“Our Threatened Kin: Fur Feather and Fin” by Dev Shah

• 01/11/2023
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Our Threatened Kin – Fur, Feather & Fin

Dev Shah
Notion Press (2022)
ISBN 979-8887333816
Reviewed by Susan Violante for Reader Views (01/2023)

“Our Threatened Kin – Fur, Feather & Fin: Verses on India’s Vanishing Wildlife” by Dev Shah is an encyclopedia style book of unique, exotic, and vanishing animals from India. The target audience is Teen/YA, but I believe it would also be great for young readers. The book presents a list of animals native to different regions within India. Each animal has its own feature spread. Within its pages, readers will find a beautiful, accurate image; a descriptive information paragraph; a map showing the region where they are located; and a color-coded status on each animal.

Did I mention that the information paragraph is written in rhyme? And did I mention the author is 15 years old?

This book is by far one of my favorite kids’ books of all time. It presents much needed accurate information about endangered species and is offered in an understandable, entertaining, and fun way for our younger population. It also creates awareness among the young in our society in hopes of inspiring community action once they are adults. The fact that this is done by a teenager is testament that change is happening in our world consciousness, and that young minds are catalysts of change.

Dev Shah created a well written, and impeccably formatted well of knowledge that can be used in schools and at home to teach about the Fauna in India, their importance for the ecosystem, and the level of danger of each species. But he also promotes passion for each animal thanks to the way he presented the information. As a reader, I could catch his love for these creatures and felt his sense of urgency to save them. I not only came to like each creature, I also understood that something must be done and even was inspired to learn more about them.

 “Our Threatened Kin – Fur, Feather & Fin” by Dev Shah is a Five Star MUST-have book for all kids’ libraries. The author in my book is a role model for kids all over the world. Can’t wait to see what else he comes up with.