Publication Date: 29th July 2021

The Blurb

The Most Important Animal of All is a beautiful picture book, illustrated by award-winning Hannah Bailey, where a teacher challenges her class to decide which is the most important animal of all. Seven children champion a different animal for the top spot.

Is it BEES as master pollinators, or BATS who are night-time predators and pollinators? Is it ELEPHANTS who shape their landscapes and spread seeds, or BEAVERS who create watery habitats? Is it TIGERS or SHARKS who keep populations in balance so there is food for all? Is it tiny KRILL, food for so many whales and sea creatures?

“Only if we understand, will we care. Only if we care, will we help. Only if we help, shall all be saved.” Dr Jane Goodall.

The Review

Packed with information about a myriad of species, and combining captivating illustrations and photographs showing them up close and in their habitats, this is a brilliant book to introduce the concepts of habitat loss, endangered species and climate change to younger readers.

The classroom setting and child feedback make this engaging and understandable for newly independent readers, and the style makes for a fabulous non-fiction read aloud. With a glossary, index and find out more section, this will keep curious minds occupied long after they have read the book (over and over and over again).

There are so many uses in the classroom too – persuasive writing, non-fiction spreads, animal topics, habitats… the list goes on!

Have a read and decide what your Most Important Animal would be?

Huge thanks to Mama Makes Books for inviting me to take part in the blog tour. Do make sure you check out all of the other stops!