September 2023 MBR The Pets/Wildlife Shelf

The Pets/Wildlife Shelf

Rare Air: Endangered Birds, Bats, Butterflies, & Bees
Sarah Kaizar, author/illustrator
A. Scott Meiser, author
Mountaineers Books
1001 SW Klickitat Way, Suite 201, Seattle, WA 98134-1161
www.mountaineersbooks.org
9781680515510, $21.95, HC, 152pp

https://www.amazon.com/Rare-Air-Endangered-Birds-Butterflies/dp/1680515519

Synopsis: "Rare Air: Endangered Birds, Bats, Butterflies, & Bees" is the culmination of artist Sarah Kaizar's dedication to illustrating endangered fauna. It features 66 endangered species of flight (33 birds, 5 bats, 12 bees, and 16 butterflies) presented in her scientifically accurate and utterly engaging pen-and-ink style.

Complementing the art are informative and story-driven natural histories of each species by A. Scott Meiser, as well as interviews with biologists who are working to sustain some of the same species.

An informative introduction highlights how Kaizar developed this project, while the "How to Get Involved" appendix provides helpful tips on actions readers can take to help these creatures.

Kaizar's work informs readers about the world around them in a way that is beautiful and engaging, while also examining the environmental conditions that put these species at risk. "Rare Air" broadens the conversation about environmental study and inspires readers across the country to care for our winged creatures.

Critique: With its profusion of breathtakingly beautiful illustrations and their accompanying informative commentaries, "Rare Air: Endangered Birds, Bats, Butterflies, & Bees" is a treasure to simply page through one memorable page at a time. Of special appeal and value for readers with an interest in the butterfly biology, bird field guides, as well as plant and animal art, "Rare Air: Endangered Birds, Bats, Butterflies, & Bees" is especially and unreservedly recommended as a core addition to personal, professional, community, highschool, college, and university library Wildlife collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists.

Editorial Note #1: Sarah Kaizar (https://sarahkaizar.com) is the author of Hiker Trash: Notes, Sketches & Others Detritus on the Appalachian Trail, and her illustration work has been seen in galleries and museums including the Woodmere Art Museum, Delaware Contemporary, and the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education.

Editorial Note #2: A. Scott Meiser (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ascottmeiser) is a high school English teacher who lives with his wife. Though he is not a classic outdoorsman, Meiser's rural roots have taught him an attentiveness and appreciation for the natural world.

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