Dolphin Man: Exploring the World of Dolphins

Recounts the life of dolphin expert Randy Wells, describes the life cycle of the dolphin, and discusses his efforts to release dolphins

Grade 4-6-A biography of Randy Wells, intertwined with descriptions of dolphin behavior. Wells's work has centered around direct observation and interaction with wild creatures in Sarasota Bay, Florida. Full-color photographs amplify explanations of the "buddy system" of males and the cooperative calf-protection activities of the females, as well as illustrate narrative descriptions, e.g., how each individual's dorsal fin is unique. Other photos show scientists, including Wells, at work. A satisfying blend of one individual's story and his study of the animals he loves.?Frances E. Millhouser, Chantilly Regional Library, VA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Gr. 5^-9. Not just another dolphin book, this focuses on one marine biologist, Randall Wells, and his work with the dolphin community of the Sarasota Bay area in Florida. Wells also took the excellent action color photographs that appear throughout the clearly designed photo-essay. As in a readable magazine article, Pringle integrates facts about dolphin behavior (how they live together, mate, raise their young, fight predators, etc.) with the story of how Wells tracks and observes individual dolphins in the ocean. The scientist talks informally about how he started working with dolphins as early as high school and about his exciting recent work with particular dolphins that "hang out" together. There's a brief bibliography of Wells' own writing in popular and scientific journals. As in Pringle's Jackal Woman (1993) and Scorpion Man (1994), the personal account will draw readers to the biology. Hazel Rochman