From School Library Journal
K-Gr 2-A few days in the life of a seahorse in the Danajon Bank in the Philippines are the focus of this nature study. The seahorse, his mate, and the other creatures of the reef are portrayed in bright, realistic paintings that capture the colorful underwater world. The text identifies the animals and describes their behaviors. Mating and birth, protective coloration, and predators and prey are all addressed. Although there is no index, the book is potentially useful for research. The text is smooth enough to sread aloud or alone in one sitting. An endnote tells of the devastation of the seahorse population and the efforts being made for its preservation.
Ellen Heath, Orchard School, Ridgewood, NJ
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an alternate
Hardcover
edition.
Ages 6-8. In this volume in the Smithsonian Oceanic collection, a male seahorse receives fertilized eggs from his mate, steers clear of a variety of predators, and finally "gives birth." An afterword includes further information about seahorses and about details shown in the colorful double-spread paintings. Some children will respond to the personalization of the seahorse's story, but the approach serves young researchers less well. For example, there's no map to show seahorse distribution, and the development from egg to baby seahorse remains a mystery. The glossary is oddly selective, too:
dorsal fin is included, but not
pectoral fin. Problems aside, the subject holds great interest for kids, and Walker's book can provide them with enough information to lead them on a search to find out more.
Catherine AndronikCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
--This text refers to an alternate
Hardcover
edition.
