Animals in Danger

This visually well-presented pop-up book presents information on eight animals on the brink of extinction due to hunters or vanishing habitats. Intricate paper engineering on full-page spreads brings the animals vividly to life; from a running African wild ass to an Indian rhinoceros with wiggling ears, each creature's appearance and distinguishing characteristics are beautifully exhibited. A description of each animal is followed by statistics on how many of the species remain; protection efforts are noted where appropriate. This is undoubtedly a grave--and sad--subject, but McCay's prose frequently borders on hopelessness. While orangutans cavort in a tree, the accompanying text says, ``Baby orangutans are hunted by `kidnappers' who sell them as pets. However, hunters often have to shoot the mothers in order to take away their babies.'' Though realistic, this approach makes for such depressing reading that the book seems to fall short of its goal. Writing to various organizations such as Greenpeace and the Humane Society are certainly constructive suggestions, but greater efforts are needed to solve this critical problem. Ages 6-12. (Sept.)