Crossings: Extraordinary Structures for Extraordinary Animals (2020)
Written by: Katy S. Duffield
Illustrated by: Mike Orodan
Publisher: Beach Lane Books
Book type: Picture book
Ages: 3-8 years
Lexile level: AD1080L
Summary
Crossings is a book which asks readers to consider the structures built for people to travel from one place to another and how these structures impact the wildlife in these areas, “... overpasses, underpasses, bridges, and tunnels… But what about the animals that live in these places?” Readers learn that animal-loving researchers and engineers from all over the world work together to design and create structures specifically for animals to cross. The Trans-Canada Highway, for example, has more than forty wildlife overpasses and underpasses which are used by animals such as elk, bears, wolves, cougars, and bighorn sheep. In New Zealand, a lighted underpass was created for the blue penguins of Oamaru so they could safely travel back-and-forth between the sea for food and land to their nests. The endangered titi monkeys in Costa Rica were helped by a group called Kids Saving the Rainforest. The monkeys can now pass safely from one side of the road to another on thick blue ropes. The book ends with this sentiment, “Around the world, these unique structures protect animals -- living proof that opening our minds and our hearts, can make all the difference.”
Commentary
With bright, striking, and attractive illustrations, this book emphasizes the importance of wildlife safety and conservation. People often forget that with human progress comes the sacrifice of animal habitats, and the more that people encroach on animal habitats, the more that people and animals will collide, which can be dangerous for both animals and people. This book teaches readers that providing animals with safe passageways can keep animals safe, secure their habitats, increase their population numbers, and decrease the number of endangered animal species. Since there are a variety of options for types of overpasses and underpasses, these structures benefit a large variety of animals.
Special Features
The back of the book features a “Wildlife Crossings Around the World” list which includes a brief description of each structure’s purpose, function, and the animals that use them. The book also includes a “Selected Bibliography and Further Reading” list as well as brief author bios on the back flap. Readers can view videos of animals using wildlife crossings at https://www.katyduffield.com/crossings.
Award Winner!
ALA Notable Children’s Books -- Young Readers Category (2021).
Read Alikes
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This book focuses on “P-22,” one specific cougar which lives in Hollywood, California. This cougar’s story helped bring awareness to the need for wildlife crossings in urban areas.
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The illustrations you included with your review are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI think it is also a great way to show how animals are adapting to our encroachment. These animals are learning to survive by using these alternate paths and really shows the strength and survival instincts that animals have. I also agree with your point that it also shows that we have a duty to these animals, the more we cut into their habitats the more responsibility we have in keeping them safe and thriving.
Great review.