Amazing Whales! (I Can Read Book 2) [Paperback]

Sarah L. Thomson (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: K and up | Series: I Can Read Book 2

How big are whales? How do whales breathe? Do they live alone or in groups? Why are so many whales in danger? This exceptional book for beginning readers explores one of the most amazing animals in the sea.

Featuring breathtaking photographs from the Wildlife Conservation Society, Amazing Whales! is the latest title in a new I Can Read Book series about the fascinating animals that share our world and how we can help to keep them healthy and safe.

Ages 4+

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-3 - Thomson's superior text sustains readers' attention with interesting facts and apt comparisons, such as, "A killer whale is about as long as a fire truck" and "Baleen is made of the same stuff as your fingernails." The book evokes a sense of having a conversation with a knowledgeable, friendly expert. Words are defined within the text. For beginning readers, this is much easier than referring to a glossary because it keeps the terms in context and allows the text to flow with minimal interruption. Spectacular color photographs add detail and drama, with some intimate close-ups of the magnificent mammals. The book ends with a few pages about whale conservation and raises questions that suggest the need for further investigation, and may serve as a springboard for rich classroom discussion. This is an excellent choice, particularly where hi/lo titles are needed. The author has managed to strike a balance between simplicity and rich content. - Mary Hazelton, Warren Community School and Miller Elementary School, ME
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Gr. 1-3. In this I Can Read! book, Thomson takes a look at blue whales, killer whales, sperm whales, dolphins, and porpoises, describing common physical characteristics of the group as well as hunting and feeding habits, methods of communication, and endangered status. Large, full-color photographs from the Wildlife Conservation Society appear on nearly every page, depicting the cetaceans engaged in a variety of activities. Although the photos are crisp and well chosen, a few contain details (barnacles and debris attached to the skin) that are not addressed in the text. The writing is clear and packed with information, and, without resorting to anthropomorphism or fictionalization, Thompson presents raw data in a way that will be meaningful to kids ("A blue whale is as long as a basketball court"). This will be a great addition to the easy reading section, where nonfiction titles are sometimes scarce; animal lovers will grab it right up. Kay Weisman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (February 21, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060544678
• ISBN-13: 978-0060544676
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.9 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #122,660 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #17 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Animals > Mammals > Nonfiction
  • #39 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Animals > Marine Life > Nonfiction
  • #51 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Animals > Marine Life > Fiction

More About the Author

Sarah L. Thomson is the author of Stars and Stripes: The Story of the American Flag, a Nebraska Golden Sower Award finalist; all the Wildlife Conservation Society I Can Read Books, including Amazing Tigers!, winner of an Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award; and What Lincoln Said, written with "admirable simplicity" (ALA Booklist). Sarah lives in Portland, Maine.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Book for a Beginning Readers, January 12, 2005

By 

Joseph P. Corbett "Library Man" (St. Louis, MO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Amazing Whales! (I Can Read Book 2) (Hardcover)

I am a school librarian and I really loved this book. It helps to fill a nitch that is underserved - books for beginning readers that are interesting and well done. This book if chock full of facts about whales and they are presented in a very kid friendly way. An example, "Its tounge weighs as much as an elephant" is much better than the tounge weighs "X" pounds. The pictures are great as well. All in all, this book is a winner. We need more such books to fill that gap in children's literature. Kudos to the author.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Yeah!, January 13, 2009

By 

S. Gottlieb (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Amazing Whales! (I Can Read Book 2) (Paperback)

To quote my 5.5 yo - I love whales and I to love learn about whales, because it is science.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great series!, April 3, 2011

By 

Suze "middle school librarian" (TN) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Amazing Whales! (I Can Read Book 2) (Paperback)

I ordered several books in this series for our 6-year-old grandson and he loves them! He is fascinated by interesting facts about animals.