, and what some people have done to help.
This is probably one of few kids books that talks about the illusive, critically endangered, #IriomoteCat. A cat species that lives only on the Iriomote island, off the coast of Japan. It’s numbers have declined to less than 100 because of habitat loss and competition with feral cats.
The less obvious good reason this book is great: it discusses death and what has caused these species to die. Right now my 5 year old daughter is extremely curious about death and I’m not the most receptive when she frequently brings up a beloved cat that past away almost a year ago. 😢This book helps facilitate that discussion by instead talking about each species. Like the #CaliforniaCondor, who’s population has declined due to collisions with power lines, pesticide poisoning and habitat loss or the #AbingtonTortoise, that was hunted by sailors to one: #LonesomeGeorge, who sadly past after this book was published.
The book does have some happy moments, as well. It ends by talking about how people have worked hard to pass laws, educated others, and encouraged society to change their ways to save some species. Like the #WhoopingCrane, which went from only having 60 species in 1976 to now over 800.
While other reviews of this book mention how some information is out of date, I think that's to be expected. The book was published at a certain time and is not updated as species populations change. My daughter and I enjoyed researching the updates on each species after reading the book. It was a nice extension of the learning of endangered species.
This is probably one of few kids books that talks about the illusive, critically endangered, #IriomoteCat. A cat species that lives only on the Iriomote island, off the coast of Japan. It’s numbers have declined to less than 100 because of habitat loss and competition with feral cats.
The less obvious good reason this book is great: it discusses death and what has caused these species to die. Right now my 5 year old daughter is extremely curious about death and I’m not the most receptive when she frequently brings up a beloved cat that past away almost a year ago. 😢This book helps facilitate that discussion by instead talking about each species. Like the #CaliforniaCondor, who’s population has declined due to collisions with power lines, pesticide poisoning and habitat loss or the #AbingtonTortoise, that was hunted by sailors to one: #LonesomeGeorge, who sadly past after this book was published.
The book does have some happy moments, as well. It ends by talking about how people have worked hard to pass laws, educated others, and encouraged society to change their ways to save some species. Like the #WhoopingCrane, which went from only having 60 species in 1976 to now over 800.
While other reviews of this book mention how some information is out of date, I think that's to be expected. The book was published at a certain time and is not updated as species populations change. My daughter and I enjoyed researching the updates on each species after reading the book. It was a nice extension of the learning of endangered species.
May 20, 2023
Almost Gone; The World's Rarest Animals by Steve Jenkins.
This book is wonderful and really educational! I feel like wonderful isn't the right word for this because species being endangered ISN'T wonderful, but you know what I mean. I have had this book for over five years, and have read it millions of times. This book has over 25 animals that are going extinct, and it tells you where they are from and how many are left. The book was published in 2006, so the numbers might be off slightly, but it still has really good information.
Follow @bronteandwilder on Instagram for more fun book recommendations!
This book is wonderful and really educational! I feel like wonderful isn't the right word for this because species being endangered ISN'T wonderful, but you know what I mean. I have had this book for over five years, and have read it millions of times. This book has over 25 animals that are going extinct, and it tells you where they are from and how many are left. The book was published in 2006, so the numbers might be off slightly, but it still has really good information.
Follow @bronteandwilder on Instagram for more fun book recommendations!
June 15, 2021
We just love Steve Jenkins! Such beautiful and details illustrations - all made of paper. This book is sad to read, especially to a child. Welcome to the world, and all of the amazing creatures oh and by the way lots of people could give a hooey about the natural world. I love that he ends it with some hope and optimism.
May 26, 2017
A book for children about endangered species. 3 of 5 stars for bright illustrations and informative facts.
March 2, 2025
There are animals all over the world that are nearing extinction due to pollution, killing by humans, loss of habitat. This book was written in 2006 to alert and educate about animals dangerously nearing extinction. Since then, the numbers have improved slowly but are still too low. The book is presented with information about, and an illustration of, some of the endangered animals we know about on our planet. Included are a few now extinct and some that are making a comeback. Because this book was published about 20 years ago, one can search the Internet for updates on the current numbers of the endangered species featured in it. The illustrations are beautiful.
April 22, 2011
Jenkins, Steve. (2006). Almost Gone: The World’s Rarest Animals. New York: HarperCollinsPublishers.
Literary Genre: Informational (Picture Book)
Jenkins teams with the long-time running “Let’s-Read-And-Find-Out Science series” to introduce young readers to 28 endangered animals…before they’re gone. Each animal is introduced with its species name, location, and the number of animals left; followed by a paragraph sharing where it used to be found, facts about its size and appearance, what it eats, and reasons for the animal’s endangerment. A section of the book is dedicated to the Moa, Steller’s Sea Cow, Tasmanian Wolf, and the Guam Flying Fox because these animals are gone forever. Jenkins ends his book by sharing that not all endangered animals become extinct, with hard work they can come back, just like the Whooping Crane and Alpine Inex. Jenkins famous colorful, cut-paper collages depict all 28 of these marvelous creatures.
I was delighted when I came across this book at the library. I read Jenkins’ books, Actual Size and Bigger, Stronger, Fastest a few years ago and they are favorites at our house. Steve Jenkins’ works are well known and can be trusted to be accurate and authentic, this paired with his structured organization, and appealing illustrations qualify this book to be deemed quality children’s informational literature. My son loves animals. His favorite bird is the California Condor, so it was fun reading that page with him. I was born in San Diego and have early memories of going to the zoo, so animals are also an interest of mine. I feel that it is important to share books (such as this) about endangered animals with young readers because it helps them to make the connection between our lifestyle and the effects it has the environment and animals living in the environment.
Literary Genre: Informational (Picture Book)
Jenkins teams with the long-time running “Let’s-Read-And-Find-Out Science series” to introduce young readers to 28 endangered animals…before they’re gone. Each animal is introduced with its species name, location, and the number of animals left; followed by a paragraph sharing where it used to be found, facts about its size and appearance, what it eats, and reasons for the animal’s endangerment. A section of the book is dedicated to the Moa, Steller’s Sea Cow, Tasmanian Wolf, and the Guam Flying Fox because these animals are gone forever. Jenkins ends his book by sharing that not all endangered animals become extinct, with hard work they can come back, just like the Whooping Crane and Alpine Inex. Jenkins famous colorful, cut-paper collages depict all 28 of these marvelous creatures.
I was delighted when I came across this book at the library. I read Jenkins’ books, Actual Size and Bigger, Stronger, Fastest a few years ago and they are favorites at our house. Steve Jenkins’ works are well known and can be trusted to be accurate and authentic, this paired with his structured organization, and appealing illustrations qualify this book to be deemed quality children’s informational literature. My son loves animals. His favorite bird is the California Condor, so it was fun reading that page with him. I was born in San Diego and have early memories of going to the zoo, so animals are also an interest of mine. I feel that it is important to share books (such as this) about endangered animals with young readers because it helps them to make the connection between our lifestyle and the effects it has the environment and animals living in the environment.
December 8, 2012
Genre: Informational
Summary: An exploration of the many of the world’s rarest animals, many of which are close to extinction.
Area for comment: Organization
B. The organization of the information within this book is very clear and concise, allowing the reader to understand the concepts presented by the author. The introduction is particularly significant because it speaks directly to the reader, allowing them to gain a better understanding of the severity of animals become extinct.
C. The introduction informs the reader not only of the pleasurable aspects that certain animals provide for us (such as the chickadee’s ability to sing sweet tunes), but also how these animals are important to the whole world. This explanation of how the chickadee affects food webs and other species allows the reader to visualize how significant a single animal can be within the whole realm of the animal culture.
The organization of the species name, location, and approximate number still living in the world, along with the detailed information, (which includes the issues that are placing the animal in danger such as “the use of pesticides”) as well as, the artful illustration of the animal, altogether enable the reader to gain a comprehensive understanding of each of the endangered species discussed. More importantly, the blend of both factual and historically accurate information greatly enlightens readers on the significance of preserving these special animals.
Curriculum connection: I would love to use this as a guide for students when studying endangered species. I also believe this book could be used as a great example of organizing informative texts; as students write informative pieces, they could use this book as a reference since the organization used is informative and precise.
Summary: An exploration of the many of the world’s rarest animals, many of which are close to extinction.
Area for comment: Organization
B. The organization of the information within this book is very clear and concise, allowing the reader to understand the concepts presented by the author. The introduction is particularly significant because it speaks directly to the reader, allowing them to gain a better understanding of the severity of animals become extinct.
C. The introduction informs the reader not only of the pleasurable aspects that certain animals provide for us (such as the chickadee’s ability to sing sweet tunes), but also how these animals are important to the whole world. This explanation of how the chickadee affects food webs and other species allows the reader to visualize how significant a single animal can be within the whole realm of the animal culture.
The organization of the species name, location, and approximate number still living in the world, along with the detailed information, (which includes the issues that are placing the animal in danger such as “the use of pesticides”) as well as, the artful illustration of the animal, altogether enable the reader to gain a comprehensive understanding of each of the endangered species discussed. More importantly, the blend of both factual and historically accurate information greatly enlightens readers on the significance of preserving these special animals.
Curriculum connection: I would love to use this as a guide for students when studying endangered species. I also believe this book could be used as a great example of organizing informative texts; as students write informative pieces, they could use this book as a reference since the organization used is informative and precise.
December 9, 2012
Almost Gone: the World’s Rarest Animals by Steve Jenkins (Harper Collins Publishers 2006). 33p. Informational.
Summary: This book tells about animals that are almost extinct along with a few animals that are already gone. It gives a map at the end of where the animals that are mentioned in the book live.
Critique:
a. There are many animals discussed throughout the book. The name of the animal, where they live and even how many of those animals are left are on each page. There are great illustrations that go well to show what the animals look like. There is also a small description of each animal as well.
b. Telling how many of each animal is left is a good way to show the readers just how serious it is that these animals are almost gone. It is helpful to see the illustrations of the animals.
c. It is helpful to see the map of the different continents and a key to where the animals live that are discussed in this book. It is a good visual for students. In addition to discussing the animals that are in trouble, animals that are gone forever are also shown starting on page 28. This is interesting and sad to see the animals that will never be seen again, but also good to show students that it could happen where animals are gone forever.
Curriculum Connection: This would be a good book to read when discussing animals, habitats, and extinction. The students could pick an animal and do more research on it and see if any of the numbers have increased since the book was published. This would be good for students to understand how important habitats are.
Summary: This book tells about animals that are almost extinct along with a few animals that are already gone. It gives a map at the end of where the animals that are mentioned in the book live.
Critique:
a. There are many animals discussed throughout the book. The name of the animal, where they live and even how many of those animals are left are on each page. There are great illustrations that go well to show what the animals look like. There is also a small description of each animal as well.
b. Telling how many of each animal is left is a good way to show the readers just how serious it is that these animals are almost gone. It is helpful to see the illustrations of the animals.
c. It is helpful to see the map of the different continents and a key to where the animals live that are discussed in this book. It is a good visual for students. In addition to discussing the animals that are in trouble, animals that are gone forever are also shown starting on page 28. This is interesting and sad to see the animals that will never be seen again, but also good to show students that it could happen where animals are gone forever.
Curriculum Connection: This would be a good book to read when discussing animals, habitats, and extinction. The students could pick an animal and do more research on it and see if any of the numbers have increased since the book was published. This would be good for students to understand how important habitats are.
November 30, 2012
Summary: This informational book shows a drawing of an endangered animal with a location, a rough estimate of how many remain, and a brief description of the animal and how it came to be endangered. At the end of the book, there is a 2 page spread of animals that are recovering from being endangered followed by a map on the end-papers so that children can find where the animal lives(d) on the map.
Critique: artwork. The artwork in this book has a amazing texture - despite it's being strictly 2d. For example, the rabbit on page 12 almost looks snuggly. The miami blue butterfly on the facing page clearly has moth-like fur on it's wings. I'm not sure how that texture is achieved, but it is remarkable.
Curricular Connection: This book would be wonderful for teaching geography as each endangered animal is from a different location. The animals could be researched in a jigsaw and then attached to a world map as part of the group's presentation.
Critique: artwork. The artwork in this book has a amazing texture - despite it's being strictly 2d. For example, the rabbit on page 12 almost looks snuggly. The miami blue butterfly on the facing page clearly has moth-like fur on it's wings. I'm not sure how that texture is achieved, but it is remarkable.
Curricular Connection: This book would be wonderful for teaching geography as each endangered animal is from a different location. The animals could be researched in a jigsaw and then attached to a world map as part of the group's presentation.
October 28, 2025
This is a very informative book about endangered and extinct animals, as well as a few that are coming back due to conservation efforts. The narrative for each animal is short and focuses on the estimated numbers remaining (if any) as well as the threats to their survival.
The illustrations by Steve Jenkins are terrific, as always. We always look for his books at our local library. The animals have wonderful mixed media shading. And the map at the end of the book shows that the problem is a world-wide issue.
We read this book slowly, covering just a few pages at a time, so we could more fully appreciate the severity of the situation.
What I didn't do, however, what explain that since this book was first published in 2006, the list may have changed substantially, with more animals added, I fear. Still, it was an engaging read and we really enjoyed reading this book together.
The illustrations by Steve Jenkins are terrific, as always. We always look for his books at our local library. The animals have wonderful mixed media shading. And the map at the end of the book shows that the problem is a world-wide issue.
We read this book slowly, covering just a few pages at a time, so we could more fully appreciate the severity of the situation.
What I didn't do, however, what explain that since this book was first published in 2006, the list may have changed substantially, with more animals added, I fear. Still, it was an engaging read and we really enjoyed reading this book together.
March 24, 2013
Something that cannot be stressed enough, are endangered species! This is a wonderful books to teach kids about the animals and what's happening to them. This is a subject that needs to be brought up to kids at a very young age, so they know what's going on, and the sooner they know about it, the more apt they are to grow up and do something about it. I've read this to my child, and the kids at the elementary school I volunteer at. Uncountable.times. The children love it and ask more questions about the animals, ask why they're disappearing, ask why can't we help them. It's amazing how 2nd & 3rd graders seem to care more about the earth and it's inhabitants than the general population does!
March 2, 2010
In Steve Jenkins book, Almost Gone: The World's Rarest Animals we learn about the Miami Blue Butterfly from Florida, the Assam Rabbit from the Himalaya Mountains, the Bactrian Camel from Mongolia and twenty four other animals that are almost gone, extinct and about few that are coming back. This is a wonderful animal book for your science area in the primary grades classrooms. The illustrations have an interesting quality to them. They look like they have been cut out of different color paper. Very beautiful!
Read
March 31, 2012This book goes over some endangered animals and facts about them. I thought this would be good for maybe a research project for children in older grades. I think it will really interest them because most of the animals aren't animals that the children will know much about. I think it would interest children at any age, but it would be most suited in a fourth or fifth grade classroom.
class-library
December 6, 2012Grade: 2-3
Topic: living organisms, endangered animals
This book is a good source for students to learn a little about certain endangered animal species in the world. If a student likes learning about animals they might choose to read this book about rare animals. In 3rd grade students could even use a book like this to start them off in an informational research writing assignment.
Topic: living organisms, endangered animals
This book is a good source for students to learn a little about certain endangered animal species in the world. If a student likes learning about animals they might choose to read this book about rare animals. In 3rd grade students could even use a book like this to start them off in an informational research writing assignment.
June 18, 2012
Not my favorite group of illustrations by Jenkins. However, I think the information is presented in such a way that a child would learn a lot from this book, and not even notice because the process is fun and interesting!
May 31, 2013
I love this book! I like this book because it tells you about animals that are endangered. There are 28 different kinds of animals. There are big cats, birds, reptiles, mammals, sea mammals, butterflies, and insects. Check it out at your public library! By Isaac
June 23, 2013
Written and illustrated by award-winning Steve Jenkins. This book helps readers to see some of the world's most endangered animals. Included in the back is a map so readers can see where in the world these animals live. Very informative!
February 18, 2015
I love Steve Jenkins' artwork and always learn from his books. He selects fascinating animals to describe and tells about their diminishing numbers. This is a great addition to any library's animal book collection.
November 21, 2015
An interesting book about animals that children probably never heard of because of their declining population or extinction. Beautifully illustrated and easy to read for young children. This is a great book to use when teaching science.
October 24, 2019
Smooth read aloud for primary through third grades. Very clear theme.
January 2, 2012
Great read aloud introducing the concept of endangered and extinction with tons of examples. This author never talks down to his readers!
November 11, 2012
Picture Book 4
The uniqueness of Steve Jenkins style is very very interesting. This was an easy book to read and had lots of facts!
The uniqueness of Steve Jenkins style is very very interesting. This was an easy book to read and had lots of facts!
October 1, 2014
Good for science information about rare animals. No real pictures but a lot of information about the animals.
December 4, 2015
I(informational)
Pi(Picture Book)
Pi(Picture Book)
March 11, 2016
A non-fiction book that overviews different species of animals that are endangered. The book was published in 2006 so it'd be interesting to see how the numbers compare to now.
January 12, 2017
Lacking maps on each page.
October 20, 2017
Wilson: I like it because it tells us about many animals.
Jerry: I don't like it when the animals are extinct.
Jerry: I don't like it when the animals are extinct.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews