Gone is Gone: Wildlife Under Threat

by Isabelle Groc, Jane Goodall (Foreword)

Why do species become endangered? How are scientists learning about endangered wildlife? What are people doing to conserve species and how can young people help? This book is richly illustrated with unique photos that Isabelle has taken over many years of observing endangered species in the field alongside the people who work to conserve them. Throughout, the author shares enchanting encounters and personal field watching narwhals socialize in the Canadian Arctic, getting close to a Laysan albatross raising chicks on a remote Hawaiian island, spotting a rhinoceros on safari and even swimming with sea lions in the Galápagos Islands. Gone is Gone will inform, intrigue and inspire readers to take small steps toward big changes for endangered species around the world.

Genres: Nonfiction, Middle Grade, Animals

128 pages, Hardcover

Published September 24, 2019

About the author

Isabelle Groc is a writer, conservation photographer, book author, documentary filmmaker and speaker focusing on endangered species and the relationships between people and the natural world. She is a fellow of the Explorers Club and the Royal Geographical Societies of Canada and the UK. Her work has appeared in international media including National Geographic News, BBC Wildlife, and Canadian Wildlife.
Isabelle has written and directed over a dozen films on wildlife conservation. Her most recent documentary, Toad People, has received international recognition including a Wildscreen Impact Panda Award in Bristol.

To view Isabelle's photos, follow her on Instagram: @isabellegroc

Reviews

[Sahar · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a lot younger of an audience than I normally review for, but the topic is really close to my heart and I really wanted to read it and see how it would be handled for a younger group.

I would not recommend it to friends with kids of this age. I know it has to be somewhat simplified for this age group. But the "reuse plastic" line, while important and obviously needs to be in there, should be accompanied by, "and lobby companies to reduce their plastic waste" because corporations and government are a huge culprit in plastic pollution.

The pictures were a bit much, I don't want to see dead animals so I'm not sure if that's something you want to expose a kid to or not. I think the story speaks for itself and is disturbing enough, I don't think the images of, say, a dead owl on the side of the road, need to accompany it.

The book dragged on, and I think it had way too many examples. It needed more of a storyline and to be less preachy. I was annoyed throughout it. I think there are better ways to get the point across than the way this book did.

Also, I've never heard of Cinco de Rhino, but the author mentions it and doesn't say anything critical about it, but it certainly doesn't sound like a great title for a holiday. It sounds offensive.

I really felt like the author didn't know where the book was headed, it went in a lot of directions. It was boring, and honestly easily forgettable.

[Sharon Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gone is Gone: Wildlife Under Threat by Isabelle Groc, with a foreword by Jane Goodall, is currently scheduled for release on September 24 2019. This children's nonfiction book looks at why species become endangered, how scientists are learning about endangered wildlife, what people are doing to conserve species and ways young people can help. It contains unique photos that the author has taken over many years of observing endangered species in the field alongside the people who work to conserve them. Throughout the book the author shares enchanting encounters and personal field stories: watching narwhals socialize in the Canadian Arctic, getting close to a Laysan albatross raising chicks in a remote Hawaiian island, spotting a rhinoceros on safari, and even swimming with sea lions in the Galapagos Islands. It inspires to inform, intrigue and inspire readers to take small steps toward big changes for endangered species around the world.

Gone is Gone does a good job of explaining the ins and outs of how animals become threatened or extinct, how humans play a role, and how to help protect them. The images of the animals and landscapes help show the reality of the situation rather than leaving it as a problem we know about but cannot necessarily grasp beyond theory. The information starts with the basics- how animals are classified by threat level and who makes those distinctions, then on to what is making the largest negative impact on these populations and the basics of some of the better known endangered species. I found the information on the efforts and scientist involved in studying and conserving wildlife to fascinating. I really enjoyed reading about the successes we have already had in increasing some populations, and how interconnected the habitats and different types of life are. It brought home how much good seemingly small things can have an impact- good or bad- on the larger ecosystem. The simple actions suggested for readers might take a little effort- but they are a place to start and can be done easily I also liked that there was a glossary, list of book and online resources, and index at the end of the book. Not every reader takes advantage of these things, but I find them important in encouraging further reading, research, and action. I found the book as a whole to be well written. It does not talk down to readers, and is accessible at the same time. I found it to be informative and inspiring to read. I think it will be the same for other middle grade and older readers, including adults.

Gone is Gone is an engaging, interesting, and informative read. A great book for middle grade and older readers. It would be a good addition to public, school, and classroom libraries.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

As I went to read this, I felt like I had already read it. I think my first reaction was the same as my second reaction, and reminded me why I never left an initial review the first time around.

I could not get through this book. It is way too heavy and not a great introductory book for kids. The only kids I can see reading this would be people like the author's children. Someone who has a close family member or friend who is extra involved and passionate and they want to support that passion.

I like nature. I want to save animals, even if I do not want one as my personal pet. I have always thought it would be fun to go on a safari of some sort to see them in their natural habitat.

This book was too overwhelming and depressing with a picture of a dead owl on the street. I get the author wanted to show how important it was, but it will not appeal to most readers in the public. If you are already a huge advocate, you should read on.

[Gina]

I’m not really sure why the librarian included this in a bag I requested for “Teen: High School” because it is targeted towards elementary school level readers. Eight year old me would have read this and cried. It doesn’t have any information that I hadn’t really heard before, so I mostly flipped through and read the author’s little side stories about her global travels assisting in various conservation projects.

[Sandy Wilmering · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting and informative book that describes the predicament of many animals in danger of becoming extinct. The author includes many photos of the animals she talks about in the book, as well as pictures of many people who volunteer or have gained recognition for their efforts to save animals and plant life from being wiped off the Earth. The author shares ways readers can also become volunteers and advocates for saving wildlife.

[Rowena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to introduce young ones to conservation. We need to protect what we have left.