I’m usually pretty good at identifying books, but this one is a stumper that actually kept me awake most of the night. I think I ought to know it, but my mind just draws a blank. Here is the info I have from the client:
Published about 1967. A fable about an atomic bomb test on a pacific atoll that extinguishes a cute species of mammal. They resemble a plant, their tail anchors them in the ground. they sway in the breeze on top of their tail. They mate when the wind blows them together. The slender volume is illustrated.
Does this ring a bell? At first, I had a vague notion that Dr. Seuss had written something like this, but that turned out to be a dead end. Any suggestions would be gratefully received. This is one of those “what’s the title” questions that has really gotten under my skin.