Tibetan chiru make it an economic target for poachers. This book details how George Schaller and companions trekked through the rugged terrain of Tibet to study, record, and photograph the habits of the chiru. Map, Photographs, Author’s Note, Sources.

The true story of how scientist George Schaller and four men set out to save the chiru (antelope-like creatures who cannot survive captivity and who live on the high plains of Tibet) from near extinction.

I think it is powerful and useful that the very first page shows a map of where Tibet is. Even though this book does not discuss a different culture directly, I think it gives children an image of animals in other countries. Even if they have no previous knowledge of Tibet, they could have an understanding that Chiru are an important animal that had a chance of going extinct, until some special researchers went to save them.
Writing prompt: How would it affect you if the Chiru went extinct? What can we do to help? ( )

Response - I was drawn to the book because I have visited Tibet. I also did not know anything about the chiru, so I was curious. I was inspired by the characters' determination to learn about these creatures and to protect them.

Curricular connection - read aloud; unit on environment and animal conservation

Wonderful story, stunning illustrations! ( )