Dodos are NOT Extinct!

Highly recommended, this fabulous book suggests all readers should become aware that Dodos are NOT extinct! They are simply all around us, but in disguise, like many other famous creatures. Hidden under that long shaggy coat may be woolly rhinoceros, a sabre-toothed tiger, a megalodon or an Irish elk. Maybe in disguise is a woolly mammoth, a moa or a Tasmanian tiger. Strangest of all disguises, the whole family of dinosaurs may be living right beside us. The dinosaurs are the most cunning, but, of course, ‘disguises are expensive, so a lot of dinosaurs have full-time jobs. In fact, one of the top surgeons is a velociraptor.’ The illustration is hilarious, masked and gowned, the ‘surgeons’ do look completely authentic! Dodo hang out as toucans and pelicans, or by slipping on a tuxedo, they mingle with penguins. Bound to be a favourite, the quagga, (front end like a zebra, back end like a horse) – well, they just wear  striped trousers or a brown jumper and pretend they are one or the other.

The illustrations are full of humour, and every spread is bustling with activity. Readers will just love this book, which is indeed the intent of this well-known and award-winning author-illustrator. The book ends with details of all the creatures mentioned, many having become extinct because of human activity. There are notes on how we can all help in preserving habitats for the many animals now facing extinction. Encouraged to preserve habitats, recycle, use sustainable products and volunteer to clean up our world, there is a part for everyone to play.  Finally, there are notes on 16 different extinct creatures, from the tiny Christmas Island pipistrelle, last heard in August 2009, to the great auk, hunted for their skin, feathers and eggs, last pair killed 1844, to the famed dodo. The dodo was a flightless bird which existed solely on the island of Mauritius. It had no natural predators. But man brought cats, dogs, rats and pigs to the island….and the last sighting of a dodo is recorded for 1662. After reading these facts, readers will surely want to peruse the story again, new knowledge firing their imaginations as they enjoy the fantasy the author has created. Splendid, a book for every library, classroom and home.