This is a National Geographic book. The photographer arranged to have photos taken of several endangered species. There are a few plants, but mostly animals. Almost all of these are species deemed endangered by the Endangered Species Act in the U.S.

There are some beautiful photos; the photographer made sure they each had a completely black or completely white background for the photos. In addition to the photos, each species also has a paragraph with information about it including where to find it, the habitat, why it’s endangered, etc. Some of them also have an additional note by the photographer on how the photo was taken. Some of the photos are close-up, so are very detailed. ( )

Gorgeously photographed, exquisite but heartbreaking. Simple, spare, stark photographs of the rarest of the rare, with short explanatory text about most of the animals. It does end on a hopeful note, but it makes for some grim reading. ( )

good comments. good attitude. ( )

The photographs here are absolutely exquisite. There is also some short accompanying commentary, not only about the species but also about how the photographer was able to take his pictures. I like how he included animals both ugly and cute, as well as insects and plants. He makes a good point that even a small, seemingly insignificant species deserves to exist as much as we do. This sends a strong message. ( )

This is an absolutely gorgeously photographed volume that looks at endangered animal and plant species throughout the United States. Joel Sartore is an award-winning photographer for the National Geographic, who is based out of Lincoln, NE. His photos in the magazine are always beautiful, and for this book, his captures of rare and unique species are beautifully rendered, against a stark black or white background. Each photo is accompanied by a little story explaining how the shot was taken and offering interesting tidbits about the specific species in the photo. The vast majority of the shots in this book were taken at zoos around the country. Sartore shares conservation information in a moving forward, that includes a photo of a rabbit species that has since gone extinct. This book should be appreciated by animal lovers, conservationists, photography enthusiasts or fans of Nebraska authors! My only complaint is that the size of the book doesn't really do justice to Sartore's highly-detailed photos, but since it is not a "coffee-table"-sized volume, perhaps it will be more accessible to more readers!

Originally reviewed for my local library's website: http://www.lincolnlibraries.org/depts/bookguide/srec/staffrec10-04.htm ( )