Customer Reviews

Albino Animals

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When I was a child I scoured the Kalamazoo Public Library for any and all books on the topic of albinism. This was in the days before the Internet, and my searches through periodical lists yielded paltry results at best. I tell you here and now that I would have killed, KILLED I say, for this book. "Albino Animals" is probably the best non-fiction book on albinism currently available to youngsters. On top of that, the subject matter is just this side of fascinating. In it, we are privy to some of the rarest and most beautiful animals in the world. If you've a kid that absolutely has to read a non-fiction book on a topic of their choice, try persuading them along these lines.

Author Kelly Milner Halls begins with a brief explanation of the reasons behind albinism. She breaks down the complicated genetics between dominant and recessive genes and gives a thorough yet interesting explanation of what it means to lack pigment. Then we're off! The book is divided between the different kinds of animals in the world today. There are reptiles, sea mammals, land mammals (both large and small), fish, birds, and an enticing chapter simply called, "The Rarest of the Rare". Flip through some pages and you'll see sights to astonish and amaze. Who knew that albino butterflies, carrying shades of the palest softest pinks, could be so lovely? What about peacocks with feathers of a brilliant and entirely pure white? Here you can view remarkable white spiky hedgehogs and incredibly lovely and stylish white Bengal cats. Best of all are the stories Halls tells. Whether you're learning about the life of Snowflake the white gorilla or how Mulali the albino kangaroo made a friend, the tales told here are as variegated as the creatures they speak of. There's even a large section on various towns in America that have spent years cultivating themselves as homes to white squirrels.

In the back of the book Halls makes sure to offer information on NOAH, the National Organization for Albinism (for people) as well as an impressively in-depth glossary of terms and Bibliography. The Bibliography is so extensive that it catalogues the interviews performed by the author, the articles researched, books read, and websites cited. This is information I would have killed for as a kid. Best of all, your average child reader will find the text just as interesting as the drop-dead-gorgeous-photographs. You'll come away from this book with a sense that people everywhere find albino animals in the wild to be beautiful and worth keeping from harm.

I can't praise this book enough. For fabulous factual information and pages of tales that anyone would find exciting, "Albino Animals" is, like its namesakes, truly one-of-a-kind.

Kelly Milner Halls, Albino Animals (Darby Creek Publishing, 2004)

Kelly Milner Halls chimes in with a book of lovely photographs of albino animals coupled with text that shows Halls' fascination with these biological rarities. Albinism is always a subject of mystery and intrigue to the younger set (and, in no small meaure, to their parents), and Halls has given us a book that serves as a very good introduction to the topic, with just enough detail to spark the interest of kids, but not enough to bore them. If your kids have expressed this sort of fascination-- or if you still have it yourself-- this is definitely worth looking up. *** ½

Summary: I find this book to be a great find, as I teach genetics to middle school students. It briefly explains how albino animals come to be, but spends most of its time introducing the reader to a variety of animals that have this inherited trait. It organizes its chapters by type of animal including reptiles, fish, amphibians, birds, insects, and mammals (including humans). We learn that being born an albino makes survival very difficult for three main reasons - predation, poor eyesight, and the harmful rays of the sun. We also learn the difference between a true albino and a partial albino. The author includes real life stories about specific animals. You will meet Snowdrop the penquin, Lincoln the lobster, Mulali the kangaroo, Casper the bat, and many more! The information is presented in a simple and engaging style, which keeps the reader eager to learn more. I loved the section entitled Introduction, because it took time to explain the genetics behind albinism. I really enjoyed all of the animal photos, especially the ones of the peacock, hedgehog, and Mexican axolotl!

Kelly Milner Halls' Albino Animals is an informed and informative picture book about albinism - the hereditary trait that causes a complete lack of pigmentation in mammals which usually resulting in an entirely white color with bright red eyes. Captivating color photography of albino mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, and even a person, enhance this fascinating and straightforwardly scientific presentation which is especially recommended for young readers.

The wild facts and eye-popping visuals will encourage children to learn more about the underlying basic science ... surprisingly substantive picture book for older reader. May 2004.