Even before the pandemic, many of us were finding solace in something we enjoyed as children – coloring. And we particularly enjoyed filling in the spaces in coloring books drawn by Kerby Rosanes. His stunning World Series captivated and challenged us. His latest does all that and more. The incredible drawings in Fragile World focus on 56 endangered, vulnerable, and threatened animals and landscapes, everything from Sumatran Tigers to Hawksbill Turtles to Blue Whales. Each page is a work of art, as well as a warning that unless we act, much of what we see could be gone.
If you don’t enjoy coloring or, if that activity was not your favorite because you struggled to stay within the lines, the black and white drawings stand on their own. But, if you’re like me, you will get out your colored pencils (crayons are too thick for the fine lines in these drawings), settle on a page and get to work. I’m a cat person, so I quickly focused on the Amur Leopard. Of course, you’re free to use any colors you like, but wanting my leopard to represent the real thing, I searched online and used a photo I found as a guide.
What followed was several blissful hours coloring. Afterwards, I looked through the index where Rosanes lists each animal facing the danger of extinction. Some I didn’t know were endangered, like the Rusty Patched Bumbleebees. Others like the Asian Elephants I’ve known about for a long time. Look through the list and I’m sure you’ll find animals you’ve taken for granted that could be gone.
I plan to keep coloring, buy several copies for friends, and make a donation to an organization that can help.
Fragile World
Kerby Rosanes
