Whales (Benchmark Rockets)

"Describes the physical characteristics, habitat, behavior, diet, life cycle, and conservation status of whales"--Provided by publisher.

Reviewed with Gloria Schlaepfer's Elephants.

Gr. 5-9. Two new titles in the longstanding Animalways series offer excellent overviews of their subjects. Written in engaging language, the books begin with interesting chapters on the animals' roles in history, mythology, religion, and literature. Subsequent sections address the animals' physical characteristics, behavior, life cycles, habitats, and risks, including poachers and naturally occurring diseases--for example, anthrax in elephants. Whales covers the animals' migration patterns and unique method of communication. Both titles offer background scientific concepts, such as an explanation of why size gives whales an underwater advantage. Sharp color photos of the animals in the wild mix with archival images, helpful charts, and artists' renderings. Species checklists, animal kingdom charts, a glossary, a bibliography, and suggestions for further research round out these handsome titles with unusual depth. Gillian Engberg
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