Along the Luangwa: A Story of an African Floodplain (Nature Conservancy Habitat) [Paperback]

Schyuler Bull (Author), Schuyler Bull (Author), Alan Male (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1999 | Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up | Series: Nature Conservancy Habitat

In the silver moonlight fifty Nile crocodile babies hatch in the Luangwa River Valley of Zambia, Africa. Their mother must protect them from hungry predators as she carries them to a nursery pool. Then, when a drought strikes the valley, the crocodile family must move on to the shores of the Luangwa River.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-4-This survival story of a mother crocodile and her newly hatched babies describes some of the dangers of life in Zambia's Luangwa River Valley, one of the few places where Nile crocodiles still thrive in the wild. As the baby crocs make their journey from shore to nursery pool, a variety of hungry predators (e.g. marabou storks, monitor lizards, and fish eagles) threaten their safety. When drought strikes the valley, the race for survival is on. Teams of crocodiles lurk beneath the water, waiting to seize thirsty animals as they approach the river's edge. Alan Male's illustrations provide an attractive background for the text, featuring underwater views of crocodiles as well as other animals above the water's surface. An accompanying glossary identifies Luangwa flora and fauna and folds out into a panoramic view of animals along the river. A map and brief description of the Luangwa River Valley wildlife sanctuary is included. Factual material regarding the longevity of crocodiles as a species may not be sufficient for reports but will spark interest for further reading. The accompanying tape is evenly paced and smoothly narrated by Randye Kaye. The story springs to life against a background of animal and jungle sound effects. A single musical tone indicates when readers should turn the page. School librarians and teachers looking to add material to their collections on ecology, environment, or wildlife will find this well-presented package an intriguing introduction for beginning readers. Pair it with Seymour Simon's Crocodiles & Alligators (HarperCollins, 1999) for an in-depth look at crocodile behavior or use with Fred Marcellino's I, Crocodile (HarperCollins, 1999) for a science unit with a lighter touch.
Celeste Steward, Contra Costa County Library, Danville, CA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From the Publisher

Soundprints, in association with The Nature Conservancy, invites readers to discover the world and its inhabitants. Soundprints' habitat stories are authenticated by experts at The Nature Conservancy for an accurate portrayal of these unique habitats and animals. Each book includes a lush, pictorial glossary that opens to a 4-page panoramic gatefold of the habitat. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book benefits The Nature Conservancy. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Paperback: 36 pages
• Publisher: Soundprints; 1 edition (September 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1568997779
• ISBN-13: 978-1568997773
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.7 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,268,883 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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