Secret of the Sleepless Whales . . . and More! (Animal Secrets Revealed!) (Animal Secrets Revealed!) [Library Binding]

Ana Maria Rodriguez (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4–6—Despite its tabloid style, this book actually does a thorough job of explaining the behaviors of some marine mammals and the scientific methods used to investigate them. Each chapter opens with initial questions that aroused the curiosity of scientists. The team that worked on the specific issue is identified, and the methodology they used to answer their scientific inquiry is described in detail. Much of the information is provided in a jaunty style; readers learn how dolphins are able to dive very deep; how harbor seals track prey underwater via their ultrasensitive whiskers; how dolphin mothers in Shark Bay, Australia, use marine sponges to protect their snouts as they probe the ocean floor for food; and how the Weddell seal of Antarctica uses a blast of bubbles to dislodge bork fish from underwater sea ice. The full-color photos are interesting but not always of great quality. Although a grammar check might have eliminated some of the questionable usages and errors, the content is solid with seamless explanations of terms, and it's fun to read.—Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA
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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Library Binding: 48 pages
• Publisher: Enslow Publishers, Inc. (June 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0766029573
• ISBN-13: 978-0766029576
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.8 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,222,115 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Ana María Rodríguez is a faculty member at the Institute of Children's Literature and a children's science writer. In addition to authoring 16 books for children and adults, she has contributed over 80 magazine articles to such publications as "YES Mag", "KNOW," and Scholastic's "Super Science." Her accolades include a "Highlights for Children" History of the Year Award, books in Science Books & Films' "Best Books Lists", and awards from the Society of School Librarians International. She lives in Houston, Texas with her husband and two sons, where they enjoy riding jet skies and watching movies. The new titles in 2011 are "Autism Spectrum Disorders," published by Lerner's Twenty First Century Library. This book is an update of the 2009 edition and has a completely new look inside with color photos and entries from USA Today. "The Iron Butterfly: Memoir of a Martial Arts Master. The True Story of a Mermaid's Daughter", published by Pelican Publishing Company is the story of the triumph of a little girl's hard work and determination to overcome the most crushing adversity and become a Martial Arts Master. For Ana Maria's website, type her name in your Internet browser (remember, Ana has one 'n') Cheers!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Fun and interesting!, April 19, 2009

By 

Online Book Buyer - See all my reviews

This review is from: Secret of the Sleepless Whales . . . and More! (Animal Secrets Revealed!) (Animal Secrets Revealed!) (Library Binding)

Dolphins can dive to as deep as 200 yards in a single breath. But according to experiments done by scientists, they do not have enough oxygen to make that dive. What is their secret?
Baby mammals need a lot of sleep to develop their brain and body. But baby orcas don't sleep for the first four weeks after birth! Why is that?
Harbor seals often hunt at night in pitch black water. And yet they are able to successfully capture their prey. How is that possible?
Some dolphins are seen wearing sponges on their snouts when hunting on the ocean floor. What could this mean?
In Antarctica, seals have amazing hunting strategies to catch their prey in the cold waters of the Antarctic. Therefore, scientists set out to discover these mysteries by attaching cameras to their bodies. The results provide a promising glimpse to how seals are able to outsmart their prey.
In this book, you would find out the answers to all of these secrets... and more!

This book is excellent for ocean enthusiasts who want to learn something unique about these marine mammals. However, it is very simple and does not go much into detail. Usually, a book of this type would be packed with exciting pictures and graphics. However, this book somewhat lacks in that category - there was 6-page span where not a single picture is included. Out of the five secrets this book shared, there was one that stood out from the rest. It was about how seals can locate objects in the water with their eyes blindfolded. This story captured my attention and was very informative and exciting. Overall, this book does not provide too much information about the animals themselves. However, this is a great book for those who just want to discover something unique about these marine mammals.

5.0 out of 5 stars Pages of details on scientists' research aquatic animals, June 15, 2008

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Secret of the Sleepless Whales . . . and More! (Animal Secrets Revealed!) (Animal Secrets Revealed!) (Library Binding)

Ana Maria Rodriguez's SECRET OF THE SLEEPLESS WHALES AND MORE provides 48 pages of details on scientists' research aquatic animals. From what happens when a killer whale gives birth to why a dolphin is able to dive for long periods of time, SECRET OF THE SLEEPLESS WHALES pairs charts and color photos with plenty of facts suitable for introductory science investigation.