Describes whales, dolphins, seals, and other marine mammals, their habitats, means of communication, and family life.Whale
By Vassili Papastavrou, Frank Greenaway
Illustrated by Frank Greenaway
Edition: illustrated
Published by Dk Pub, 2000
ISBN 0789465957, 9780789465955
64 pages Ages 9, 10, 11, 12
From School Library Journal
Grade 3-6-Although indexed and divided into chapters, this introduction to whales is more an attractive browsing item than a substantive work of nonfiction. The two-page entries cover such topics as evolution, physical characteristics, social life, reproduction, and more; headings such as "I am the Walrus" attempt to introduce a hint of humor into the text. Every page is laced with full-color photographs and drawings of marine mammals in a collage type arrangement, and every now and then a small cartoon or "funny bit" is inserted. The writing is often vague and imprecise, e.g., in the evolution entry, "sea otters entered the oceans relatively recently" is stated to explain their still-furry appearance and dependence upon land, but what does the author mean by relatively recently-last week? On the other hand, the brief explanation of the Greek terms for whales' fins-the pectoral (chest) and the dorsal (back)-is well done. Not for reports, but acceptable recreational reading.
Frances E. Millhouser, Reston Regional Library, VA
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
...a mini museum between the covers of a book. [Eyewitness series] -- The New York Times
These books' striking visual impact will draw in even the most casual readers. [Eyewitness series] -- School Library Journal
From School Library Journal
Grade 3-6-Although indexed and divided into chapters, this introduction to whales is more an attractive browsing item than a substantive work of nonfiction. The two-page entries cover such topics as evolution, physical characteristics, social life, reproduction, and more; headings such as "I am the Walrus" attempt to introduce a hint of humor into the text. Every page is laced with full-color photographs and drawings of marine mammals in a collage type arrangement, and every now and then a small cartoon or "funny bit" is inserted. The writing is often vague and imprecise, e.g., in the evolution entry, "sea otters entered the oceans relatively recently" is stated to explain their still-furry appearance and dependence upon land, but what does the author mean by relatively recently-last week? On the other hand, the brief explanation of the Greek terms for whales' fins-the pectoral (chest) and the dorsal (back)-is well done. Not for reports, but acceptable recreational reading.
Frances E. Millhouser, Reston Regional Library, VA
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
...a mini museum between the covers of a book. [Eyewitness series] -- The New York Times
These books' striking visual impact will draw in even the most casual readers. [Eyewitness series] -- School Library Journal
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