SAVE THE...TIGERS

An introduction to these endangered big cats and current efforts to protect them from illegal traffickers and other hazards.

With an eye to the sorts of claims that will wow young readers—tigers can roar louder than a motorcycle, their urine smells like buttered popcorn, and they will eat termites if larger prey is elusive—Taylor-Butler opens with quick profiles of the predator’s six distinct living subspecies. She then segues to the human causes of their major population decline in the wild, including habitat loss fueled at least in part by the rising demand for palm oil and poaching, and highlights conservation efforts such as legislation and protective organizations. A close-up of a toothy mouth and an image of a circus tiger forced to jump through flaming hoops are impressively dramatic, but in general the black-and-white photos are too small and scant to make a strong impression. Still, along with basic background information, budding eco-warriors will find both the author’s suggestions for activities (which include cutting out foods that use palm oil and not patronizing roadside zoos along with the predictable fundraisers and letters to government officials) and the robust closing list of online reference sources helpful. An introduction from Clinton encourages readers that even small actions can make a difference.

A solid addition to the chorus of appeals to preserve a rare and magnificent creature.