Atlas of Extinct Animals - (Large Encyclopedias) by Radek Maly (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Explore the Fascinating World of Extinct Creatures

Ever wonder what happened to the dodo, the woolly mammoth, or the Chinese river dolphin? Atlas of Extinct Animals brings 41 lost species back to life with stunning illustrations and captivating stories that reveal how they lived and why they vanished.

Aimed at readers ages 9 and up, this beautifully designed encyclopedia blends science, history, and art to explore the causes behind extinction, from climate shifts to human impact. Each full-page spread features illustrated artwork, size comparisons, and fascinating facts that help readers understand not just what these animals looked like, but how they lived and why they disappeared.

From the mighty mammoth to the tiny Tecopa pupfish, this book is a powerful reminder of Earth's fragile biodiversity and a call to protect what remains.

• Forty-One Extinct Species: Learn about animals from all over the world that no longer exist, including recent extinctions like the Zanzibar leopard and Chinese river dolphin.


• Stunning Visuals: Features full-page illustrations, scientific diagrams, and silhouette comparisons to bring each creature to life.


• Thoughtful and Educational: Encourages ecological awareness and critical thinking about conservation and human impact.


• Oversized Format: A gorgeous coffee-table-style book perfect for classrooms, libraries, and curious young minds.


• International Recognition: Selected by White Ravens 2020 for excellence in children's literature.

For over 75 years, Albatros Media has been crafting original and innovative children's books that are both playful and educational, fostering curiosity and a thirst for knowledge in young minds. We deliver the highest quality children's books from novelty, picture, pop-up, and how-to books, to non-fiction, and fairy tale books.

Review Quotes

"I loved that this book included facts that the typical books I read hadn't informed me about so I was learning new things as I read. I loved getting to see how ridiculously large some of these creatures were and then in contrast how small some of them were. I loved that to show the size comparison there was either a silhouette of a full body or a silhouette of a hand. I appreciated that each page opened with a large image of what professionals believe these creatures look like before providing you with information. I also like that on top of the information we get a glimpse of the similar creatures we are going to learn about. I appreciate that this short evolutionary guide is given not only in text but also through the images. Final Verdict: Atlas of Prehistoric Animals is a great encyclopedia for children ages 9 and up who are fascinated by dinosaurs. This book will teach them about the oldest animals on earth which they may already know and introduce them to animals that they have yet to learn about. Adults will also enjoy learning new facts about each of these animals that they may never have heard about either." --Adrien Guerra, YA Books Central

"The large-format Atlas of Extinct Animals is supplemented with beautifully expressive full-page illustrations by gifted artist Jiří Grbavčič and detailed pictures by renowned scientific illustrator and multitalented Czech artist Pavel Dvorský. Dvorský reconstructs the prehistoric world in collaboration with archaeologists. The author hopes that the memory of species already gone whose stories are told here will be both our warning and our guide." --Vermont Country Book News

"Radek Maly's Atlas of Extinct Animals, an oversized survey containing exceptionally beautiful illustrations by Jiri Grbavcic and Pavel Dvorsky. Elementary-grade readers will relish the full-page science drawings that accompany facts about the Falkland Islands Wolf, the Huia bird, the Long-Tailed Hopping Mouse, and others. Exceptional book especially recommended for creating eye-catching library displays." ―Donovans Literary Services

"Gorgeous book, more for older kids, teens, and adults. The artwork is phenomenal, and the information seems solid and well presented." --Librarian, East Hartford Public Library

"I loved reading this compilation of the intriguing and beautiful animals that used to inhabit our planet. The illustrations were an added bonus, and contributed needed visual aid in picturing not only the animal itself but the environment that they would have inhabited. An interesting, beautiful, and useful addition to any and all animal lovers library." ―Tina Hewitt, blogger

"I cried when I read this beautifully illustrated account of 41 species and their heartbreaking demise. How could these gorgeous creatures, including the Zanzibar leopard and the Chinese river dolphin, no longer exist and what can the world do to prevent another species from being added to the list? Geared to readers aged 9 to 17, but an important reminder for adults too of the fragility of life." ―Netgalley-Reviewer

"A highly informative, no-nonsense reference text that provides insights into a variety of 41 extinct animals. A superb resource for middle grade and high school students researching climate, ecological, and human impacts on fauna." ―Netgalley-Educator

About the Author

Radek Maly is a Czech writer, poet, translator, and university teacher. He has achieved international success through his young adult book Franz Kafka: A Man of His Time and Our Own (2017) and his picture book Our Cat's Day (2023). His non-fiction books Atlas of Extinct Animals (2021), Atlas of Endangered Animals (2021), and Atlas of Prehistoric Animals (2025) have been translated into several languages, and his poetry collection for children Postman Wind (2011) was entered on the IBBY Honour List.
Pavel Dvorsky is a Czech commercial and graphic artist who has illustrated dozens of science and popular science publications. From 1966-1972, he studied at the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague, and afterward returned to Brno, where he established the Department of Graphic Design and Illustration at the Secondary School for Art and Design. In reconstructing the prehistoric world, Dvorsky has collaborated with many anthropologists and archeologists. In addition to his commercial and graphic artwork, he has designed stamps for the Czech Post Office since 2004. He was born in Brno in 1946.