Whale Rescue: Changing the Future for Endangered Wildlife (Firefly Animal Rescue) [Library Binding]

Erich Hoyt (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up | Series: Firefly Animal Rescue

Whale Rescue is the latest addition to the acclaimed Firefly Animal Rescue series. Written by an accomplished expert and illustrated with color photographs, this book is a solid reference on both whales and the ongoing efforts to protect them.

This book covers whale physiology, diet, lifespan, complex behaviors and habitats. Specific whale species covered in detail are:

• Gray whales
• Humpback whales
• Blue whales
• Sperm whales
• Right whales
• Orca whales.

Whale conservationists and their efforts to protect whale populations are profiled. Also addressed are the pros and cons of extreme measures used against illegal whalers, such as ramming whaling boats and destroying fishnets. A full list of organizations dedicated to protecting whales is provided for readers who want to help.

About the Firefly Animal Rescue series:

The Firefly Animal Rescue identifies endangered and threatened species and what is being done to protect them. Combining lively, accessible text and stunning color photographs, each book provides a detailed overview of the species, describing its characteristics, behavior, habits, physiology and more.

"These attractive books are a call to action... fascinating readable accounts."
- School Library Journal

"Succinct introductions to the science and practice of wildlife conservation... written in accessible, lively language."
- Booklist

(20060120)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8–Hoyt examines the impact of commercial whaling on global whale populations and the efforts being made by scientists, environmentalists, and some governments to protect these endangered mammals. Crisp, color photos portray these leviathans in their natural habitat and also show scientists hard at work on cetacean projects, whaling ships and their harvest on the high seas, and seagoing environmentalists in action. The brisk, somewhat fragmented text presents whale data from songs to reproduction, from migratory patterns to feeding behaviors. It briefly focuses on the efforts of a variety of identified persons or organizations endeavoring to bring whales back from the brink, among them Richard Sears's pioneer work with blue whales, the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society's controversial actions, and Charles Mayo's valiant efforts to free whales entangled in fishing lines and nets off the coast of Cape Cod. Despite its quick glimpses of action, this is a serviceable overview of 40 years of conservation efforts.–Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Gr. 4-6. "Will whales be a healthy part of the world in 100 years?" In this solid entry in the Animal Rescue series, Hoyt explains that the answer depends on how governments and conservation groups continue efforts to protect the "giants of the sea." The organization is a bit scattered. Profiles of whale researchers intermix with spreads about whale habits and their complex relationship with humans (also depicted in a time line), including accounts of hunting and poaching and efforts to preserve and establish sanctuaries. But despite the somewhat disorganized order of chapters, the language is succinct and straightforward, and the color photos will thrill whale lovers. A final page of fast facts will please students, who will find plenty of fodder for reports or personal interest. Gillian Engberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Library Binding: 64 pages
• Publisher: Firefly Books (March 5, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1552976017
• ISBN-13: 978-1552976012
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 9.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,419,348 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Appealing for kids but good intro for adults, too, December 12, 2008

By 

Erich Hoyt (North Berwick, Scotland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Whale Rescue: Changing the Future for Endangered Wildlife (Firefly Animal Rescue) (Paperback)

This is my own (authored) book but I bought it through Amazon for a friend and so Amazon asked me to review it! I can only say that people assume that whales have been "saved" because whaling is much less than it was. Still there are thousands of whales being killed every year for various reasons (and if you include dolphins, hundreds of thousands every year). if you want to find out about what whale scientists, groups and a few governments are doing to help whales -- and at the same time to try to learn as much as we can about these fascinating social mammals -- this book will give you some insights both in terms of the state of the art photos and the stories in the text. The book is packaged for kids aged 9 to 13 but it also works well as an introduction for adults. Enjoy!
-- Erich Hoyt