Make Way for Animals!: A World of Wildlife Crossings

Badgers in the Netherlands need to forage for food in the forests, penguins in New Zealand need to make nests on the shore, and elephants in Kenya need to find mates and drinking water. But roads around the world now cut through natural spaces and block their way. This informative picture book focuses on a solution to this problem: wildlife crossings. Short, descriptive text gives numerous examples of crossings, from a rope bridge for ringtail possums to a pipeline for penguins to a ladder for leaping fish, and explains how these thoughtful engineering feats help protect animals. Vibrant, softly drawn illustrations show these animals in action and how the wildlife crossings work. Rounding out the volume is a brief look at the civil engineers, scientists, construction crews, and other individuals who advocate for, design, and build these life-saving structures. Back matter offers additional examples of wildlife crossings, including more detailed facts and photographs. Pair with Katy S. Duffield's Crossings: Extraordinary Structures for Extraordinary Animals (2020) for another examination of this topic.--Booklist

K-Gr 3—All over the world, the traditional routes of animals are now blocked by roads. How will the badgers in the Netherlands find meals and homes? How will the blue fairy penguins of New Zealand make their nests? How will the crabs of Christmas Island get to the ocean to lay their eggs? Wildlife crossings to the rescue! Using clear, drama-free language and playful alliteration, Pincus describes the hazards roads pose to wildlife (and the hazard that wildlife in the roads can pose to humans) and the solution that many places have adopted. Text with additional facts beyond the main concept is included, making the book suitable for various levels. Luu's illustrations effortlessly uplift the writing using a sort of softened realism and plenty of details. Humans are depicted in a variety of skin tones. Pincus provides fitting closure by circling back to the first question by the end. Extensive back matter includes photos of wildlife crossings with additional examples, an activity, and selected biography. VERDICT Everything readers need to know about wildlife crossings—what they are, why they are needed, who makes them happen—in a book all libraries should own.—Catherine Callegari

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.