Animals That Walk on Water (First Books--Animals) [Library Binding]

Patricia A. Fink Martin (Author), Frank C. Mania (Author), Cathy Mania (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up | Series: First Books--Animals

Describes how such creatures as the basilisk, Western grebe, and water strider manage to travel across the water's surface.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8. Six kinds of aquatic animals and their unique physical adaptations are examined in this lucid introduction. The book begins by briefly explaining the physical properties of water?e.g., the existence of "drag force" and "surface film." Each succeeding chapter focuses on a particular kind of creature, describing its physical and behavioral characteristics and detailing how special anatomical features allow it to move over the water's surface. Two of the most intriguing animals discussed are the basilisk lizard, which can sprint across water upright on its hind legs, and the rove beetle, which emits an oily substance that allows it to skim across a pond without using its legs. In addition, the text describes how to conduct simple experiments that demonstrate the properties of water as well as the water-repelling function of certain hairs and fibers. Clear, full-color photos and a few drawings are also included. While most of these animals are mentioned in general introductions such as Steve Parker's Pond and River (1988), Colin McCarthy's Reptile (1991), and Alexandra Parsons's Amazing Spiders (1990, all Knopf), these books do not provide as much detailed information on physical characteristics as the Martin title. This concisely written, well-organized book provides a fascinating glimpse at some truly remarkable creatures.?Karey Wehner, San Francisco Public Library
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Library Binding: 64 pages
• Publisher: Franklin Watts (September 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0531202976
• ISBN-13: 978-0531202975
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 7.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,090,787 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2.0 out of 5 stars a resource book on aquatic life, August 6, 2001

By 

theresa springer (Colordo) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Animals That Walk on Water (First Books--Animals) (Library Binding)

The idea is great, the book; too long, and too technical to hold an elementary age child's attention to the end. If you need a resource book on aquatic life for a report this is the book to use. Animals covered are: the Basilisk lizard, Western Grebe, Fisher spider, Water Strider, Water measurer and the Rove Beetle.