The Great Penguin Rescue: Saving the African Penguins

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 5, 2018

Review

Sandra Markle has written another engaging and very readable science book about an animal that children naturally love. Penguin colonies in South Africa are suffering reduced numbers and humans are partially to blame. The Great Penguin Rescue shares the difficulties experienced by the African Penguins and provides information about an organization (SANCCOB) working to improve the situation. Efforts of scientist in the United Kingdom and the USA added their expertise to the project. Credit is given to volunteers who rescued and cleaned many penguins following a major oil spill.

Markle's research is well documented and the photos included in the book are excellent. The back pages include source notes, a short glossary, index, photo acknowledgments and a list of books as well as websites that will satisfy readers. Each page appears to be scrapbooked using two tone blue and yellow backgrounds. Overall this is an attractive, fact filled book that will be loved by children and adults alike. This title should be considered by all youth services librarians and media specialist.

Overall Book Score: excellent