Wild Lion of the Sea

A former diver at California's Marine World/Africa USA relates the story of a sea lion who arrived at the park as a pup and grew to become a two-thousand-pound giant

Grade 4-7-- Reed first describes an encounter with a 400-pound California lion bull as an example of potentially dangerous situations for humans working with large marine mammals. He then goes on to a composite, fictionalized account of a Steller sea lion's birth and growth, based on observations made by scientists at various rookeries. The author makes a heartfelt plea for the preservation of such magnificent animals in the wild, and presents a trustworthy first-person account of the methods used by responsible trainers to encourage captive marine mammals to perform for the public. His awe that two such different species with no common language can ultimately communicate is genuine and pertinent. Accompanied by realistic black-and-white drawings, the text is not only informative, but also empathy-building, and contains enough action to keep readers turning the pages. --Patricia Manning, Eastchester Public Library, NY
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

The author of The Dolphins and Me (1989) and other true-life sea adventures does it again. ``Before Nero bit me, I had no particular opinions on the subject of sea lions,'' he begins, quickly engaging readers with the details of his work as a diver at Marine World Africa USA and the care and training of George, a giant sea lion. Reed's lively, often humorous narrative makes a fine introduction to an unusual career; his concern and admiration for the remarkable, often endangered animals in his care are always evident. Excellent for science, nature, and adventure fans. Illustrations not seen. (Nonfiction. 10+) -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.