Picture Book in Brief: 50 Reasons to Love Animals
50 Reasons to Love Animals Written by Catherine Barr. Illustrated by Hanako Clulow.
Publishing Information:
Frances Lincoln Children's Books; Illustrated edition, April 7, 2020. Dimensions measure 8.5 x 0.5 x 10.9 inches.
Awards Won:
None found.
Story or Concept Theme:
Describes various animals from different environments. and the ecological threats they face.
Target Audience/Age:
3-6 years; grades PreK-1. This book is appropriate for these age groups.
Narrative Structure:
The book is divided into 6 sections based on biome (savanna, reef, tundra, evergreen forest, ocean, tropical forest). Each section provides information about the biome, the animals in it, and the threats they face from deforestation, pollution, climate change, etc. Throughout the book, there are boxes with facts about specific animals, numbered 1-50, intended to inspire the reader to love animals.
Coherence/relation between text, pictures, and design:
Clulow’s art is detailed and expressive, and shows the complexities of different biomes effectively. The labels on the illustrations help readers identify different locations (deep ocean, seabed, etc) and animals. The text is straightforward and nondescriptive, which allows the textured, detailed illustrations to do the work of engaging the reader.
Storytelling techniques used:
Throughout the book, Barr connects with readers by detailing ways in which they can take action to protect endangered animals, such as boycotting palm oil, starting letter-writing campaigns against industrial whaling, and raising community awareness of harmful practices.
Brief assessment of the book's quality:
I thought that this book was informative and enjoyable. I especially appreciated that Barr’s tips for protecting wildlife were focused on advocating for systemic change rather than reducing individual carbon and ecological footprints.
Brief assessment of potential use of book with young readers, if applicable:
I would promote this book alongside other books on activism, or alongside an animal show or similar program. I’d also use it as a basis for an ecological advocacy initiative, using some of Barr’s suggested methods like letter writing campaigns and consciousness raising as a foundation for library programming.
Brief assessment of the book's appeal to potential readers:
I can see this appealing more to caregivers and educators than to individual readers. It’s targeted at an age level that wouldn’t necessarily be able to read it independently, so while the illustrations are engaging, I can’t imagine a child getting as much out of it as an independent read.