Title: The Best Book of Whales & Dolphins
Author: Christine Gunzi
Publisher & Year of Publication: Scholastic, 2001
Genre: Informational
Recommended Audience: Ages 5-8
Summary: This book highlights factual information on whales and dolphins. Topics discussed throughout the book include: types, anatomy, prey, habitat, lifespan, communication, and endangerment. This book is packed with fascinating facts about whales and dolphins, and other migratory animals.
Evaluation/Reflection: Any student wanting to learn more about dolphins and whales will enjoy this book. It is created for young children but even older students would appreciate the illustrations used to depict these animals.
Memorable Literary Moment: Key words are bolded, and there is an index and picture glossary at the end of the book.
Illustrations: Photographs and drawings are used to illustrate the book, and definitions are typed in bold.
Review: Any child who has seen dolphins swimming near the seashore or viewed them in an aquarium is bound to want to learn more about these intriguing marine mammals. This book, part of Kingfisher's "Best Book of" series, will help young readers explore the world of whales and dolphins. These animals are divided into two groups, baleen and toothed whales (dolphins belong to the latter). Instead of photography—common with marine science books—this volume uses beautifully authentic drawings in a format that is sure to keep the young reader turning pages. Chapters include the first whales that lived fifty-five million years ago up through today's whales and dolphins, outlining and picturing the different kinds. Well-written text includes what ocean life is like for these cetaceans, the function of a blowhole, how toothed whales hunt for prey, how baleen whales filter their food, whale/dolphin communication, behavior, and reproduction. The human element is included with chapters on whales in danger, whether stranded or inadvertently caught in tuna nets, how and why scientists study dolphins and whales, whale watching and tagging, plus swimming with dolphins. Especially nice are the pages showing children active in the process of saving stranded pilot whales. The book includes a glossary and index, both with illustrations. This is a well-done series that would be welcome in a private classroom or public library. –Children’s Literature
Promotion Idea: This book would be a great companion for students learning about migratory animals and ocean life. A trip to the local aquarium would also be a great activity to organize as well.
Acquisition: Public library, or available on Amazon for $7.00 (hardcover).
Author: Christine Gunzi
Publisher & Year of Publication: Scholastic, 2001
Genre: Informational
Recommended Audience: Ages 5-8
Summary: This book highlights factual information on whales and dolphins. Topics discussed throughout the book include: types, anatomy, prey, habitat, lifespan, communication, and endangerment. This book is packed with fascinating facts about whales and dolphins, and other migratory animals.
Evaluation/Reflection: Any student wanting to learn more about dolphins and whales will enjoy this book. It is created for young children but even older students would appreciate the illustrations used to depict these animals.
Memorable Literary Moment: Key words are bolded, and there is an index and picture glossary at the end of the book.
Illustrations: Photographs and drawings are used to illustrate the book, and definitions are typed in bold.
Review: Any child who has seen dolphins swimming near the seashore or viewed them in an aquarium is bound to want to learn more about these intriguing marine mammals. This book, part of Kingfisher's "Best Book of" series, will help young readers explore the world of whales and dolphins. These animals are divided into two groups, baleen and toothed whales (dolphins belong to the latter). Instead of photography—common with marine science books—this volume uses beautifully authentic drawings in a format that is sure to keep the young reader turning pages. Chapters include the first whales that lived fifty-five million years ago up through today's whales and dolphins, outlining and picturing the different kinds. Well-written text includes what ocean life is like for these cetaceans, the function of a blowhole, how toothed whales hunt for prey, how baleen whales filter their food, whale/dolphin communication, behavior, and reproduction. The human element is included with chapters on whales in danger, whether stranded or inadvertently caught in tuna nets, how and why scientists study dolphins and whales, whale watching and tagging, plus swimming with dolphins. Especially nice are the pages showing children active in the process of saving stranded pilot whales. The book includes a glossary and index, both with illustrations. This is a well-done series that would be welcome in a private classroom or public library. –Children’s Literature
Promotion Idea: This book would be a great companion for students learning about migratory animals and ocean life. A trip to the local aquarium would also be a great activity to organize as well.
Acquisition: Public library, or available on Amazon for $7.00 (hardcover).