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This picture book describes how the features, characteristics, and circumstances of the great auk contributed to its eventual extinction in 1844. A lengthy, casual-toned text spans the penguin-like bird's interactions with northern peoples, including prehistoric humans, Vikings, Inuit, and European specimen-collectors. The illustrations, with rocky shorelines haunted by ghostlike, see-through auks, help convey the fragility of biodiversity. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos.