The giant panda is the world's most beloved animal -- and one of the rarest.

Firefly Animal Rescue is a new series of books about endangered and threatened species and what is being done to protect them. It is aimed at readers aged 10 and up with accessible text and color photographs.

Each book introduces readers to a featured animal, explains the threats it is facing, and explores efforts to protect it. Young readers will be inspired by the leading scientists and conservationists who work in the field, in labs and on the public stage. The books conclude with additional resources for those who want to help.

Panda Rescue takes readers into the remote bamboo forests of China, where scientists can spend years without ever seeing the elusive animal. It looks inside one of the largest breeding centres in China and reveals some controversial attempts to save the species. And it explains how our fascination with captive pandas has become a threat of its own.

Tracing the colorful history of the black-and-white bear, Panda Rescue shows why many conservationists remain hopeful about the animal's future.

About the Firefly Animal Rescue series:

The Firefly Animal Rescue identifies endangered and threatened species and what is being done to protect them. Combining lively, accessible text and stunning color photographs, each book provides a detailed overview of the species, describing its characteristics, behavior, habits, physiology and more.

"These attractive books are a call to action... fascinating readable accounts."
- School Library Journal

"Succinct introductions to the science and practice of wildlife conservation... written in accessible, lively language."
- Booklist

Dan Bortolotti is the author of five previous books, including Hope in Hell, a portrait of Doctors Without Borders and the Nobel-winning humanitarian aid group.&nbsp He has twice been nominated for the Science in Society Book Award, given by the Canadian Science Writers’ Association.&nbsp His journalism has appeared in more than two dozen publications in North America, including Maclean’s, Saturday Night, and the National Post newspaper.&nbsp Bortolotti lives with his family in Aurora, Ontario, just north of Toronto.

Dan Bortolotti's profile page

Designed to appeal even to a child who is "not a reader." Yet they are comprehensive enough to provide a good overview for an adult... a balanced exploration of the complex issues involved in the conservation effort.

Canadian Children's Book News

An engaging writing style accompanied by stunning full-color photographs will hold readers' interest... fascinating readable accounts.

School Library Journal

Succinct introductions to the science and practice of wildlife conservation... written in accessible, lively language and nicely illustrated with exciting color photos, these will be useful for reports and browsing.

Booklist / RBB

Engaging text, stunning photographs... The text is clear, relatively easy to read and gives very good depth without being ponderous... highly recommended.

Resource Links

Challenges readers to learn more and offer support through international conservation organizations... Recommended.

Canadian Materials

Extremely readable and engaging text.

Virginian-Pilot

Fascinating conservation issues... layout of the books is very strongly done, making them easy to use... subject matter is intellectually exciting.

St Catharines Standard

Full of facts, photos and accessible information.

BC Parent

Bortolotti does not pontificate or give easy answers. Descriptive color photos and clear text make for a very readable book about important conservation efforts.

Victoria Times Colonist

Primary research, lively writing, and dramatic use of color photographs... easygoing layout will attract reluctant readers while the intelligent approach will keep them reading.

Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Filled with spectacular photos, informative maps and charts and up-to-the minute information... manages to convey hope, while being honest with young readers.

Today's Parent

Loads of neat stuff about these amazing animals, why they are endangered, and the cool things people do to try to save them.

Toronto Star

[review of series:] Anyone interested in learning more about endangered animals will find these books fascinating... This series will make a strong addition to any school library.

Library Media Connection

Excellent... educates young readers about the animal and the challenges it faces in the fight for survival.

Calgary Herald

Exceptionally readable.

Edmonton Sun

Award winning... With beautiful photography and inspiring examples of individuals passionately devoted to wildlife conservation, these are excellent resource for the classroom or school library.

Green Teacher