Conservation of rare and endangered species is a vitally important issue, and the sooner children can be made aware of it, the better. But before they can become actively involved, they need to be familiar with the creatures at risk. This beautiful picture book introduces young children to an unusual assortment of animals and birds through a delightful story. At the end of the book is a page of animal facts which tells children more about the strange creatures they have met in the story. Tenrecs are shy, insect-eating creatures from Madagascar. There are about 25 species of Tenrec, ranging in size from a tiny shrew-like animal to ones about the size of a hedgehog. The Tenrec featured here is instantly recognisable by a crest of hair on its head, remarkably similar to a mohican haircut, and the story tells of his determination for building structures out of twigs.

 

There are 28 pages in this book. This is a picture book. A picture book uses pictures and text to tell the story. The number of words varies from zero ('wordless') to around 1k over 32 pages. Picture books are typically aimed at young readers (age 3-6) but can also be aimed at older children (7+). This book was published 1989 by James Clarke & Co Ltd .

Bert Kitchen is one of the top illustrators of children's books, whose work has been exhibited in many countries. His titles have won him international acclaim: Animal Numbers won the 1988 Bologna Graphics Prize for Children, and was runner-up in the Bologna Critici in Erba prize. This was judged in part by a panel of children, confirming that his books appeal directly to children as well as to adults. He has also illustrated Meredith Hooper's Tom's Rabbit, runner-up in the English 4-11 Awards for the Best Children's Picture Books of 1998.