A World Full of Wildlife

Written in the form of a conversation between a kindly adult and a concerned child, this book introduces complex topics such as biodiversity, habitats and endangered species in simple, direct language that young readers will enjoy and understand. Ideas are developed from first principles, and common-sense connections are made between new ideas and those that have already been explained. Some spreads include second-tier text for readers who want more information, but the lead text explains and uses correct vocabulary, and is robust and satisfying.

Subjects such as pollution and extinction are presented accurately, in a matter-of-fact way, and the potential for readers to be shocked or upset is met head-on.

‘But I don’t want this! I don’t want there to be fewer plants and animals!’ protests our young narrator, as the conversation makes it impact. Layton’s reply – ‘I’m glad you said that… there are lots of things we can do to help look after the wonderful web of life’ – is characteristically kind, direct, and full of hope. Rather than bland exhortations to reduce and recycle, specific details follow. We are told about a no-fishing zone off the Isle of Arran, and a forest city being created in China. The final spreads explore what needs to be done, what is already underway and how young readers can get involved. And on the final page, three young activists and entrepreneurs are introduced, as the door is opened wide for new ideas.

The clarity and appeal of the text is more than matched by Layton’s bold, distinctive artwork, giving this book a fun and informative appearance, too. Friendly graphics sit alongside – and interact with – scanned photographs in a way that emphasizes the immediacy and relevance of the subject, and bright colours enliven but do not dominate the pages.

A World Full of Wildlife is a companion to Layton’s A Climate in Chaos and A Planet Full of Plastic. Like its predecessors, this book will motivate readers to take action and make a difference.