What Does the Crow Know? The Mysteries of Animal Intelligence [Illustrated] [Hardcover]

Margery Facklam (Author), Pamela Johnson (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up

Investigates the depths of animal intelligence and introduces Darrell the chimp, who is learning fractions; Ruby, an elephant who creates abstract art with brushes and paints; and others. By the author of Do Not Disturb.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6-This exceptionally well-written and easy-to-read title is sure to convince readers, through many examples of extended research, that animals can think, learn, plan ahead, and teach others. Fascinating stories are presented about parrots, chimps, elephants, and dolphins. Evidence shows that some of them are quite aware of what they do, and that they can be creative. A good explanation of how background, culture, and environment can affect intelligence-test scores in humans is applied to animals. To the inevitable question, which species is the smartest?, Facklam answers: "Each animal is as smart as it needs to be, or it wouldn't survive." Fine black-and-white drawings add interest and appeal. This book is an excellent choice for leisure reading and a high-quality supplement for research; it will complement Helen Roney Sattler's Fish Facts and Bird Brains (Lodestar, 1984) or Dorothy Hinshaw Patent's How Smart Are Animals? (Harcourt, 1990).
Karen M. Kearns, Environmental Resource Center, Atlanta, GA
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 4-6. Is it true that an elephant never forgets? Do animals think? Can they plan ahead? Are they creative? Or is their behavior determined only by instinct? The questions are fascinating, and most of the answers are tentative in this entertaining introduction to animal intelligence. Facklam looks at particular examples of how scientists study animals in captivity and in the wild--the parrot that can distinguish colors and shapes; the elephant that can paint; the chimpanzee that can do fractions, etc. The full-page black-and-white drawings are an attractive addition to a lively text, and Facklam is scrupulous in distinguishing what is trickery, what is proven, and what remains unknown. Unfortunately, there's no documentation, no guide for readers to read further about any of these studies for themselves. Hazel Rochman

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Sierra Club Juveniles; 1st edition (January 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0871565447
• ISBN-13: 978-0871565440
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 8.9 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,672,566 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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