Creatures of the Sea - Rays

Describes the physical characteristics, behavior, defense mechanisms, and life cycle of the ray, a close relative of the shark.

Reviewed with Kris Hirschmann's Humpback Whales.

Gr. 4-7. In these titles in the Creatures of the Sea series, Hirschmann emphasizes each animal's awe-inspiring traits while giving plenty of basic information. Brief chapters in each book present the animals' basic anatomy and then describe how they move, feed, defend themselves, mate, and give birth. Whales includes additional sections on the animal's endangered status as well as a lively overview of their complex, mysterious songs. Rays mentions our relationship to these "pancake sharks," a fascination that stretches back to antiquity. Both titles include plenty of sharp, underwater photos, a glossary, and suggestions for further reading. Visuals showing the animals' relationship to other species would have added interest, but these are clear, direct introductions to the animals that will find wide use in classrooms and support reports. Gillian Engberg
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