Canada Wild: Animals Found Nowhere Else on Earth

Canada Wild: Animals Found Nowhere Else on Earth is packed with information about 12 of Canada’s 308 endemic species, species found nowhere else. The animals chosen for the book include three birds, one fish, one insect, and seven mammals spread across a wide range of habitats across Canada.

Each animal is identified by three characteristics outlined at the beginning of each section: Habitat, Diet, and Status.

For example, the introduction to the Peary caribou

Habitat: Arctic islands of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut
Diet: Dried grasses, plants, and low-growing shrub
Status: Threatened

In addition to Habitat, Diet, and Status, each section includes three subsections. First, a general description of the life and habits of the animal.

Second, “Fact File”, made up of four or five specific life facts.

The caribou is covered in hair. Each hair is hollow (like a straw) and holds warm air close to the skin, which keeps the creature’s body warm in the frigid winter. (p. 36)

Third, “How’s It Doing?”, which expands on the status of the animal and includes an artist’s illustration of the animal.

The Peary caribou lives in a challenging environment, so its population faces struggles. And climate change only adds to the problem. For instance, a series of harsh winters can cause ice layers to build up, making it difficult for a herd to find enough food to survive. Even mild winters can cause difficulties for the caribou. If the sea ice is too thin for the herd to safely walk on, it can’t move between islands to forage for food. (p. 37).

For all of its strengths, Canada Wild: Animals Found Nowhere Else on Earth could be so much more useful to students, beginning with adding a Table of Contents so readers know what animals are included in the book. An index, possibly a short glossary, and some suggestions for sources of further information would all be helpful for students who want to use the book to learn, not only for recreational reading.

The book begins with a map of Canada with lines outlining each of the provinces and territories. Unfortunately, the lines are the exact same shade of blue as the water surrounding Canada. It makes the divisions look like rivers rather than political boundaries. The provinces and territories are identified by initials only. An illustration of each animal in the book shows the approximate location where that animal can be found. All of these seem like small matters, but the list of barriers inhibiting easy access to information is significant.

The book concludes with a section titled “What Can We Do?” The first section has three subsections under the heading “Here are a few ideas to get you started”. The second page has the heading “Climate change is a big problem, but all of us can make small changes at home to help. You can try:” Once again, an opportunity has been missed. The lists of suggestions are too broad and wordy. Most of them are not specific enough, especially for children.

You can try:

Planting trees. They help remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air. It’s a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the earth’s atmosphere. This causes the earth to warm up and contributes to climate change. (p. 55)

My final concern is the recommended age level for Canada Wild: Animals Found Nowhere Else on Earth. The recommended age for which this book is intended is listed in the publicity information as “Ages 6-9". Perhaps the author or publisher meant Grades 6-9. Unfortunately, if you are purchasing this book from the publicity description, you will be disappointed if you are hoping to be acquiring a book for primary age students. If you are purchasing this book for older students, the lack of organizational keys, such as a Table of Contents, is a significant liability.

Although Canada Wild: Animals Found Nowhere Else on Earth is packed with interesting information about some of Canada’s endemic species, without better aids to assist students to retrieve that information, I can only recommend Canada Wild: Animals Found Nowhere Else on Earth with reservations.